Becoming a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate: A Comprehensive Guide

Author

Reads 896

Man in White Dress Shirt Analyzing Data Displayed on Screen
Credit: pexels.com, Man in White Dress Shirt Analyzing Data Displayed on Screen

Becoming a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate requires a deep understanding of data engineering concepts, Azure services, and hands-on experience with Azure tools.

To get started, you'll need to meet the prerequisites, which include having at least one year of experience in data engineering or a related field, and holding a CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification.

The certification exam itself consists of 40 multiple-choice and case study questions, with a time limit of 150 minutes.

The exam is designed to test your skills in areas such as data ingestion, data storage, data processing, and data visualization, all within the Azure ecosystem.

What is an Engineer?

An Azure Data Engineer is a professional responsible for integrating, transforming, and consolidating data from various sources into a structured format for analytics solutions. They help stakeholders understand information through exploration and construct data processing pipelines using specific tools and strategies.

Azure Data Engineers use various Azure data offerings and languages to store and produce cleansed and better datasets for evaluation. They are responsible for designing and developing data processing and storage solutions for the enterprise.

Credit: youtube.com, Should you do the "Azure Data Engineer Associate" certificate?!

Their tasks include deploying and setting up cloud-based data services such as databases, blob services, and analytics. They also secure the stored data and the platform, ensuring only necessary users can access the data.

Some of the key tasks of an Azure Data Engineer include:

  • Design and develop data processing and data storage solutions for the enterprise.
  • Deploy and set up cloud-based data services such as databases, blob services, and analytics.
  • Secure the stored data and the platform.
  • Monitor to establish that the systems run properly and are cost-effective.

The demand for Azure Data Engineers is anticipated to rise as more enterprises use cloud-based data solutions. The size of the worldwide data engineering market is predicted to reach $6.8 billion by 2026, with 80% of businesses considering their data-driven activities crucial or vital to their overall company strategy.

Skills Needed to Become an Engineer

To become a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate, you'll need to possess a range of skills. You should have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. Familiarity with SQL is also essential, as it's fundamental for working with databases.

Programming languages like Python, Java, or Scala are commonly used for data manipulation and transformation, so proficiency in one of these languages is important. You should also be aware of big data tools like Hadoop and be familiar with distributed systems and data pipelines.

Credit: youtube.com, Azure Data Engineering Certification Step by Step Guide

Data security is a critical aspect of data engineering, and you should have knowledge of access controls and encryption measures to protect data. Staying informed about Azure updates is also vital, as it ensures your Azure data solutions remain current and effective.

Here are some key skills required to become an Azure Data Engineer:

  • Data structures and algorithms
  • SQL
  • Programming languages like Python, Java, or Scala
  • Big data tools like Hadoop
  • Distributed systems and data pipelines
  • Data security
  • Azure updates

Note that certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) can be beneficial in demonstrating your expertise in data engineering on the Azure platform.

Career Path and Certification

To become a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate, you'll need to follow a structured path. This involves education, skill development, practical experience, and certification. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) certification is a notable choice, which demonstrates your expertise in applying Azure services to create and deploy data storage, data processing, and data security solutions.

The certification is valid for one year and six months, after which you'll need to renew it by completing a free online assessment. Microsoft Learn offers a certification renewal service without any cost. Having this certification can increase your chances of getting chosen for a job and lead to a rampant gain in job prospects and earnings.

Credit: youtube.com, Reviewing Azure's Data Engineer Certificate DP-203 - Is It Worth Your Time And What Will You Learn?

Here are some key certifications to consider for a career in Azure Data Engineering:

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-303 and AZ-304)

Engineering Career Path

To become an Azure data engineer, you'll need to develop a strong foundation in data engineering skills. This includes understanding the changing data landscape and how it's impacted data specialists.

As you start your career, it's essential to understand the distinctions between on-premises and cloud data solutions. You should also be aware of the business applications of cloud technologies.

To get started, you'll need to gain practical experience in data engineering. This can be achieved by working on projects or internships that involve designing and implementing data systems on the Azure platform.

Here's a structured path to becoming an Azure data engineer:

  • Education: Gain a degree in computer science, data science, or a related field.
  • Skill development: Focus on developing skills in data engineering, data science, and cloud computing.
  • Practical experience: Gain hands-on experience by working on projects or internships that involve designing and implementing data systems on the Azure platform.
  • Certification: Obtain certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate to demonstrate your expertise.

By following this path, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled Azure data engineer.

Path to Becoming an Engineer

To become an Azure data engineer, you'll need to follow a structured path that includes education, skill development, practical experience, and certification. This path will help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field.

Credit: youtube.com, A Guide of how to get started in IT in 2024 - Top IT Career Paths

First, you'll need to acquire a solid foundation in data structures and algorithms, as well as a strong understanding of SQL. Familiarize yourself with programming languages like Python, Java, or Scala, which are commonly used for data manipulation and transformation.

To specialize in Azure data engineering, focus on developing skills in big data technologies such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, and related Azure services like Azure HDInsight. Learn how to process and analyze large datasets efficiently, and master data integration techniques, ETL processes, and data pipeline orchestration using tools like Azure Data Factory.

In terms of certifications, consider pursuing the Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) certification, which is a notable choice for validating your Azure data engineering skills. This certification will demonstrate your expertise in applying Azure services to create and deploy data storage, data processing, and data security solutions.

Here are some key certifications to consider:

By following this path and acquiring the necessary skills and certifications, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful Azure data engineer.

Exam Details and Prerequisites

Credit: youtube.com, Reviewing Azure's Data Engineer Certificate DP-203 - Is It Worth Your Time And What Will You Learn?

The DP-203 exam is a must-pass for anyone looking to become a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate. This exam assesses your technical proficiency in designing and implementing data storage, developing data processing, securing, monitoring, and optimizing data storage and processing.

To take the DP-203 exam, you need to have a good knowledge of data processing languages such as SQL, Python, and Scala. These languages are essential for building data processing solutions using various Azure services.

The exam cost is $165 USD, and it's a proctored exam with 40 to 60 multiple choice questions to be answered in 150 minutes.

The certification cost is $165 USD, which is a relatively affordable price for a certification that can boost your career as an Azure data engineer.

Learning and Preparation

To prepare for the Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate certification, you'll want to create a learning path that suits your style. Learning Tips suggest getting hands-on experience with each skill being measured, either through your current work role or by creating a small example project using Azure.

Credit: youtube.com, BECOME A MICROSOFT CERTIFIED DATA ENGINEER IN 2024 | HOW TO PASS DP-203

If you can't get hands-on experience, creating a small example project using Azure can help. For example, you can use Microsoft databases like AdventureWorks or WideWorldImporters to work through all the measured skills.

Here are some online learning platforms that cover the exam content:

  • Pluralsight: Exam content currently includes the DP-200 and DP-201 exams but will also be relevant for DP-203.
  • Whizlabs: Courses and practice exams covering the DP-200 and DP-201 exams but again this will be relevant for DP-203.
  • Udemy: There are a variety of individual courses available on the Udemy platform.

To get a good grasp of the exam, you'll need to have a good knowledge of data processing languages such as SQL, Python, and Scala.

DP-203 Learning Path

To create a solid learning path for the DP-203 certification, start by understanding the skills measured in the exam. The important domains covered in the Microsoft Azure DP 203 Exam are implementing a partitioning strategy and designing and implementing the data exploration layer.

To become an Azure Data Engineer, follow a structured path that includes education, skill development, practical experience, and certification. This path is crucial for success in the DP-203 exam.

The exam requires a good knowledge of data processing languages such as SQL, Python, and Scala. Familiarize yourself with these languages to excel in the exam.

Credit: youtube.com, How to pass Azure Data Engineer Certification in just 7 Days | DP-203 Step-by-step Guide

To practice and retain knowledge, consider creating a small example project using Azure and applying each skill measured in the exam. For instance, use Microsoft databases like AdventureWorks and WideWorldImporters to work through all the measured skills.

Here's a list of 27 Step-by-Step Activity Guides (Hands-On Labs) for DP 203, which you can use to practice and gain practical knowledge:

  1. Working with Apache Spark in Azure Synapse Analytics
  2. Work with a Delta Lake architecture
  3. Querying a Data Lake Store using serverless SQL pools in Azure Synapse Analytics
  4. Securing access to data by using a serverless SQL pool in Azure Synapse Analytics
  5. DataFrame transformation activities
  6. Perform Data Exploration in Synapse Studio
  7. Ingest data with Spark notebooks in Azure Synapse Analytics
  8. Transform data with DataFrames in Spark pools in Azure Synapse Analytics
  9. Use data loading best practices in Azure Synapse Analytics
  10. Petabyte-scale ingestion with Azure Data Factory
  11. Data integration with Azure Data Factory or Azure Synapse Pipelines
  12. Code-free transformation at scale with Azure Data Factory or Azure Synapse Pipelines
  13. Integrate data from Notebooks with Azure Data Factory or Azure Synapse Pipelines
  14. Securing Azure Synapse Analytics supporting infrastructure
  15. Securing the Azure Synapse Analytics workspace and managed services
  16. Securing Azure Synapse Analytics workspace data
  17. Configure Azure Synapse Link with Azure Cosmos DB
  18. Query Azure Cosmos DB with Apache Spark for Synapse Analytics
  19. Query Azure Cosmos DB with serverless SQL pool for Azure Synapse Analytics
  20. Use Stream Analytics to process real-time data from Event Hubs
  21. Use Stream Analytics windowing functions to build aggregates and output to Synapse Analytics
  22. Scale the Azure Stream Analytics job to increase throughput through partitioning
  23. Repartition of the stream input to optimize the parallelization
  24. Understand the key features and uses of Structured Streaming
  25. Stream data from a file and write it out to a distributed file system and connect to Event Hubs to read and write streams
  26. Use sliding windows to aggregate over chunks of data rather than all data
  27. Apply watermarking to remove stale data

Online Learning Platforms

If you're looking to prepare for the DP-200, DP-201, or DP-203 exams, there are several online learning platforms that can help. Pluralsight is one such platform that currently covers the exam content for these exams.

You can also check out Whizlabs, which offers courses and practice exams that are relevant for the DP-200 and DP-201 exams, and will likely be useful for the DP-203 exam as well.

Udemy has a variety of individual courses available on its platform, making it a great resource for learning specific topics related to the exams.

Here are some online learning platforms that can help you prepare for the exams:

  • Pluralsight: Covers DP-200 and DP-201 exams, with relevance to DP-203.
  • Whizlabs: Offers courses and practice exams for DP-200 and DP-201 exams, with relevance to DP-203.
  • Udemy: Variety of individual courses available on the platform.

Modeling

Credit: youtube.com, Data Preparation and Modeling 08Nov2016

Modeling is a crucial aspect of becoming an Azure Data Engineer. Understanding data modeling concepts is a requirement for the role.

Data modeling involves creating a logical and physical data model for a system, which is essential for performance and scalability. You should be able to create a data model that is optimized for these aspects.

Entity-relationship diagrams are a key concept in data modeling, helping you visualize the relationships between different data entities. Data normalization and data integrity are also important aspects to consider.

A well-designed data model can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your system. It's not just about creating a model, but also about understanding how it will perform and scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary of Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate?

The estimated annual salary for a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate is around $117,937, with a total pay of $150,807. This competitive salary reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in cloud data engineering.

Katrina Sanford

Writer

Katrina Sanford is a seasoned writer with a knack for crafting compelling content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans the realm of important issues, where she delves into thought-provoking subjects that resonate with readers. Her ability to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives has earned her a reputation as a versatile and reliable writer.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.