EnglishDeutschFrançaisEspañolPortuguês

Databricks · DB-DAA · Associate

Databricks Data Analyst Associate — Practice Questions and Mock Exam

The Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate exam validates the ability to work with data using Databricks SQL and related tools.

Practice for freeTry a practice question first
Try a practice question firstPractice for free
Start practicing DB-DAA freeBuy DB-DAA access for $29.99
45Questions per Pass-IT mock exam
90minPass-IT mock exam time limit

Checked against Databricks · September 2026 · Current exam version

Try Pass-IT

See what learning with Pass-IT is like.

Answer a DB-DAA sample question and read the explanation with its source. Right here, with no sign-up.

Executing queries using Databricks SQL and Databricks SQL Warehouses1 / 5

How does an analyst use CTAS (CREATE TABLE AS SELECT) to materialize query results?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) executes the SELECT query and writes results into a new managed Delta table in one atomic statement. The schema is inferred from the SELECT—you cannot specify columns explicitly in a CTAS. Common patterns: materializing expensive aggregations for dashboards, creating date-partitioned snapshots, or building cleaned/transformed tables. Distractor analysis: The option “CTAS executes the SELECT as a streaming job…” is wrong—CTAS is batch, not streaming, and needs no COMMIT. The option “CTAS registers the SELECT query as a view…” is wrong—CTAS creates a physical table, not a materialized view. The option “CTAS creates a schema-only table structure using the SELECT…” is wrong—CTAS both creates the schema and populates data in one step. Ref: docs.databricks.com/en/delta/tutorial.html; docs.databricks.com/en/sql/language-manual/sql-ref-syntax-ddl-create-table-using.html

Sourcedocs.databricks.com

Managing Data2 / 5

How does partition pruning improve query performance on large Delta tables?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Partition pruning skips entire partition directories in cloud storage when the WHERE clause filters on the partition column. For example, a table partitioned by date with WHERE date = '2024-01-01' reads only that partition's files. Best partition columns have low cardinality with clear query patterns (date, region). Delta Lake handles partition metadata automatically—no MSCK REPAIR needed. For non-partition columns, Delta uses data skipping (min/max file stats) and dynamic file pruning. Distractor analysis: The option “Partition pruning indexes the column statistics within each…” describes data skipping/predicate pushdown, not partition pruning. The option “Partition pruning redistributes query processing so…” describes data locality, not partition pruning. The option “Partition pruning rewrites the query execution plan…” describes query plan optimization, not partition elimination. Ref: docs.databricks.com/en/tables/partitions.html; docs.databricks.com/en/delta/best-practices.html

Sourcedatabricks.com

Developing, Sharing, and Maintaining AI/BI Genie spaces3 / 5

How does a data analyst set up a Genie Space for a sales analytics use case?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Genie Space setup follows a structured workflow: (1) Select 3-30 well-curated Unity Catalog tables/views. (2) Write clear instructions defining business metrics and rules (e.g., 'Revenue excludes cancelled orders'). (3) Add table and column descriptions for semantic context. (4) Test with sample questions and mark verified SQL as trusted assets. The knowledge store—instructions, descriptions, and example queries—helps Genie generate accurate SQL. Distractor analysis: The option “Import existing BI dashboard definitions…” is wrong—BI dashboard imports are not how Genie spaces are configured. The option “Create a curated Gold-layer Delta table…” is wrong—while Gold-layer tables help, the key step is instructions and descriptions. The option “Connect the sales database using a Unity Catalog service…” is wrong—no YAML configuration is needed. Ref: docs.databricks.com/en/genie/set-up.html; docs.databricks.com/en/genie/best-practices.html

Sourcedocs.databricks.com

Analyzing Queries4 / 5

What is the difference between RANK, DENSE_RANK, and ROW_NUMBER window functions?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Choosing the right function: RANK: competition-style (like sports rankings). 'Two people tied for 2nd, nobody is 3rd.' Use for: leaderboards, competition results. DENSE_RANK: sequential ranking with shared positions. 'Two people tied for 2nd, next person is 3rd.' Use for: top-N filtering where gaps cause problems (WHERE rnk <= 3 with RANK might return 2 rows if there are ties at rank 2, but DENSE_RANK guarantees at least 3 ranks). ROW_NUMBER: guaranteed unique numbers. Use for: deduplication (keep first per group), pagination (OFFSET/FETCH alternative), unique row IDs.

Sourcespark.apache.org

How to prepare for DB-DAA with Pass-IT.

Currently 310 practice questions for DB-DAA, with new ones added regularly. Focus on what you still need to learn.

Get past difficult questions.

Understand why an answer is correct. Alex explains the concepts and answers your follow-up questions so you can apply what you learn to the next task.

Meet Alex →

Conversation preview · DB-DAA

Genie space context

  1. You

    How do I help Genie understand our sales metrics?

  2. Alex · AI tutor

    Choose the relevant tables, define metrics with SQL expressions or examples, and add relevant business instructions.

    Read the Databricks documentation ↗
  3. You

    Is selecting tables enough?

  4. Alex · AI tutor

    No. Add useful table and column descriptions, then test with sample questions.

    Read the Databricks documentation ↗

Make your study time count.

Practice at your level.
For new practice sessions, Pass-IT adjusts the difficulty based on your previous answers.

Learn from mistakes.
Incorrect answers automatically become flashcards. When you review them, you rate how confidently you remember; Pass-IT schedules the next review.

See how focused practice works →

Animated feature preview

Turn your mistakes into knowledge you can rely on.

How Pass-IT works

Your review

Answered a question incorrectly?

Pass-IT saves it for your review.

DB-DAA · Question excerpt

Genie space context

View the full question

How does a data analyst set up a Genie Space for a sales analytics use case?

Understand the correct answer.

Select the relevant tables, write clear instructions defining business metrics and rules, add table and column descriptions, then test with sample questions

Curated tables, descriptions, instructions and testing give the Genie space relevant business context.

Read the Databricks documentation ↗

How confidently do you remember?

During review, you assess how well you still know the answer.

Correct after hesitating

Pass-IT schedules your next review.

The date depends on your self-assessment and previous reviews.

Simplified demonstration. No learning progress is saved.

Practice for the moment that counts.

Take a full mock exam with a time limit and find out whether you can finish in time.

Your DB-DAA mock exam

Questions
45
Minutes
90

Illustration of an exam session

  1. Start
  2. Answer questions
  3. Finish

Length and time limit of the Pass-IT mock exam.

Go into your exam with more confidence.

Your Readiness Score helps you assess whether you are ready for the exam. Results by exam domain show you where you should keep practicing.

Your money back if you fail despite 80% Readiness.
If your Readiness Score is at least 80% when you take the exam and you still fail, we refund the Pass-IT purchase price for this certification.

For active, paid access. Submit proof of failing within 14 days.

Further guarantee conditions

You need at least 80% Readiness and active, paid access to the certification when you take the exam. Take the exam within your access period and submit official proof of failing within 14 days after the exam.

For purchases through Apple or Google, refunds are handled by the respective store. See the full terms for further details.

Read the guarantee terms →

The Readiness Score describes your practice progress, not a probability of passing.

Guarantee requirement

80%

At least 80% Readiness
when you take the exam

Money back if you fail

Question counts and mock exam settings from the current Pass-IT catalog.

Exam domains

What you practice for DB-DAA.

Exam topics, relevant practice and sources you can check.

Navigate the Databricks platformSee the guide for weighting43 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Understand where data, compute and analytics fit together.

  • Explain the roles of Mosaic AI, Delta Live Tables, Lakeflow Jobs, the Data Intelligence Engine, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog and Databricks SQL.
  • Use Catalog Explorer to understand catalogs, schemas, tables, views, access controls, certification and lineage.
  • Explain how Databricks Marketplace helps users find and access data products.
Official Databricks objectives
Manage reliable datasetsSee the guide for weighting34 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Find data you can use and improve its quality.

  • Discover, query and manage certified datasets with Unity Catalog.
  • Tag data assets and inspect their lineage in Catalog Explorer.
  • Clean Unity Catalog tables with SQL, removing invalid records and handling missing values.
Official Databricks objectives
Bring data into DatabricksSee the guide for weighting16 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Choose an import method for the source you have.

  • Compare S3 ingestion, Delta Sharing, APIs, Auto Loader and Marketplace as ways to bring data into the platform.
  • Upload a data file through the Databricks workspace interface.
Official Databricks objectives
Write and run SQL queriesSee the guide for weighting79 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Build queries that combine, summarize and retrieve the data you need.

  • Explain the role of SQL warehouses and use Databricks Assistant in notebooks or the SQL editor to write and debug queries.
  • Combine Delta and federated sources with appropriate joins and keys or UNION operations, then sort, filter and calculate aggregates.
  • Choose streaming tables, dynamic views or materialized views, and create a materialized view for a suitable use case.
  • Create managed or external tables that combine CSV, Parquet and Delta sources under Unity Catalog.
  • Query earlier data versions with Delta Lake time travel.
Official Databricks objectives
Analyze and improve queriesSee the guide for weighting51 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Check both query speed and the correctness of its results.

  • Explain Photon’s supported workloads and use Query Insights or profiler logs to identify slow queries.
  • Audit Delta Lake history and compare earlier results or trends to validate findings and correct faulty queries.
  • Use query history and caching to shorten development and reduce latency.
  • Apply Liquid Clustering when filtering large tables on selected columns.
Official Databricks objectives
Build and share dashboardsSee the guide for weighting35 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Present clear results and keep them available to the right audience.

  • Build AI/BI Dashboards with pages, datasets and widgets, create notebook or SQL-editor visuals, and choose chart types that communicate the findings.
  • Define, configure and test parameters in SQL queries and dashboards.
  • Set sharing permissions for users, groups or external links, and embed dashboards in other applications.
  • Schedule refreshes and configure alerts with the required threshold and destination.
Official Databricks objectives
Develop useful Genie spacesSee the guide for weighting17 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Configure conversational analytics and improve it with feedback.

  • Explain Genie’s purpose and components, then select warehouses and Unity Catalog data, write sample questions and instructions, and vet queries as Trusted Assets.
  • Assign permissions and share Genie spaces through embedded links or application integrations.
  • Review questions, accuracy and feedback, update instructions and trusted assets, benchmark responses and refresh catalog metadata.
Official Databricks objectives
Model data for analyticsSee the guide for weighting16 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Choose a structure that supports analytical workloads.

  • Apply star, snowflake or Data Vault schemas to the analytical problem.
  • Explain how those models fit within the Medallion Architecture.
Official Databricks objectives
Secure data and workspace objectsSee the guide for weighting19 QuestionsPass-IT questions

Apply access and ownership rules to protect data.

  • Use Unity Catalog roles and sharing settings to control access to workspace objects.
  • Navigate the catalog, schema and table-or-volume levels of the Unity Catalog namespace.
  • Apply secure storage and management practices, including table ownership and protection of personally identifiable information.
Official Databricks objectives
Question formats you can practice
Multiple Choice
Select one answer.

These are Pass-IT practice formats. Check the Databricks certification page for the official exam information.

Frequently asked questions

Your preparation

How much study time should I plan for DB-DAA?

For planning, Pass-IT estimates roughly 35–90 hours. Relevant experience may put you toward the lower end; starting from scratch may put you toward the higher end. Your needs may fall outside this range. This is not a time requirement from Databricks or a promise that you will be exam-ready within that time.

What do you need before taking the Data Analyst Associate exam?

No certification is required. Databricks recommends six or more months of hands-on Databricks SQL work, and the catalog budget is around 60 hours. Most of that time goes on the workspace itself rather than on SQL, which the exam assumes you already write.

Using Pass-IT

What language are Pass-IT questions in?

Questions in the app are currently in English. Translations of the sample questions on this page apply only to this preview. Check with Databricks for the languages available for the official exam.

How long does my DB-DAA access last?

Access covers this certification for 12 months. You pay once, with no automatic renewal.

When does the money-back guarantee apply?

The guarantee refunds the Pass-IT purchase price for this certification. You need eligible paid access and a Readiness Score of at least 80% from your practice results when you take the exam. This score can only reach 80% after at least 50 answered questions and is not a validated probability of passing. Take the exam during your access period and submit official proof of failing within 14 days. Guarantee terms

About the DB-DAA exam

Where can I take the DB-DAA exam?

Online proctored or test center.

How long is the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate exam?

The Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate exam has 45 questions and a 90-minute time limit.

How long does the Databricks Data Analyst Associate stay valid?

Two years from the date you pass. Databricks has no continuing-education route, so recertifying means sitting the current version of the exam again. The two-year clock is shorter than the three years AWS and CompTIA use, which catches people out.

Data Analyst Associate or Data Engineer Associate?

The analyst exam is about querying, dashboards and Genie spaces inside the SQL workspace. The engineer exam is about ingestion, transformation and Lakeflow jobs that produce the tables you would then query. If you consume tables, take the analyst exam; if you build them, take the engineer one.

How soon can you retake the Data Analyst Associate exam?

You must wait 14 days before retaking the Data Analyst Associate exam and between every further attempt. Databricks sets no limit on the number of retakes.

Your preparation for DB-DAA

$29.99one-time

12 months of access for DB-DAA · No automatic renewal

Buy DB-DAA access

Questions in the app are currently in English.

Try 20 questions for freeFree account required. No credit card.

Already have an account? Log in

Prefer a subscription? View subscriptions →

Money back if you fail with at least 80% Readiness, for eligible purchases under the guarantee terms.

Guarantee terms

The guarantee refunds the Pass-IT purchase price for this certification. You need eligible paid access and a Readiness Score of at least 80% from your practice results when you take the exam. This score can only reach 80% after at least 50 answered questions and is not a validated probability of passing. Take the exam during your access period and submit official proof of failing within 14 days.

Full guarantee terms →

Related certifications

Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache SparkDatabricks Certified Data Engineer AssociateDatabricks Certified Data Engineer ProfessionalDatabricks Certified Generative AI Engineer AssociateAll Databricks certifications →