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DATA-ENG-PRO Exam Topics and Domains
DATA-ENG-PRO is organized into 10 weighted domains. Expect to work with Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, Apache Spark, Databricks CLI, and more.
Developing Code for Data Processing using Python and SQL
Using Python and Tools for development
- Design and implement scalable Python project structures for Databricks Asset Bundles
- Manage and troubleshoot external library installations and dependencies
- Develop efficient User-Defined Functions using Pandas/Python UDFs
Building and Testing ETL pipelines
- Build reliable data pipelines for batch and streaming using DLT and Autoloader
- Compare and choose between Spark Structured Streaming and DLT
- Develop comprehensive testing strategies for ETL pipelines
Data Ingestion & Acquisition
Multi-format Data Ingestion
- Design efficient data ingestion pipelines for diverse formats
- Integrate with various source systems including message buses and cloud storage
Append-only Pipelines
Create append-only data pipelines for both batch and streaming scenarios using Delta
Data Transformation, Cleansing and Quality
Advanced Data Transformations
- Write efficient Spark SQL and PySpark code for advanced transformations
- Apply window functions, joins, and aggregations effectively
Data Quality Management
- Develop quarantining processes for bad data
- Implement data quality controls in DLT and Autoloader
Data Sharing and Federation
Delta Sharing
- Demonstrate delta sharing between Databricks deployments
- Implement sharing to external platforms using open protocol
Lakehouse Federation
- Configure Lakehouse Federation with proper governance
- Share live data across computing platforms securely
Monitoring and Alerting
Monitoring
- Use system tables for comprehensive observability
- Monitor workloads using Query Profiler and Spark UI
- Implement API/CLI-based monitoring
Alerting
- Use SQL Alerts to monitor data quality
- Set up job status and performance notifications
Cost & Performance Optimization
Unity Catalog Optimization
Understand Unity Catalog managed tables benefits for operations and maintenance
Delta Optimization Techniques
- Understand and apply delta optimization techniques
- Compare liquid clustering vs partitioning vs Z-order
Query Performance
- Understand Databricks query optimization techniques
- Use query profiler to identify and fix bottlenecks
Change Data Feed
Apply CDF to address streaming limitations and enhance latency
Ensuring Data Security and Compliance
Data Security Mechanisms
- Implement comprehensive access controls using ACLs
- Apply data masking and anonymization techniques
Compliance Implementation
- Implement compliant batch & streaming pipelines with PII masking
- Develop data purging solutions for retention compliance
Data Governance
Data Discoverability
Create comprehensive metadata for enterprise data discoverability
Permission Inheritance
Demonstrate understanding of Unity Catalog permission inheritance model
Debugging and Deploying
Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Identify diagnostic information using various tools
- Analyze and remediate failed job runs
- Debug DLT and Spark pipelines effectively
CI/CD Deployment
- Build and deploy resources using Databricks Asset Bundles
- Configure Git-based CI/CD workflows
Data Modeling
Scalable Data Models
Design and implement scalable data models using Delta Lake
Liquid Clustering
- Simplify data layout with liquid clustering
- Identify benefits over partitioning and Z-Order
Dimensional Modeling
- Design dimensional models for analytical workloads
- Ensure efficient querying and aggregation
How do I earn this certification?
Passing DATA-ENG-PRO earns the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification. It sits in the Data Engineering track.
- databricks-solution-architect - Databricks Solutions Architect Advanced architecture focus
- databricks-champion - Databricks Champion Program Community leadership and expertise recognition
- databricks-certified-data-analyst-associate - Data Analyst AssociateSQL and analytics focus for business intelligence
- databricks-certified-machine-learning-associate - Machine Learning AssociateML engineering and MLOps capabilities
- databricks-certified-generative-ai-engineer-associate - Generative AI Engineer AssociateEmerging AI and LLM technologies
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for DATA-ENG-PRO.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Announcement date: 2025-09-04
- Databricks Asset Bundles (DABs) GA Major focus area in CI/CD section • Release date: 2025-01-15
- Delta Live Tables Enhanced CDC Support Expanded coverage in streaming section • Release date: 2025-06-15
- Liquid Clustering GA New optimization technique replacing Z-order focus • Release date: 2025-05-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Senior Data Engineers and Data Architects.
- 1+ years hands-on experience with Databricks platform
- Experience with Apache Spark, Delta Lake, and MLflow
- Familiarity with Databricks CLI and REST API
- Advanced Data Engineering With Databricks course