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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Microsoft
Exam Format
120 min
40-60
700
Specialty
Registration
$165 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
2 years
Pass renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn (free); Retake the full certification exam
DP-420 Exam Topics and Domains
DP-420 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Cosmos DB SDK, Azure Functions, Azure Portal, and more.
1
Design and implement data models
40%
Design and implement a non-relational data model for Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL
Entity type storage strategiesKey identification and TTL configuration
- Develop designs for storing multiple entity types efficiently
- Implement document denormalization strategies
- Configure TTL for automatic data expiration
- Design document versioning systems
Design a data partitioning strategy for Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL
Partition key selection and optimizationAdvanced partitioning techniques
- Choose optimal partition keys based on workload patterns
- Calculate and evaluate data and throughput distribution
- Implement synthetic and hierarchical partition keys
Plan and implement sizing and scaling
Throughput and storage planningGlobal distribution costing
- Evaluate throughput and storage requirements
- Choose appropriate pricing models
- Design for granular scaling and resource governance
Implement client connectivity options in the Azure Cosmos DB SDK
Connection configurationAdvanced client configuration
- Choose and implement appropriate connectivity modes
- Configure regional preferences for global distribution
- Implement proper error handling and logging
Implement data access using SQL and SDKs
SQL query implementationSDK operations
- Write efficient SQL queries for complex data structures
- Implement CRUD operations using SDK
- Handle transactions and bulk operations
Implement server-side programming
JavaScript server-side programming
- Write and deploy stored procedures
- Design transactional stored procedures
- Implement triggers and UDFs
2
Design and implement data distribution
7%
Design and implement a replication strategy
Geo-replication and failover
- Define automatic failover policies
- Choose appropriate consistency models
- Evaluate consistency impact on cost and performance
Design and implement multi-region write
Multi-master configuration
- Implement multi-region write configurations
- Design custom conflict resolution policies
3
Integrate an Azure Cosmos DB solution
8%
Enable Azure Cosmos DB analytical workloads
Azure Synapse Link integration
- Enable and configure Azure Synapse Link
- Implement analytical workloads with minimal impact on transactional store
Implement solutions across services
Change Feed integrations
- Integrate Cosmos DB with Azure services using Change Feed
- Implement event-driven architectures
4
Optimize an Azure Cosmos DB solution
17%
Optimize query performance
Query optimization techniques
- Optimize queries through indexing
- Calculate and minimize query costs
Design and implement change feeds
Change feed patterns
- Develop change feed processors
- Implement data synchronization patterns
Define and implement indexing strategy
Index optimization
- Design efficient indexing strategies
- Optimize index performance for workload patterns
5
Maintain an Azure Cosmos DB solution
28%
Monitor and troubleshoot
Monitoring and diagnostics
- Monitor Cosmos DB performance metrics
- Troubleshoot common issues
- Implement comprehensive logging
Implement backup and restore
Backup strategies
- Configure appropriate backup strategies
- Perform recovery operations
Implement security
Security configuration
- Implement comprehensive security measures
- Configure encryption and access controls
Implement data movement
Data migration strategies
- Choose appropriate data movement strategies
- Implement data migration pipelines
Implement DevOps process
Infrastructure as Code
- Implement infrastructure as code
- Automate operational tasks
How do I earn this certification?
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for DP-420 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-01-27
- Announcement date: 2024-11-25
Updates
- Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL Latest Major - New AI and search features • Release date: 2025-08-01
- Azure Synapse Link 2.0 Moderate - Enhanced analytical capabilities • Release date: 2025-03-15
- Change Feed Processor 3.0 Moderate - New throughput control features • Release date: 2025-02-01
Who should take this exam?
- Solid knowledge and experience developing apps for Azure
- Experience working with Azure Cosmos DB database technologies
- Experience creating server-side objects with JavaScript
- Proficiency developing applications using Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL API
- Ability to write efficient SQL queries for the API
- Experience creating appropriate indexing policies
- Ability to interpret JSON
- Ability to read C# or Java code
- Experience using PowerShell
- Familiarity with provisioning and managing resources in Azure