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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Snowflake
Exam Format
115 min
100
750+ (Scaled score)
Core
Registration
$175 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
2 years
Pass the COF-R02 recertification exam; Achieve a higher-level Snowflake certification
SNOWPRO-CORE Exam Topics and Domains
SNOWPRO-CORE is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Access control, ACCOUNT_USAGE schema, Authentication services, Automatic clustering, and more.
1
Snowflake AI Data Cloud Features and Architecture
24%
Outline key features of the Snowflake AI Data Cloud
Interoperable storageElastic computeSnowflake's layersOverview of Snowflake editions
- Understand Snowflake's unique multi-cluster, shared-data architecture
- Explain the separation of storage, compute, and cloud services
- Identify key differentiators between Snowflake and other database solutions
Outline key Snowflake tools and user interfaces
SnowsightSnowSQLSnowflake connectors and driversSnowparkSnowCDStreamlit in SnowflakeCortex (AI/ML services)Snowflake SQL API
- Navigate and use Snowsight effectively
- Configure and use SnowSQL for command-line operations
- Understand when to use different connectors and tools
- Recognize new AI/ML capabilities with Cortex
Outline Snowflake's catalog and objects
Databases and StagesSchema typesTable typesView typesData typesFunctions and ProceduresStreams, Tasks, and PipesShares and Sequences
- Understand the Snowflake object hierarchy
- Differentiate between table types and their use cases
- Configure and manage various Snowflake objects
- Implement data pipelines using streams and tasks
Outline Snowflake storage concepts
Micro-partitionsData clusteringData Storage Monitoring
- Explain micro-partition architecture
- Implement effective clustering strategies
- Monitor and optimize storage usage
2
Account Access and Security
18%
Outline security principles
Network security and policiesAuthentication methods
- Configure network security policies
- Implement various authentication methods
- Enforce MFA for enhanced security
Define entities and roles
Access control frameworksAccess control privilegesRole hierarchy and inheritance
- Design and implement role hierarchies
- Grant and revoke privileges appropriately
- Understand system-defined roles and their purposes
Outline data governance capabilities
Accounts and OrganizationsSecure views and functionsInformation schemas and Access historyRow and column-level securityObject tags
- Implement data governance policies
- Use secure views for data protection
- Monitor and audit data access
- Apply row and column-level security
3
Performance and Cost Optimization Concepts
16%
Explain the use of the Query Profile
Query execution plansPerformance metrics
- Analyze query profiles for performance issues
- Identify and resolve data spilling
- Optimize queries using profiling insights
Explain virtual warehouse configurations
Warehouse types and sizingMulti-clustering warehousesWarehouse settings and access
- Select appropriate warehouse sizes
- Configure multi-cluster warehouses
- Optimize warehouse settings for cost and performance
Optimize query performance
Materialized viewsCaching strategiesSearch optimization serviceQuery acceleration service
- Implement performance optimization techniques
- Leverage caching effectively
- Use advanced optimization services appropriately
Describe cost optimization concepts
Cost monitoring and controlStorage and compute costsCost attribution and tagging
- Monitor and control Snowflake costs
- Implement resource monitors
- Optimize for cost efficiency
- Attribute costs to business units
4
Data Loading and Unloading
12%
Define concepts and best practices for loading data
Stages and stage typesFile formats and sizingLoading methods
- Select appropriate loading methods
- Configure stages and file formats
- Optimize file sizes for loading
Outline commands for loading data
Stage and format commandsLoading commandsContinuous loadingExternal tables
- Execute data loading commands
- Configure Snowpipe for continuous loading
- Create and manage external tables
Define concepts for unloading data
Unloading best practicesUnloading commands
- Execute data unloading operations
- Select appropriate export formats
- Optimize unload performance
5
Data Transformations
18%
Explain how to work with structured data
Sampling and estimationFunction typesUser-defined functionsStored proceduresStreams and Tasks
- Implement data transformations using SQL
- Create UDFs and stored procedures
- Build data pipelines with streams and tasks
Explain how to work with semi-structured data
Semi-structured data typesFlattening nested dataSemi-structured functions
- Query semi-structured data effectively
- Flatten complex nested structures
- Transform between structured and semi-structured formats
Explain how to work with unstructured data
Directory tablesFile functionsProcessing unstructured data
- Access unstructured data in stages
- Use directory tables for file metadata
- Process unstructured data with UDFs
6
Data Protection and Data Sharing
12%
Outline Continuous Data Protection
Time TravelFail-safeData EncryptionCloningReplication and failover
- Configure Time Travel retention
- Understand Fail-safe protection
- Implement cloning strategies
- Set up replication for disaster recovery
Outline data sharing capabilities
Secure Data SharingSnowflake MarketplaceSharing commands and privileges
- Create and manage data shares
- Understand Marketplace capabilities
- Implement secure data sharing patterns
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SNOWPRO-CORE earns the SnowPro Core Certified certification. It sits in the Snowflake Data Cloud track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- ARA-C01 - SnowPro Advanced: Architect
- ADA-C01 - SnowPro Advanced: Administrator
- DEA-C01 - SnowPro Advanced: Data Engineer
- DSA-C02 - SnowPro Advanced: Data Scientist
- DAA-C01 - SnowPro Advanced: Data Analyst
Alternative Paths
- Various - Cloud Provider Certifications Complementary cloud platform skills (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Various - Data Engineering Certifications Broader data engineering expertise (Databricks, Apache Spark)
- Various - BI Tool Certifications BI and visualization skills (Tableau, Power BI, Looker)
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 SNOWPRO-CORE 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: 2024-06-01
- Announcement date: 2022-06-01
Updates
- Snowflake Cortex Latest High - New exam questions on AI/ML capabilities • Release date: 2024-09-25
- Streamlit in Snowflake GA Medium - Questions on native app development • Release date: 2024-11-01
- Dynamic Tables GA Medium - New data transformation option • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Snowpark Latest High - Programming interface questions increasing • Release date: Ongoing updates
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Data Engineers and Data Analysts.
- 6+ months of Snowflake experience
- Understanding of Snowflake's unique architecture
- Hands-on experience with Snowflake features
- Knowledge of SQL and data warehousing concepts
- Completion of Snowflake fundamentals training