Data Science has emerged as a major domain in today’s technology-driven era, where data is often likened to the new oil. It revolves around extracting valuable insights from raw data by employing diverse methods, including statistics, machine learning, and data mining. In the face of the exponential surge in data volume, businesses and organizations are increasingly turning to data science to make informed decisions and secure a competitive edge in the market.
The DP-100 certification exam offered by Microsoft Azure is intended to verify an individual’s proficiency in planning and executing data science solutions with Azure technologies. This examination encompasses a range of subjects, including data preparation, modeling, and the deployment of machine learning models. To excel in this exam, candidates need to have a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques used in data science, as well as a strong grasp of Azure technologies. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive cheat sheet for the DP-100 exam, covering all the essential topics that candidates need to know to pass the exam with flying colors.
This cheat sheet is intended to function as a convenient reference resource for candidates, offering concise summaries of crucial data science principles, methodologies, and the Azure technologies utilized for creating and executing data science solutions. By utilizing this cheat sheet, candidates can solidify their grasp of the exam’s subject matter and enhance their prospects of successfully completing the DP-100 certification exam.
Glossary for Data Science Solution on AzureTerminology
- Azure: A cloud computing platform and service offered by Microsoft.
- Data Science: A field of study that involves extracting insights and knowledge from data using various techniques, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization.
- Azure Machine Learning: A cloud-based service for building, training, and deploying machine learning models.
- Jupyter Notebook: An open-source web application that allows you to create and share documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
- Python: A widely utilized programming language used in data science, machine learning, and various other applications.
- R: A programming language used for statistical computing and graphics.
- Virtual Machine (VM): A software emulation of a physical computer that can run an operating system and applications like a physical computer.
- Data Lake: A centralized storage system that enables you to house all your structured and unstructured data, regardless of its volume.
- Data Factory: A data integration service hosted in the cloud, enabling the creation, scheduling, and orchestration of data workflows.
- Azure Blob Storage: A cloud-based object storage service that allows you to store and access large amounts of unstructured data.
- Azure SQL Database: A cloud-hosted relational database service that facilitates the storage and administration of structured data.
- Azure Cognitive Services: A collection of pre-built APIs that allows you to add intelligent features, such as natural language processing and computer vision, to your applications.
- Azure Stream Analytics: A real-time data stream processing service that allows you to analyze and process large amounts of streaming data in real-time.
- Azure Databricks: A collaborative, cloud-based platform for data engineering, machine learning, and analytics based on Apache Spark.
- Data Visualization: The representation of data in a visual format such as graphs, charts, and maps, to help people understand the data and make better decisions.
How to prepare your own DP-100 Cheat Sheet?
Preparing a cheat sheet for the DP-100 exam can help you to organize and memorize the essential concepts, techniques, and formulas you need to know to pass the exam. Here are some tips on how to prepare and what to include in your cheat sheet:
- Know the exam format: The DP-100 exam consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based tasks. The exam covers the following areas: designing Azure data storage solutions, designing data processing solutions, and designing and implementing machine learning and batch processing solutions.
- Study the exam objectives: The exam objectives describe the skills and knowledge that are tested in the exam. Read the exam objectives thoroughly and make sure you understand each one. You can find the exam objectives on the official Microsoft website.
- Review the Azure services: Familiarize yourself with the Azure services that are related to data science, such as Azure Machine Learning, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, and Azure Synapse Analytics. Know their features and how they can be used to solve different data science problems.
- Learn the data science lifecycle: Understand the data science lifecycle and the steps involved in designing and implementing a data science solution. These steps include data preparation, data exploration, feature engineering, model training, and model deployment.
- Memorize the key concepts and formulas: Write down the key concepts and formulas related to data science, such as regression, classification, clustering, feature selection, accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC curve. Also, know the mathematical formulas behind these concepts.
- Practice with sample questions and tasks: Use practice tests and sample questions to test your knowledge and identify areas where you need improvement. Also, practice with performance-based tasks to get familiar with the exam format.
- Organize your cheat sheet: Your cheat sheet should be well-organized and easy to read. Use headings, bullet points, and tables to structure your notes. Highlight the most important concepts and formulas.
- Use your cheat sheet wisely: Your cheat sheet is a helpful tool, but don’t rely on it too much. Use it to refresh your memory and to check specific information, but don’t try to memorize everything on it. Remember that the most important thing is to understand the concepts and be able to apply them in real-world scenarios.
In summary, when preparing your cheat sheet for the DP-100 exam, focus on understanding the exam format, the exam objectives, the Azure services related to data science, the data science lifecycle, the key concepts and formulas, and the practice with sample questions and tasks. Your cheat sheet should be well-organized, easy to read, and used wisely.
Expert tips to pass the DP-100 Exam
The DP-100 exam is a certification exam that measures your knowledge and skills in designing and implementing Azure AI solutions. Here are some expert tips to help you pass the DP-100 exam:
- Understand the exam objectives: The initial phase of exam preparation involves comprehending the exam objectives. Take the time to thoroughly review the exam objectives, ensuring you possess a precise understanding of the expectations.
- Study the Microsoft learning paths: Microsoft provides learning paths for each certification exam. These learning paths include online courses, tutorials, and documentation. Study these learning paths thoroughly to gain a good understanding of the concepts and technologies covered in the exam.
- Practice with real-world scenarios: Hands-on experience is essential to passing the DP-100 exam. Create and experiment with Azure AI solutions, and try to solve real-world problems to gain practical experience.
- Take practice tests: Take practice tests to gauge your knowledge and identify your weak areas. Microsoft provides official practice tests that closely resemble the actual exam, so make sure to take advantage of these resources.
- Focus on the important topics: Pay close attention to the important topics, such as machine learning algorithms, data preparation, model evaluation, and deployment. These topics are heavily emphasized in the exam, so make sure you have a good grasp of them.
- Manage your time: The DP-100 exam is a timed exam, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Make sure you have enough time to read and understand each question, and allocate time accordingly to ensure that you answer all questions.
- Stay calm and confident: Finally, stay calm and confident during the exam. Don’t let nerves get the best of you, and trust in your knowledge and preparation. Remember, you got this!
Cheat Sheet for Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100)
For better revision, it is important that you have all the required resources so that you are not left with anything. There are resources and suitable links provided for Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) Exam below. So, you can quickly catch up the topics and get a better understanding of the concepts as well as clear all your doubts. So, let’s begin with this.
Review the Exam Objectives
A crucial starting point for your revision should involve a thorough understanding of the DP-100 exam’s objectives. This initial step serves to refresh your memory and reinforce your grasp of the DP-100 subject matter and skills. Furthermore, a good review of the exam objectives removes any potential confusion, allowing you to concentrate more effectively on subsequent revisions. In the context of the Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) exam, let’s delve into the key topics below:
Design and prepare a machine learning solution (20–25%)
Design a machine learning solution
- Determine the appropriate compute specifications for a training workload (Microsoft Documentation: compute targets in Azure Machine Learning)
- Describe model deployment requirements (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy machine learning models to Azure)
- Select which development approach to use to build or train a model (Microsoft Documentation: Train models with Azure Machine Learning)
Manage an Azure Machine Learning workspace
- Create an Azure Machine Learning workspace (Microsoft Documentation: Create workspace resources you need to get started with Azure Machine Learning)
- Manage a workspace by using developer tools for workspace interaction (Microsoft Documentation: Manage Azure Machine Learning workspaces in the portal or with the Python SDK (v2))
- Set up Git integration for source control (Microsoft Documentation: Source control in Azure Data Factory)
- Create and manage registries
Manage data in an Azure Machine Learning workspace
- Select Azure Storage resources (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to Azure Storage)
- Register and maintain datastores (Microsoft Documentation: Create datastores)
- Create and manage data assets (Microsoft Documentation: Create data assets)
Manage compute for experiments in Azure Machine Learning
- Create compute targets for experiments and training (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and submit training jobs)
- Select an environment for a machine learning use case (Microsoft Documentation: What are Azure Machine Learning environments?)
- Configure attached compute resources, including Apache Spark pools (Microsoft Documentation: Apache Spark pool configurations in Azure Synapse Analytics)
- Monitor compute utilization
Explore data and train models (35–40%)
Explore data by using data assets and data stores
- Access and wrangle data during interactive development (Microsoft Documentation: What is data wrangling?)
- Wrangle interactive data with Apache Spark (Microsoft Documentation: Interactive Data Wrangling with Apache Spark in Azure Machine Learning)
Create models by using the Azure Machine Learning designer
- Create a training pipeline (Microsoft Documentation: Create a build pipeline with Azure Pipelines)
- Consume data assets from the designer (Microsoft Documentation: Create data assets)
- Use custom code components in designer (Microsoft Documentation: Add code components to a custom page for your model-driven app)
- Evaluate the model, including responsible AI guidelines (Microsoft Documentation: What is Responsible AI?)
Use automated machine learning to explore optimal models
- Use automated machine learning for tabular data (Microsoft Documentation: What is automated machine learning (AutoML)?)
- Use automated machine learning for computer vision
- Use automated machine learning for natural language processing (Microsoft Documentation: Set up AutoML to train a natural language processing model)
- Select and understand training options, including preprocessing and algorithms
- Evaluate an automated machine learning run, including responsible AI guidelines (Microsoft Documentation: What is Responsible AI?)
Use notebooks for custom model training
- Develop code by using a compute instance (Microsoft Documentation: Create and manage an Azure Machine Learning compute instance)
- Track model training by using MLflow (Microsoft Documentation: Track ML experiments and models with MLflow)
- Evaluate a model (Microsoft Documentation: Evaluate Model component)
- Train a model by using Python SDKv2
- Use the terminal to configure a compute instance (Microsoft Documentation: Access a compute instance terminal in your workspace)
Tune hyperparameters with Azure Machine Learning
- Select a sampling method (Microsoft Documentation: Sampling in Application Insights)
- Define the search space
- Define the primary metric (Microsoft Documentation: Set up AutoML training with the Azure ML Python SDK v2)
- Define early termination options (Microsoft Documentation: Hyperparameter tuning a model (v2))
Prepare a model for deployment (20–25%)
Run model training scripts
- Configure job run settings for a script (Microsoft Documentation: Configure and submit training jobs)
- Configure compute for a job run
- Consume data from a data asset in a job (Microsoft Documentation: Create data assets)
- Run a script as a job by using Azure Machine Learning (Microsoft Documentation: Azure Machine Learning in a day, Configure and submit training jobs)
- Use MLflow to log metrics from a job run (Microsoft Documentation: Log metrics, parameters and files with MLflow)
- Use logs to troubleshoot job run errors (Microsoft Documentation: Review logs to diagnose pipeline issues)
- Configure an environment for a job run (Microsoft Documentation: Create and target an environment)
- Define parameters for a job (Microsoft Documentation: Runtime parameters)
Implement training pipelines
- Create a pipeline (Microsoft Documentation: Create your first pipeline, What is Azure Pipelines?)
- Pass data between steps in a pipeline (Microsoft Documentation: How to use parameters, expressions and functions in Azure Data Factory)
- Run and schedule a pipeline (Microsoft Documentation: Configure schedules for pipelines)
- Monitor pipeline runs (Microsoft Documentation: Visually monitor Azure Data Factory)
- Create custom components (Microsoft Documentation: Create your first component)
- Use component-based pipelines (Microsoft Documentation: Create and run machine learning pipelines using components with the Azure Machine Learning CLI)
Manage models in Azure Machine Learning
- Describe MLflow model output (Microsoft Documentation: Track ML experiments and models with MLflow)
- Identify an appropriate framework to package a model (Microsoft Documentation: Model management, deployment, and monitoring with Azure Machine Learning)
- Assess a model by using responsible AI guidelines (Microsoft Documentation: What is Responsible AI?)
Deploy and retrain a model (10–15%)
Deploy a model
- Configure settings for online deployment (Microsoft Documentation: Configuration options for the Office Deployment Tool)
- Configure compute for a batch deployment (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy applications to compute nodes with Batch application packages)
- Deploy a model to an online endpoint (Microsoft Documentation: Deploy and score a machine learning model by using an online endpoint)
- Deploy a model to a batch endpoint (Microsoft Documentation: Use batch endpoints for batch scoring)
- Test an online deployed service (Microsoft Documentation: Testing the Deployment)
- Invoke the batch endpoint to start a batch scoring job (Microsoft Documentation: Use batch endpoints for batch scoring)
Apply machine learning operations (MLOps) practices
- Trigger an Azure Machine Learning job, including from Azure DevOps or GitHub (Microsoft Documentation: Trigger Azure Machine Learning jobs with GitHub Actions)
- Automate model retraining based on new data additions or data changes
- Define event-based retraining triggers (Microsoft Documentation: Create a trigger that runs a pipeline in response to a storage event)
Microsoft Learning Platform
Microsoft offers various learning path for DP-100 exam, that is available on the official website of Microsoft. For Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) exam, you will find many learning paths and documentation as mentioned above. And, finding relatable content on the Microsoft website is quite an easy task. From here, you directly go on Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) Page.
Instructor-Led Training
The instructor-led training is an essential resource in order to prepare and clear all doubts for Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) exam. You can find the instructor-led training on the page of the particular exam on the Microsoft website. In this context, you will engage in acquiring expertise in operating machine learning solutions on a large scale within the Azure Machine Learning environment. This entails leveraging your existing proficiency in Python and machine learning to oversee tasks such as data ingestion and preparation, model training and deployment, as well as monitoring machine learning solutions within Microsoft Azure.
Books for better understanding
If you are dedicated to passing the exam then, you must know the importance of books during the time of preparation. This will help you to highlight the part of the topic you find difficult or you want to study later. Moreover, it can be helpful in understanding the core of the topics. For DP-100 exam some of the good books that will help you in understanding the concepts include:
- Exam DP-100: Azure Data Scientist Associate 48 Test Prep Questions
Evaluate yourself with Practice Test
Practice tests are an essential component of effective preparation, allowing you to gauge your strengths and weaknesses. Initiating practice tests for the Designing and Implementing a Data Science (DP-100) exam is useful in self-assessment, and helps you in evaluating your readiness. Additionally, it enhances your proficiency in answering questions, ultimately leading to time savings. The recommended approach is to commence practice tests after completing an entire topic, as this serves as a beneficial revision exercise.
