Exam DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution Study Guide

The Designing an Azure Data Solution certification (DP-201) is meant for Azure data engineers. This exam checks if you have the skills and knowledge to create data processing solutions, set up Azure data storage, and make sure data is secure and follows rules. To pass, you need to design data solutions that use various Azure services like Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, Azure Stream Analytics, Azure Databricks, and Azure Blob storage.

Microsoft DP-201 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure Beta (DP-203) is available.

Target Audience

People taking the Designing an Azure Data Solution (DP-201) exam aim to become Microsoft Azure data engineers. These engineers work with business partners to understand data needs and create solutions using Azure data services.

Learning Objectives 

Microsoft offers a learning path for the Designing an Azure Data Solution (DP-201) exam. It’s made for people who want to pursue a career in Azure Data Solutions. Here are the goals for the DP-201 exam:

• First of all, Designing Azure data storage solutions (40-45%)
• Secondly, Designing data processing solutions (25-30%)
• Subsequently, Designing for data security and compliance (25-30%)

Now, that you have a clear idea regarding the DP-201 exam it’s time to get ready and begin with the study guide. However, if you have any queries regarding the exam details and policies or course outline, you can always check out the DP-201 exam online tutorial page.

Study Guide for Microsoft Exam DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution

Keep in mind, important things don’t happen quickly. Achieving your goal of becoming an Azure Data Engineer takes effort and some valuable advice. That’s why we’ve created a guide with clear steps to help you pass the certification and reach your desired goal.

Official site routing

Believe us, when it comes to the DP-201 exam, the most trustworthy source is the Microsoft official website. Checking out the official certification page should be your first step because it has all the information you need. You’ll find details about what you need to know before taking the exam, what an Azure Data Engineer does, exam specifics, how much it costs, the course structure, and even online training options – everything is right there on the official website.

Reviewing Exam Objectives

If this is your first preparation guide then you have reached the right spot. Hopefully, this turns out to be your first step towards a high paying job. So in order to maintain this momentum, make sure to review all the exam objectives. This would be helpful as it is going to answer all your questions regarding what domains are important or what are the prerequisites or any other exam-related query.  Since every exam has different requirements, hence different exam objectives. Therefore we strongly recommend this step.

Microsoft Training Programme

Microsoft gives candidates two options to prepare. There’s online training and instructor-led training, and you can pick one or both.

• Online training: This is free for everyone. They’ve created a learning path to help you gain the skills you need to pass the DP-201 exam. This path is split into different sections.
• Instructor-led training: This is paid online learning where certified expert instructors lead the sessions. It comes with some advantages like more convenience, flexible schedules, and faster responses to your questions.

The training programs that the Micorosft provide itself is available on their website. The instructor-led training is an essential resource in order to prepare for the exam like DP-201. The candidate can find the instructor-led training on the page of the particular exam on the Microsoft website. There are various training courses available prior to one exam. The following is the training program offered by Microsoft. 

Course DP-201T01-A: Designing an Azure Data Solution

• Data Platform Architecture Considerations
• Azure Batch Processing Reference Architectures
• Azure Real-Time Reference Architectures
• Data Platform Security Design Considerations
• Designing for Resiliency and Scale
• Design for Efficiency and Operations

Here training emerges as a crucial step to qualify DP-201 exam.

Become a bookworm

While training will teach you many important skills, we shouldn’t overlook the value of books and the knowledge they offer. Books are also a crucial resource for understanding the DP-201 exam. Here are some books we recommend:

1. SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL by Walter Shields.
2. Engineers’ Practical Databook: A Technical Reference Guide for Students and Professionals by Jay Smith.

Join Forums or Study Group

In a world full of distractions, online forums and study groups can be really helpful for candidates. It’s not a must-do step, but it’s up to you. You can join a study group at any time while preparing. Study groups keep you connected with others who are on the same journey. You can ask questions about topics you find hard, and many people in these groups can help you with DP-201 exam questions or any doubts you have.

Perfect Practice makes you Perfect

We’ve reached the final step in preparing for the DP-200 exam. This step will show you exactly where you need to improve. Are you ready to assess yourself? Make sure you only take sample tests after you’ve covered the entire syllabus. These practice tests are made to feel like the real exam, so you get used to the exam environment. After doing sample tests, you can easily see the areas where you need to improve and work on them. These practice papers can come from different places. Just remember, the more you test yourself, the better you’ll get. SO START PRACTICING NOW!.

Manage Time and Be Productive

Managing time can be a little tricky if you’re already occupied with the old job. Therefore we’ve listed a few tips and tricks for you to manage time effectively.

1. Avoid doing multiple things at once! Get organized by creating a schedule and following it.
2. Don’t depend on your memory alone; not everyone can remember everything, so jot down important stuff.
3. Set weekly goals and make sure to monitor your progress.
4. It’s okay to take breaks while studying because you cannot be productive every time.
5. Always choose an environment that has the minimum disturbance, so that you can concentrate properly.

Make your resume stand out and become a Microsoft Certified: Data Engineer Associate. Try free practice tests here!