
Data engineers are a crucial pillar in the data industry. With their help, companies can tap into huge amounts of data. They build and manage systems that gather, store, and process the data. As a result, the demand for the certified data engineers is skyrocketing.
So, if you want to progress in your data engineering career, you must aim for the AWS Certified Data Engineer—Associate Certification.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer—Associate (DEA-C01) exam tests your ability to create and manage data pipelines on Amazon Web Services (AWS). It shows that you can monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize data systems to ensure they work well and are cost-efficient.
Other skills that are validated by this certification are:
- You can ingest, convert, and manage the flow of data using programming skills.
- Choose the best type of data storage, design data models,

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categorize data schemes, and manage data lifecycles.
- You can operate, keep track of, and fix issues in data pipelines, ensuring data quality.
- Secure data by using proper authentication, encryption, privacy, and governance, and enable logging.
Who Should Take This Exam?
Professionals with 2-3 years of experience in data engineering can take this exam. This includes understanding how volume, variety, and the speed of data affect data processes like ingestion, transformation, storage, and security.
In addition, they should also be familiar with data governance, privacy, and designing data models and storage solutions. Having 1-2 years of hands-on experience using AWS services is highly recommended.
Exam overview
- Exam duration: 130 minutes
- Exam format: 65 multiple choice or multiple response questions
- Cost: $150 (*Applicable taxes apply)
- Testing options: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Languages offered: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese
Tips to Pass the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam
The following tips will help you pass the certification exam.
- Study the guide: Review the AWS Data Engineer study guide to understand exam format and objectives. After clarity about the exam, you can plan the study schedule.
- Create a study plan: Plan your schedule as per the topics and make sure you stick to it. Breaking down the syllabus into small portions will help you cover each topic thoroughly.
- Master the basics: Enroll in online classes if you feel you lack knowledge in the required domains. These courses will strengthen your basic skills, such as cloud computing, programming, and data analytics. Also get familiar with key AWS services such as S3, EC2, Redshift, and best practices for data security and privacy.
- Practice hands-on: Gain hands-on knowledge by building data pipelines. You can also participate in hackathons to apply what you've learned. Taking foundational certifications is also recommended for deeper understanding.
- Take practice tests: Access how ready you are for the exam with practice tests. There are plenty of reliable resources who help you identify your weak areas and gain confidence.
Know more about the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam at the official website.
AWS Data Engineer Associate Certification Exam Tests
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AWS DE Associate Test 1
(Free Test) -
AWS DE Associate Test 2
(Free Test)