The short version
You get 45 scored multiple-choice questions and 90 minutes, either online with a proctor or at a test center. The exam is in English, no test aids are allowed, and Databricks does not publish the passing score. If you fail, you can retake after 14 days.
Questions and timing
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scored questions | 45 multiple-choice questions |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Sections | 9, with weightings from 5% to 20% |
| Language | English |
| Exam guide version | Current as of October 30, 2025 |
That works out to two minutes per scored question. It is a comfortable pace for most candidates, but the longer scenario questions and anything with a code snippet will take more than two minutes, so you need to bank time on the short ones.
Unscored questions
Databricks says an exam may contain unscored questions used to collect statistics for future exams. They are not marked, you cannot tell which ones they are, and they do not affect your score. Databricks also says extra time is built in to cover them. The practical advice is simple: treat every question as scored, and do not burn five minutes on one odd item.
Question types
Databricks describes the exam as multiple choice. Its published sample questions show two shapes. Most have four options and one correct answer. At least one sample asks you to pick two answers, so read the instruction line carefully and count how many answers the question wants. Typical stems are short scenarios: an analyst has a problem, and you choose the feature, command, or fix.
Several objectives are phrased as “fix a query to achieve the desired results”. Expect to read a short SQL statement and spot what is wrong, such as a missing `GROUP BY` or the wrong join type.
What the sections look like on the day
By weighting, 45 scored questions break down roughly like this. This is our own arithmetic, not a Databricks number, and the real split can differ by a question or two.
| Section | Weighting | Approx. questions |
|---|---|---|
| Executing queries | 20% | 9 |
| Dashboards and visualizations | 16% | 7 |
| Analyzing queries | 15% | 7 |
| Genie spaces | 12% | 5 |
| Platform understanding | 11% | 5 |
| Managing data | 8% | 4 |
| Securing data | 8% | 4 |
| Importing data | 5% | 2 |
| Data modeling | 5% | 2 |
Delivery
Databricks offers the exam online proctored or at a test center. Registration runs through Webassessor, and Kryterion delivers the exam. For online delivery, Databricks points to Kryterion’s technical requirements and system check. Run that check on the computer and network you will use, ahead of exam day. Databricks warns that work computers with firewalls can interfere with proctoring and cause the session to be suspended, so a personal machine is usually the safer choice. Our exam day guide covers general preparation for proctored exams.
No test aids are allowed, so plan on no notes, no documentation tabs, and no second screen.
Scoring
Databricks does not publish a passing score. It says scores are set through statistical analysis and may change when an exam is updated. That means any pass mark you read elsewhere is a guess. Do not plan around a specific number of questions you can afford to miss. A better target is to be comfortable in every section, because a weak section can sink an otherwise good result.
Results
After you finish, an unofficial result appears right away. Final confirmation takes longer. If you pass, Databricks reviews the proctor recording first, then posts your digital badge and you get a notification, typically followed by an email from Accredible. Do not announce a pass until that confirmation arrives.
Retakes and rescheduling
- Retake wait: 14 days after an attempt.
- Number of attempts: Databricks lists no limit.
- Retake cost: Each attempt is paid like the first one. Databricks does not issue free retakes or retake vouchers.
- Rescheduling: Do it in your Webassessor account. Online proctored exams need more than 24 hours’ notice, and test center exams more than 72 hours. Later changes can carry a rescheduling fee.
Use the 14 days well. Your score report will not name every question you missed, so go back to the sections where you felt unsure and rebuild them with hands-on practice, not rereading.
Validity and renewal
The credential is valid for 2 years from the date it is awarded. Databricks notifies you before it expires. To renew, you take the full exam that is live at that point, which may differ from today’s version.
Languages
Databricks lists English only. If English is not your first language, practice reading SQL and documentation in English, since the answer options often differ by a single word.
More guides for DATABRICKS-DATA-ANALYST-ASSOCIATE
- Databricks Analyst Associate Domains Explained
- Databricks Data Analyst Sample Questions
- Is the Databricks Data Analyst Exam Hard?
- Databricks Data Analyst Prerequisites
- Databricks Data Analyst Renewal and Retakes
- Is Databricks Data Analyst Worth It?
- Databricks Data Analyst Cheat Sheet
Next step
If you are choosing how to spread your time, the study plan maps the weightings to a 4-week and an 8-week schedule. To test how you handle the question style, try our Databricks Data Analyst Associate practice tests. The vendor’s exam page has the current details.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions can I miss?
Databricks does not publish a passing score, so nobody outside Databricks can give a reliable number. Aim to be strong in every section instead.
Do I get my score right away?
You see an unofficial result immediately. The badge and the final notification follow after Databricks reviews the proctor recording.
Can I take the exam at home?
Yes. Online proctored delivery is available, subject to Kryterion’s technical requirements and a successful system check.
How soon can I retake it?
After 14 days, and each attempt is paid.