The short version
Yes, the credential expires. It is valid for two years from the day it is awarded, and you renew by passing the current version of the exam again. If you fail an attempt, you can retake after 14 days, as many times as you like, and you pay for each attempt.
Does it expire?
Databricks says the credential is valid for two years. The digital badge you receive expires two years after it was awarded, so the badge and the credential run on the same clock. Databricks also says it notifies you before the expiry date so you have time to prepare. The pages we read do not say how far in advance, so do not count on a specific number of weeks.
How renewal works
There is no shorter renewal exam and no points system on the pages we read. Databricks states that to recertify you take the full, current live exam. That has two practical consequences:
- The exam you take for renewal can differ from the one you passed. The exam guide for this certification was updated on October 9, 2026, and it changed section names and weightings compared with earlier outlines. A renewal two years from now may be built on yet another outline.
- Your first attempt and your renewal attempt follow the same rules: same format, same retake wait, and a new fee each time. We do not print fees here, so check the current price on the Databricks certification page.
Databricks’s FAQ says there will only ever be one version of each exam. In other words, you will not get a choice between an “old” and a “new” version. The exam guide is the list of current topics, and Databricks asks candidates to re-read it about two weeks before the exam date.
What if the credential lapses?
The pages we read do not describe a grace period or a late-renewal path. They also do not say what happens to the digital badge after it expires beyond the fact that it expires. Based on what is published, the safe assumption is simple: once the two years are over, you need to pass the current exam to hold a valid credential again. If you are close to the date and need certainty, ask Databricks directly before you rely on any grace period.
Retakes
Per the Databricks FAQ:
- You can retake after 14 days.
- There is no stated limit on the number of attempts.
- Each attempt is charged again, and Databricks does not issue free retake vouchers.
- Passing scores are not published, so a failed attempt does not tell you how far away you were.
The exam page for this certification does not repeat the retake rule, so the general FAQ is the source. Rules can change, so check the FAQ when you book.
What happens if the exam changes?
The FAQ says there will only be one version of each exam at a time. If Databricks updates the outline, the new version replaces the old one. That matters in two situations:
- You are mid-preparation. If the guide changes while you study, your notes may follow the old outline. Compare your notes with the current guide before you book.
- You failed and are waiting 14 days. Re-read the guide before the second attempt. Sections or weightings may have moved.
A sample timeline
This is an illustration, not a rule from Databricks.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Month 0 | You pass and receive the digital badge. The two-year clock starts. |
| Month 18 | Time to check the current exam guide and note what changed. |
| Month 21 | Start a focused review of the sections that changed or that you rarely use at work. |
| Month 23 | Book the exam, leaving room for a 14-day retake wait if the first attempt does not go well. |
| Month 24 | The credential and badge expire if you have not passed again. |
The point of booking early is the 14-day wait. If you book in the final week and miss, you cannot retake before the expiry date.
More guides for DB-DE-PRO
- Databricks Data Engineer Pro Domains
- Databricks Data Engineer Pro Sample Questions
- Is the Databricks Data Engineer Pro Hard?
- Databricks Data Engineer Pro Prerequisites
- Is Databricks Data Engineer Pro Worth It?
- DE Pro Cheat Sheet: Key Facts to Review
- DE Pro vs Spark Associate: Which First?
- DP-750 vs Databricks Data Engineer Pro
Next step
Read the exam format page for rescheduling windows and delivery, and the study plan if you are preparing for a first or second attempt. Back to the exam overview any time. When you want to rehearse, our practice sets are there for you.
FAQ
Can I renew without taking the full exam?
Not according to the pages we read. Databricks says you take the full current live exam to recertify.
Is there a limit on retakes?
Databricks does not state one. You wait 14 days between attempts and pay for each.
Will my old badge still show after it expires?
The pages we read say only that the badge expires after two years. Ask Databricks if you need details.