AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate
Build a strong foundation in data engineering and analytics with the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate certification
About the AWS Data Engineer Associate
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the AWS Data Engineer Certification
What is the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate Certification?
The AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate certification validates your expertise in designing, building, and managing data pipelines and analytics solutions on AWS.
It is designed for professionals who work with large-scale data processing, data integration, and data storage solutions, using services like AWS Glue, Redshift, and Athena.
This certification demonstrates your ability to handle end-to-end data workflows, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions efficiently and securely in the cloud.
Who should pursue the AWS Data Engineer Associate certification?
The AWS Data Engineer Associate certification is ideal for:
- Data Engineers: Professionals responsible for designing, building, and managing scalable data pipelines and processing workflows.
- Data Analysts: Individuals who want to enhance their ability to analyze large datasets and work with cloud-based data solutions.
- Cloud Engineers: Professionals looking to specialize in data services and solutions within the AWS ecosystem.
- Database Administrators: Those interested in expanding their expertise to include modern data integration and analytics tools on AWS.
Is the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate certification worth it?
The AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate certification is a worthwhile investment for professionals looking to specialize in cloud-based data solutions.
It validates in-demand skills, enhances career prospects, and positions you for success in the rapidly growing field of data engineering.
- High Demand for Data Engineering Skills: Increasing need for professionals to manage and process large-scale data in cloud environments.
- Career Advancement: Opens doors to high-paying roles like Data Engineer and Cloud Data Specialist, while validating key expertise.
- Comprehensive Knowledge: Covers critical areas like data integration, processing, and analytics using AWS tools such as Glue, Redshift, and Athena.
- Professional Recognition: Enhances credibility and positions you as a cloud-based data engineering expert.
How long do I need to prepare for the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate exam?
How difficult is the AWS Data Engineer Associate Exam?
The AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate exam is moderately to highly challenging, depending on your experience level and familiarity with AWS services.
With sufficient preparation, hands-on practice, and a solid understanding of the exam domains, it is entirely manageable.
Can I take the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam from home?
Yes, you can take the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam from home through AWS’s online proctoring option.
This allows you to complete the exam in a monitored environment without needing to visit a testing center.
AWS Data Engineer Associate Exam overview
What you need to know about the DEA-C01 Exam
Key Facts
- Time: 130 minutes
- Cost: $150 USD
- Number of questions: 65
- Passing score: 720 (out of 1000), scaled scoring
- Format: Multiple-choice or multiple-response questions
- Languages Available: English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese
- Testing Options: Online proctored exam or in-person (Pearson VUE testing center)
Domains Covered
The exam tests your knowledge across four key areas:
- Data Ingestion and Transformation (34%)
- Data Store Management (26%)
- Data Operations and Support (22%)
- Data Security and Governance (18%)
Career opportunities for AWS Data Engineers
Explore common roles, salaries, and essential skills as a Data Engineer
What are the common job roles for AWS Data Engineers?
Data Engineer
- Design, build, and manage data pipelines and ETL processes using AWS services like Glue and S3.
- Optimize data workflows for scalability and performance.
Big Data Engineer
- Process and analyze large-scale datasets using tools like EMR, Kinesis, and Redshift.
- Implement real-time data streaming and batch processing solutions.
Cloud Data Specialist
- Develop and manage cloud-based data solutions using AWS infrastructure.
- Ensure secure and efficient storage and processing of data in the cloud.
Database Administrator
- Manage relational and non-relational databases on AWS, including RDS and DynamoDB.
- Perform data migrations, backups, and performance tuning.
Data Architect
- Design end-to-end data architectures, focusing on scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness.
- Oversee data integration across multiple sources using AWS tools like Glue and DataSync.
Business Intelligence Engineer
- Develop analytics dashboards and reports using AWS QuickSight and other analytics tools.
- Provide actionable insights to support business decisions.
Machine Learning Data Engineer
- Prepare and process data for machine learning projects using SageMaker and Athena.
- Collaborate with data scientists to enable successful AI/ML workflows.
What is the average salary for AWS Data Engineers?
Salaries vary based on location, industry, and expertise, with technology and finance sectors typically offering the highest pay.
Entry-Level Roles
- Start around $85,000 to $108,000 annually for positions like Junior Data Engineer or Cloud Data Specialist.
Mid-Level Roles
- Earn between $110,000 and $135,000 in roles such as Data Engineers or Big Data Specialists with 2-5 years of experience.
Senior Roles
- Experienced professionals in roles like Data Architect or Lead Data Engineer can exceed $150,000 annually.
What key skills are essential for a successful career in Data Engineering?
Data Management and Integration
- Expertise in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines.
- Proficiency in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and tools like AWS Glue or Apache Airflow.
Programming Skills
- Strong command of programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java.
- Familiarity with data processing frameworks like Apache Spark or Hadoop.
Cloud Computing Expertise
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Knowledge of AWS services such as S3, Redshift, and Athena for data storage and analysis.
Database Management
- Skills in managing relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and non-relational databases (e.g., DynamoDB, MongoDB).
- Understanding of database design, optimization, and performance tuning.
Big Data Analytics
- Ability to process and analyze large datasets using tools like AWS EMR, Kinesis, or Apache Kafka.
- Familiarity with real-time data streaming and batch processing.
Data Security and Compliance
- Knowledge of data governance, encryption, and access control mechanisms.
- Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
On-demand training resources
This popular training covers everything you need to know to ace your AWS Data Engineer exam
On-Demand Video Course (instructor-led)
Our instructor-led video course combines essential theory with guided practical exercises that are backed by high-quality diagrams and references.
- Over 12 hours of on-demand video training with guided hands-on exercises
- Coverage of the latest exam topics for the DEA-C01
- Hands-on lessons using the AWS Management Console
- Separate theory lessons with amazing architectural diagrams
- All diagrams, code, links, files and slides are available for download
- Course Certificate is issued upon successful completion of the course
The video course is taught in a style that includes theory lessons with lots of visualization such as architectural diagrams and animated graphics (this is not death by bullet point).
After the theory lessons, you’ll get to put your knowledge into practical use with hands-on lessons that teach you how to use AWS and complete exercises that reflect real-world situations. Learning by doing increases knowledge retention and is the best way to ensure you build practical skills.
On-demand Practice Exam Course
Test your knowledge and assess your exam readiness with practice questions that match the difficulty of the real AWS exam.
Practice exams are delivered in 4 different formats:
- Exam Mode – 6 sets of practice exams with 25 questions each, time limit of 50 mins, and pass mark of 72%. These are shorter than the real exam to make it more manageable when studying.
- Training Mode – Check answers and explanations after every question (no time limit).
- Knowledge reviews: Collection of practice questions for a specific knowledge area that allows you to focus your efforts where they’re needed most.
- Final exam simulator – Full-length exam with 65 questions pulled randomly from our pool of questions. Same time limit (130 mins) and pass mark (72%) as the real AWS exam.
You will be presented with an overall score at the end of the exam with a pass/fail message.
A Certificate of Achievement is issued when you score 72% and above in your final exam simulator.
What you'll learn [scope & content]
We teach you all of the skills required to successfully pass your AWS Data Engineer exam
Our AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate training covers all knowledge areas in the exam.
You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the services featured on the exam today as well as a strong practical knowledge through completion of the guided hands-on lessons.
You can then test yourself by attempting our practice tests that reflect the style and difficulty of the real exam.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer exam guide groups the required skills into various domains.
You’ll learn the following skills (grouped by domain):
- Perform data ingestion
- Transform and process data
- Orchestrate data pipelines
- Apply programming concepts
- Choose a data store
- Understand data cataloging systems
- Manage the lifecycle of data
- Design data models and schema evolution
- Automate data processing by using AWS services
- Analyze data by using AWS services
- Maintain and monitor data pipelines
- Ensure data quality
- Apply authentication mechanisms
- Apply authorization mechanisms
- Ensure data encryption and masking
- Prepare logs for audit
- Understand data privacy and governance
Subscription options tailored to your needs
Choose our monthly plan for ultimate flexibility, or opt for our yearly plan to maximize savings
If you’re looking for high-quality certification training that will fully prepare you for your AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate exam – our popular training courses are for you.
With our monthly or yearly plans, you’ll gain access to our entire library of Video Courses, Practice Exams, Training Notes and Master Classes.
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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
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Why Digital Cloud Training
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Frequently Asked Questions
I don't have ANY cloud experience. Is this training right for me?
With our AWS Cloud Practitioner training, there is NO need for previous AWS cloud experience. We will start out with the foundations of cloud computing and will teach you everything you need to know to successfully pass your exam.
This training is perfect for beginners as it was designed with non-techies and newcomers to the cloud in mind.
Are your training courses up to date?
Our training is based on the latest CLF-C02 exam blueprint for the AWS Cloud Practitioner. All of our training courses, practice exams and training notes are regularly updated to reflect the latest AWS changes.
What's included in the video course? Do I get to access all course materials?
All diagrams, code, links, files and slides are available for download (in PDF format).
The video course also includes the following:
- Exam-cram lectures
- 120 quiz questions
- Visuals and diagrams
- 20 Day Study Plan
Practice Exams are available in exam and training mode. Plus, there's the knowledge reviews and the final exam simulator. What's the difference?
Exam Mode: In exam mode, you complete one full-length practice exam and answer all 65 questions within the allotted time.
Training Mode: When taking the practice exam in training mode (no time limit), you will be shown the answers and explanations for every question after clicking “check”.
Knowledge Reviews: Now that you have identified your strengths and weaknesses, you get to dive deep into specific areas with our knowledge reviews. You are presented with a series of questions focussed on a specific topic. There is no time limit and you can view the answer to each question as you go through them.
Final Exam Simulator: The exam simulator randomly selects 65 questions from our pool of over 500 unique questions – mimicking the real AWS exam environment. The practice exam has the same format, style, time limit and passing score as the real AWS exam.
Do you offer any free resources to get familiar with your training?
If you’re not quite ready to commit to our in-depth AWS training, check out our FREE training resources for the AWS Cloud Practitioner below. These free AWS training materials are a great way to familiarize yourself with Neal’s training style and format.
- Free Practice Questions
- Free AWS Cheat Sheets
- Free Study Plan
- Free Video Tutorials
- Free Guide to AWS Certification
While these free resources are a great starting point – to best prepare for your exam, we highly recommend the full training experience.
How do I earn my certificate of achievement?
With practice exams, a Certificate of Achievement is issued when you score 70% and above in your final exam simulator.
A certificate of completion is issued upon successful completion of the video course.
I need to gain practical experience. Do you offer Hands-on Cloud Labs?
All of our AWS training courses include guided hands-on training where you can follow along in an AWS Free Tier account. Additionally, we offer Challenge Labs for those who are looking for extensive hands-on practice opportunities to develop real-world cloud skills. Challenge Labs are scenario-based hands-on exercises that run in a secure sandbox environment.
How do I access your on-demand training courses?
When you sign up for our monthly or yearly plans, you get access to our entire library of AWS training courses (current and future).
Our subscriptions come with no lock-in or minimum terms and can be cancelled at any time.
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