DP-203: Azure Data Engineer Associate Practice Tests in 2025

It seems like you're outlining a comprehensive approach to preparing for the AZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure certification, which includes the former Data Engineering and Analytics (DP-203) content. The AZ-204 exam validates your skills in implementing cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure that use various data services and compute resources.

Based on the areas of expertise you've listed, here's a structured approach to prepare for the AZ-204 exam, aligning with the practice exam topics:

1. Security and Compliance

   • Handle security and compliance requirements.
   • Design security for data policies and standards.
   • Implement data security.

2. Batch Processing

   • Configure the batch size.
   • Design and develop a stream processing solution.
   • Manage batches and pipelines in Data Factory or Synapse Pipelines.

3. Stream Processing

   • Develop a stream processing solution using Stream Analytics, Azure Databricks, and Azure Event Hubs.
   • Process data with Spark structured streaming.
   • Monitor for performance and functional regressions.
   • Design and create tests for data pipelines.

4. Data Storage

   • Trigger batches and handle failed batch loads.
   • Validate batch loads.
   • Manage Data Lake Storage Gen2 with Azure RBAC and POSIX-like ACLs.
   • Implement a data retention policy and auditing strategy.

5. Data Processing

   • Optimize resource management.
   • Tune queries by using indexers and cache.
   • Compact small files and handle shuffles.
   • Monitor data storage and processing performance.

6. Monitoring and Optimization

   • Implement logging used by Azure Monitor.
   • Measure performance of data movement and query execution.
   • Interpret Azure Monitor metrics and logs, as well as a Spark DAG.
   • Troubleshoot failed spark jobs and pipeline runs.

7. Ingestion and Data Movement

   • Understand custom logging options.
   • Schedule and monitor pipeline tests.

8. Data Warehousing

   • Write encrypted data to tables or Parquet files.
   • Manage sensitive information.

9. Machine Learning (Optional, as it may depend on the exam version)

   • Create machine learning models using Azure Machine Learning.
   • Train, deploy, and monitor models.

10. Advanced Analytics (Optional, as it may depend on the exam version)

    • Use Apache Spark with Databricks.
    • Perform data exploration, transformation, and visualization.
    • Build predictive models using Spark MLlib or Azure Machine Learning.

To effectively prepare for the AZ-204 exam, follow these steps:

• Understand the Exam Blueprint: Review the official exam blueprint to understand the coverage of the exam and focus on areas where you need improvement.

• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working with Azure services, such as Azure Databricks, Event Hubs, HDInsight, Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and Azure Machine Learning. Use the Azure free account to experiment without incurring costs.

• Learning Resources: Utilize Microsoft's documentation, tutorials, and learning paths. Consider enrolling in courses or training programs that offer comprehensive coverage of the AZ-204 exam topics.

• Practice Exams: Regularly take practice exams like the DP-203 practice exam to assess your knowledge and identify areas that require further study. The practice exam can help you become familiar with the format and types of questions you'll encounter on the actual exam.

• Community Engagement: Engage with online communities, forums, or study groups focused on Azure certification. This can provide additional insights and help clarify any doubts.

• Review and Repeat: Continuously review key concepts and revisit areas where you scored lower in practice exams. Repetition will solidify your knowledge and improve your confidence.

Remember, the key to success in certification exams is a combination of thorough understanding of the subject matter, practical experience, and consistent preparation. Good luck with your studies!