Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate Quick Facts (2025)

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate Exam Overview

Struggling to understand what’s covered on the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate exam or how to prep effectively? This guide has everything you need to boost your confidence and pass the exam with flying colors.

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What is the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate Certification?

The Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate Certification validates your ability to use Databricks for core machine learning workflows. It verifies your skills in foundational ML concepts, data preparation, model training, hyperparameter tuning, deployment, and the use of tools like AutoML, MLflow, Unity Catalog, and the Feature Store.

This certification is ideal for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI developers looking to prove their hands-on ability to build production-ready ML pipelines on Databricks.

Who Is This Certification For?

This certification is tailored for:

• Entry- to mid-level Machine Learning Engineers and Data Scientists
• Data professionals looking to enhance their ML skillset using Spark and Databricks
• Developers and engineers working with ML platforms and pipelines
• Individuals preparing to enter the AI/ML job market

It's also a valuable credential for professionals transitioning from traditional data roles into machine learning engineering.

What Jobs Can I Get with This Certification?

The Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate Certification is increasingly sought after and recognized in the following roles:

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Engineer with ML responsibilities
• MLOps Engineer
• AI Developer
• Research Scientist (applied ML)
• Cloud ML Developer

Employers value this certification as proof that you can handle real-world ML tasks on Databricks.

What exam version should I take?

The current and latest live exam version is valid until October 27, 2024. A new version will go live on October 28, 2024. Be sure to confirm the current version based on your intended exam date.

How much does the exam cost?

The exam fee for the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification is $200 USD. Local taxes may apply. Databricks occasionally offers discounts through bundles or special events, so keep an eye on the official certification page.

How many questions are on the exam?

• Depending on the version taken:

  • Up to October 27, 2024: 45 questions
  • On or after October 28, 2024: 48 questions

• The questions are all multiple-choice or multiple-response in format, and may include some unscored items for research purposes.

How much time is given for the exam?

You are given 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the exam.

What languages is the exam available in?

The exam is currently available in English only.

What's the passing score?

You must achieve a 70% score to pass the certification exam. Candidates won't be penalized for unanswered or incorrect unscored questions.

Is the exam difficult?

The exam is beginner-to-intermediate level but should not be underestimated. It tests not only your familiarity with Databricks tools but also your applied ML knowledge and ability to implement ML workflows effectively in production environments.

Using realistic, exam-style practice questions is essential for success. We recommend preparing with professionally designed Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate practice exams that reflect the exam structure and question style.

What domains does the exam cover and what are their weightings?

Here’s the domain breakdown for the most current exam (post-Oct 28, 2024):

1. Databricks Machine Learning (38%)

   • AutoML
   • Unity Catalog and Feature Store
   • MLflow experimentation and model registry
   • Model sourcing, evaluation, and promotion
   • MLOps strategy

2. Data Processing (19%)

   • Data exploration and visualization
   • Missing value treatment and outlier removal
   • Feature encoding and transformation

3. Model Development (31%)

   • Algorithm selection
   • Building ML pipelines
   • Model training and tuning (including Hyperopt)
   • Cross-validation and performance metrics

4. Model Deployment (12%)

   • Custom model serving
   • Batch, streaming, and real-time inference
   • Delta Live Tables integration and usage

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no formal prerequisites to take the exam, but Databricks recommends:

• 6+ months of hands-on experience with Databricks for ML
• Comfort with basic Python and machine learning libraries such as Spark ML and scikit-learn
• Understanding of ML workflows, feature engineering, and runtime environments
• Familiarity with Unity Catalog, Feature Store, and MLflow

What knowledge areas should I focus on?

Key topics to master include:

1. Model Creation & Tracking

   • Using AutoML to automate model creation
   • Logging, registering, transitioning models with MLflow

2. Data Engineering for ML

   • Feature Store use and design
   • Data preprocessing techniques for structured and semi-structured data

3. Pipelines & Workflow Orchestration

   • Developing and managing ML pipelines in Spark
   • Writing reusable workflows using mlflow and Hyperopt

4. Model Evaluation & Tuning

   • Selecting metrics (F1, RMSE, AUC, etc.)
   • Hyperparameter search techniques (grid, random, Bayesian, etc.)
   • Handling biased and imbalanced datasets

5. Model Deployment

   • Real-time vs. batch vs. streaming inference
   • Using Delta Live Tables and model endpoints

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stay clear of these pitfalls when preparing:

• Skipping hands-on labs or trials and relying only on videos or readings
• Neglecting performance metrics and tuning techniques, which are heavily tested
• Not reviewing latest tools like AutoML and Unity Catalog, which are covered in newer exams
• Forgetting pipeline development and MLOps concepts, which tie everything together
• Failing to simulate the actual test experience, especially under time constraints

Practicing with real-world Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate mock exams is one of the best ways to identify weaknesses and strengthen your knowledge before the real test.

How can I prepare for the exam?

Databricks offers a variety of learning paths:

1. Training Courses

   • Instructor-Led: Machine Learning with Databricks
   • Self-Paced: Machine Learning with Databricks (via Academy)

2. Practice Environments

   • Work with the Community Edition or trial enterprise environment
   • Develop ML pipelines and use Feature Store & MLflow
   • Register and deploy models in Unity Catalog

3. Documentation & Resources

   • Browse the Databricks documentation for ML & model serving
   • Review AutoML, Feature Store, and model registry guides
   • Watch tutorials & case study demos on MLOps implementation

4. Practice Tests

   • Rehearse timed questions with detailed explanations
   • Analyze missed responses to sharpen weak areas
   • Work with mock exams that simulate the test layout and logic

How long is the certification valid?

This certification is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the exam.

What happens if I don't pass the exam?

If you don't pass:

• You can retake the exam after a waiting period (usually 14 days)
• Use the score report to spot weak areas
• Re-study those domains and continue practicing
• Focus more time on hands-on exercises and try more practice questions

What's new with the exam after October 28, 2024?

The updated exam content increases focus on:

• Unity Catalog model and data management
• Model promotion via aliases
• More robust ML deployment methods including batch, real-time, and streaming
• ML development best practices (e.g. MLOps, model metadata tagging)

Make sure you're preparing with the most current exam guide version for your test date.

Where can I take the exam?

You can take the exam via online proctoring only:

• Test remotely, from anywhere
• Requires internet connection, webcam, and a quiet environment
• Proctoring rules strictly enforced (no study aids allowed)

How do I register for the exam?

Follow these steps to register:

1. Visit the official Databricks Machine Learning Associate certification page
2. Review prerequisites and select “Register”
3. Choose your preferred language and date
4. Pay the registration fee
5. Receive confirmation and exam instructions

Where can I find more information?

All official details—including exam domains, registration links, and helpful learning resources—can be found on the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate official certification page.

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This highly regarded certification proves your Databricks ML capabilities and opens new doors in the rapidly growing AI and data science job markets. With the right preparation, tools, and high-quality Databricks practice exams, you're well on your way to certification success.