Clearing Microsoft DP-900 in First attempt within a week
Data and Cloud have always fascinated the analyst in me, but I specifically came across two subjects in my 7th semester that piqued my interest. These two subjects were: “Cloud Computing” and “Data Warehousing and Data Management”. After completion of my 7th semester, I landed an opportunity to intern at Cognizant. The organisation was familiar with my interest towards both Cloud and Data, and hence I was assigned a role as an Azure Data Engineer Intern. During the time of this internship, I formed enriching bonds with my fellow interns, who actually inspired me to give this DP-900 exam.
And here I am, after one week of continuously searching and solving dumps that I found online, clearing my first ever Microsoft Certification. After an entire week of rigorous training and focus. Azure Data Fundamentals validates foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how these concepts are implemented using Microsoft Azure data services, For doing preparation in a situation that is time-bound , one needs to perform a step-by-step analysis. A through understanding of the components required to ace the certification.
Day 1
(Monday, 29th August)
Firstly, I went through Microsoft Learn website to understand the components and skills required for clearing this certification. The percentage breakup of the skills measured was clearly mentioned on the website, the outcomes were as follows:
- Describing core data concepts (25-30%)
- Identifying considerations for relational data on Azure (20-25%)
- Describing considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure (15-20%)
- Describing an analytics workload on Azure (25-30%)
After gaining a through understanding of the syllabus, on the Microsoft Learn portal there was an entire section dedicated to these learning outcomes. Under each outcome 2 or 3 modules along with quizzes were present, which played a crucial role in helping me ace my certification. On Day 1, I thoroughly prepared fundamentals via Microsoft’s official learning platform.
Day 2
(Tuesday, 30th August)
With the advent of the second day, I revised the contents of the Udemy Course, “DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals in a Weekend” by in28minutes Official.
The course helped me gain knowledge about:
- Core Data concepts
- Working with relational data on Azure
- Working with non relational data on Azure
- Working with analytics workload on Azure.
Here’s the link to the Udemy course,
“https://www.udemy.com/share/1054Cw/”.
Day 3
(Wednesday, 31st August)
After going through five sections of the Udemy Course on second day, third day started with the target of achieving next six sections. The summarized notes and presentations shared by the instructor helped in recapitulating concepts learned on the second day. After completion of most of the coursework, I came through a YouTube video , shared by my friend who helped me practice and put my skills to a test. As the third day came to an end, I was done with 11 sections of Udemy courses and 20 Questions of Youtube video.
Day 4
(Thursday, 1st September)
This day was all about Practice, Practice and Practice. The more Practice I did, the more I felt the need to learn more about Azure. On this day, covered all the 80 questions in the video and curated some handmade notes to help me with a through understanding.
After being confident enough about preparation, in the evening we booked our exam. But due to harsh luck, no slot was available on the next day. Hence, I booked the slot for 3rd of September.
Day 5
(Friday, 2nd September)
On the fifth day, I decided to go for the mock test that came with Udemy course. The test was quite easy to crack and had a conceptual understanding of various topics. This test was enough to brush up my skills.
After doing and reverse engineering the contents of the mock test, I decided to take a break and relax for a while. However, while relaxing I forgot to keep an eye on my inbox and I got to know that after almost 24 hours of your booking, Microsoft shares an official mock test.
Day 6 — The exam day
(Saturday, 3rd September)
As I woke up on the exam day with the intent to relax, I came across the official mock test mail. I felt immediately the need to attempt it, and hence decided to go for it. Just to save some time, I modified the test and instead of attempting 40-45 questions at a time. I went for attempting all the 119 questions at a go, which actually turned out to be quite hectic. After attempting the questions, I felt apprehensive as I had just scored 59% and 70% was the cut off required to clear the exam. So, I got determined to review the questions which I got wrong. I decided to reschedule the test and prepare more for it, but unfortunately the exam was in the evening and for rescheduling the exam, you need to inform at least 24 hours prior to the exam. So, I was stuck in a situation which was similar to a swamp. To my rescue, came an idea to curate last minute handouts for revising before the exam. These last minute handouts helped me clear my exam.
At 5pm, I checked in for my exam and by 6.30pm I had cleared the certification and got my Badge of Azure Data Fundamentals. I felt elated at that moment. I hope my strategy will help you clear your DP-900 certification. GOOD LUCK!
