Snowflake is part of the data stack that our data engineering team is implementing. As a part of that, I am working to get certified so that I can better support the tool.
My goal for this post is to highlight how I use certifications to understand tools, what preparation I am doing, and layout how I am thinking about approaching the exam.
I enjoy certifications because it lets you understand what features of the tool the company feels are most important to understand at a foundational level. I use this understanding to ensure I am aware of what the tool has to offer and be able to compare it with potential alternatives. It also gives me the framework to google the right questions. Since this exam is on its second version it shows the company has re-evaluated what is important to understand about Snowflake’s foundational and gives them the ability to adjust.
Here is a list of the preparation I will be have done or will be doing.
- Recieved training by Snowflake regarding the fundamentals
- Purchase a course from Udemy
- Purchase Practive Exams
At the time of writing, Snowflake has released a newer version of certifications and so the material may be a little out of date.
Snowflake SnowPro Core certification Exam Format (at the time of writing)
Exam Version: COF-C02
Total Number of Questions: 100
Question Types: Multiple Select, Multiple Choice
Time Limit: 115 minutes
Languages: English
Registration Fee: $175 USD
Passing Score: 750 + Scaled Scoring from 0 – 1000
Unscored Content: Exams may include unscored items to gather statistical information. These items are not identified on the form and do not affect your score, and additional time is factored in to account for this content.
No Prerequisites
Delivery Options:
- Online Proctoring
- Onsite Testing Centers
Topics the exam should cover.
| Domain (Topics) | Estimated Percentage Range |
| 1. Snowflake Cloud Data Platform Features and Architecture | 20 – 25% (20-25 questions) |
| 2. Account Access and Security | 20 – 25% (20-25 questions) |
| 3. Performance Concepts | 10 – 15% (10-15 questions) |
| 4. Data Loading and Unloading | 5 – 10% (5-10 questions) |
| 5. Data Transformations | 20 – 25% (20-25 questions) |
| 6. Data Protection and Data Sharing | 5 – 10% (5-10 questions) |
115 minutes to answer 100 questions means you should be spending, on average, no more than 45 seconds per question.
Also for these exams, while I try to understand each of the domains, I would focus on the domains weighted the most. Combined these will make up at least 800 of the 1000 points and you will notice that only 750 is considered a pass.
1. Snowflake Cloud Data Platform Features and Architecture
2. Account Access and Security
5. Data Transformations
3. Performance Concepts
Tips
I love to get out a piece of paper to draw important concepts so I can better understand and remember them for exams.
Conclusion
My hope is that this was beneficial for anyone looking into preparing for the exam. I will probably have a part 2 to this post.