dbt Certification

dbt Analytics Engineering Study Guide

Everything you need to pass: exam domains, study strategy, and day-by-day preparation plans.

info Exam at a Glance

1200

Questions

90min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

0.1min

Per Question

bar_chart Where the Questions Come From

Domains ranked by question count. Start with the top ones, they carry the most weight.

Topic 1: Developing dbt models

28% 330Q

Topic 5: Implementing dbt tests

15% 180Q

Topic 3: Debugging data modeling errors

13% 160Q

Topic 2: Understanding dbt models governance

11% 130Q

Topic 4: Managing data pipelines

10% 120Q

Topic 8: Leveraging the dbt state

9% 105Q

Topic 6: Creating and Maintaining dbt documentation

8% 90Q

Topic 7: Implementing and maintaining external dependencies

7% 85Q

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Where to start: The top 3 domains usually cover 40-60% of your exam. Nail those first, then work your way down.

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The rest of the guide is locked

Study strategy, day-by-day plans, exam day tips, and FAQ.

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school How to Study for dbt Analytics Engineering

A simple 5-step plan that works. Follow it in order.

Know your domains

Look at the domain breakdown above. The heavier domains get more questions on the real exam. Start there.

Go one topic at a time

Pick a domain, study it end to end, then move to the next. Jumping around wastes time.

Practice with real questions

Start untimed to learn. Then switch to timed mode once you are comfortable.

Read the explanations

Do not just memorize answers. Read why each option is right or wrong.

Simulate the real exam

Take a full timed mock exam. No distractions, no pausing. Review everything you got wrong.

calendar_month Pick a Study Schedule

Three options depending on how much time you have. Each one covers all 1200 questions.

Sprint ~600 Q/day, 4-6 hrs/day

chevron_right Day 1 4 topics

800 Q

Topic 1: Developing dbt models 330 Topic 5: Implementing dbt tests 180 Topic 3: Debugging data modeling errors 160 Topic 2: Understanding dbt models governance 130

Review exam format (15 min) Timed practice (45 min) Review wrong answers (30 min)

chevron_right Day 2 4 topics

400 Q

Topic 4: Managing data pipelines 120 Topic 8: Leveraging the dbt state 105 Topic 6: Creating and Maintaining dbt documentation 90 Topic 7: Implementing and maintaining external dependencies 85

Full timed exam (90 min) Deep review (45 min) Weakest topics review (20 min)

Balanced Recommended, ~240 Q/day, 2-3 hrs/day

chevron_right Core Foundations

510 Q

Build your base knowledge

Topic 1: Developing dbt models 330 Topic 5: Implementing dbt tests 180

chevron_right Advanced Topics

290 Q

Deepen understanding

Topic 3: Debugging data modeling errors 160 Topic 2: Understanding dbt models governance 130

chevron_right Applied Scenarios

225 Q

Connect concepts

Topic 4: Managing data pipelines 120 Topic 8: Leveraging the dbt state 105

chevron_right Practice & Review

175 Q

Identify weak spots

Topic 6: Creating and Maintaining dbt documentation 90 Topic 7: Implementing and maintaining external dependencies 85

chevron_right Final Simulation

0 Q

Exam readiness check

Full timed mock exam Review all wrong answers Target weakest domains

Thorough ~172 Q/day, 1-2 hrs/day

chevron_right Orientation & Fundamentals

510 Q

Get oriented, start strong

Topic 1: Developing dbt models 330 Topic 5: Implementing dbt tests 180

chevron_right Core Topics Deep Dive

290 Q

Master the essentials

Topic 3: Debugging data modeling errors 160 Topic 2: Understanding dbt models governance 130

chevron_right Intermediate Concepts

225 Q

Build complexity

Topic 4: Managing data pipelines 120 Topic 8: Leveraging the dbt state 105

chevron_right Advanced Scenarios

175 Q

Apply knowledge

Topic 6: Creating and Maintaining dbt documentation 90 Topic 7: Implementing and maintaining external dependencies 85

chevron_right Cross-Topic Review

0 Q

Connect the dots

chevron_right Weak Area Intensive

0 Q

Target your gaps

Focus on your weakest areas

chevron_right Final Exam Simulation

0 Q

Prove you are ready

Full timed mock exam Deep review

tips_and_updates On Exam Day

schedule

Pace yourself

90 min, 1200 questions. About 0.1 min each. Flag hard ones, come back later.

target

Know your target

You need 70% to pass. That is 840 correct out of 1200. You do not need perfect.

psychology

Work smart

Eliminate wrong answers first. If unsure between two, go with your first instinct. Flag anything you want to revisit.

self_improvement

Stay cool

You prepared for this. If a section feels hard, that is normal. Breathe, stay focused, keep moving.

help Common Questions

How many questions are on the dbt Analytics Engineering? expand_more

1200 questions, 90 minutes. That gives you roughly 0.1 minutes per question.

What score do I need to pass? expand_more

70%. You need at least 840 out of 1200 correct.

What is the best way to prepare? expand_more

Start with free practice questions to see where you stand. Use the study guide to fill gaps. Take timed mock exams until you consistently hit the pass score.

Are these questions like the real exam? expand_more

Yes. Same format, same difficulty, same topic distribution. We update the question bank when the exam changes.

Start practicing now

Real exam questions. Instant feedback. Track your progress as you go.

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