AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate: Complete Guide 2025
DEA-C01
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certification validates your ability to design, build, and maintain data pipelines on AWS. If you are preparing for exam DEA-C01, this AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate overview is built for IT professionals targeting roles such as Data Engineer, Analytics Engineer, ETL Developer, and Big Data Engineer. The exam includes 65 questions in 170 minutes, requires a passing score of 720 out of 1000, and focuses on four core domains: Data Ingestion and Transformation (34%), Data Store Management (26%), Data Operations and Support (22%), and Data Security and Governance (18%). With cloud data engineering skills in high demand, this certification helps prove practical AWS knowledge that employers value across analytics, streaming, storage, and governance workloads.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Data Ingestion and Transformation
Data Store Management
Data Operations and Support
Data Security and Governance
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals seeking Amazon Web Services (AWS) expertise
- Data & Analytics practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Study Timeline
8-12 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$140,000
Average Annual Salary
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Prerequisites
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certification. However, Amazon Web Services (AWS) recommends having foundational knowledge of data & analytics concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate FAQs
Common questions about the DEA-C01 certification exam
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate is a professional certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is DEA-C01. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS) technologies.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam typically contains 65 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam is 720/1000. Note that Amazon Web Services (AWS) uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam duration is 170 minutes (3 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam costs $150. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. Amazon Web Services (AWS) occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through Amazon Web Services (AWS)'s continuing education program.
While Amazon Web Services (AWS) doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Amazon Web Services (AWS) typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
Sources
About the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate Certification
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate (DEA-C01) is a associate-level certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification validates your expertise in data & analytics and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 65 questions to be completed in 170 minutes, with a passing score of 720/1000. The exam fee is $150, and the certification is valid for 3 years.
Why Get AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $140,000 per year. Amazon Web Services (AWS)-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the data & analytics industry.
- Industry Recognition: Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in data & analytics technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 4 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate Exam Format & Details
The DEA-C01 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 170 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 65 questions. A score of 720/1000 is required to pass. As an associate-level certification, it requires a solid understanding of the core technologies and some hands-on experience.
Exam Domains & Topics
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam covers 4 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Data Ingestion and Transformation (34% of exam)
- Data Store Management (26% of exam)
- Data Operations and Support (22% of exam)
- Data Security and Governance (18% of exam)
Who Should Take the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals seeking Amazon Web Services (AWS) expertise
- Data & Analytics practitioners looking to validate their skills
- Professionals preparing for a career in data & analytics
- Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
- Team leads and managers who need to understand data & analytics concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certification opens doors to roles such as Data Engineer, Analytics Engineer, ETL Developer, Big Data Engineer. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $140,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for data & analytics skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet Amazon Web Services (AWS)'s renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The DEA-C01 exam costs $150. You can register through Amazon Web Services (AWS)'s official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for DEA-C01
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Hydranode offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt. Our AI-powered practice questions are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual DEA-C01 exam, giving you realistic preparation and instant feedback on your performance.