How to Pass the dbt Certification

June 18, 2023

This past month, I’ve hit a pretty cool milestone – I passed the dbt Analytics Engineering Certification! It feels great to notch up another win in the data analytics arena.

For the uninitiated, dbt (data build tool) is your go-to for transforming data within your data warehouse. With dbt, you can apply engineering best practices like version control, testing, and documentation directly to the data transformation process. The exam? Well, it’s a pretty thorough exploration of all things dbt, from the nuts and bolts of coding to the processes that surround the tool.

So, how did the exam go? I had a few hiccups, I am not gonna lie 😅, but it was also a very cool chance to test my knowledge. It pushed me to look at the tool from angles I hadn’t considered before and really dig into what makes dbt tick.

Pro Tips for Nailing the Certification:

First off, don’t sleep on the range of topics the exam covers. It’s wide-ranging and tests you on everything from A to Z in the dbt universe. It’s not enough to just know your way around SQL or setting up dbt models; you’ve got to get the bigger picture and use all the features that the tool provides. Do yourself a favor and get comfy with the topics in the study guide (updated for May 2024(.

By the time I sat for the exam, I’d been getting hands-on experience with dbt for over a year, tackling real-world puzzles instead of just reading the theory. Also, I had deployed half a dozen dbt projects. This experience was gold since there are many topics that you are tested on that you usually do only once when you deploy a new project.

Getting stuck? Well, debugging is part of the dbt charm. Being able to troubleshoot your data models and scripts is key. Practice is your best friend here, so don’t be afraid to break things on purpose just to fix them again.

Dive into the dbt community. There’s a fantastic forum and Slack group buzzing with folks who are navigating the same waters. It’s a rich ressource of tips, support, and shared wisdom that can really give you an edge.

When hitting the books, make the dbt documentation your bible. A lot of what you need to know for the exam, especially around dbt project architecture and setup, is in there. Trust me, you will be quizzed on this for many questions on the exam!

Watch the clock during the exam. It’s easy to get bogged down on tricky questions, so pace yourself and keep moving. Stuck? Skip it and circle back later.

Hoping these nuggets of advice help anyone gearing up for the dbt certification. Certifications are always a bit nerve-wracking, but absolutely worth the effort. Good luck – you’ve got this! 💪