Microsoft Azure DP-420 Exam Questions 2025

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Our DP-420 Exam Questions give you focused, real exam preparation for the Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty certification. Each question is verified by Azure database professionals and includes precise answers and clear explanations, covering design, optimization, and security. Use free samples and our online simulator to pass confidently with Cert Empire.

 

About DP-420 Exam

What is the Microsoft DP-420 exam, and what will you learn from it?

The Microsoft Azure DP-420 exam, officially titled Designing and Implementing Azure Cosmos DB Solutions, is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate expertise in designing, implementing, and managing NoSQL database solutions using Azure Cosmos DB. 

It is ideal for database administrators, developers, and data engineers working with globally distributed, highly available, and scalable cloud databases.

By preparing for and passing the DP-420 exam, you will gain hands-on experience in data modeling, partitioning, scaling, security, and performance optimization for Cosmos DB. Practicing with the best DP-420 exam questions at Cert Empire ensures you are prepared for scenario-based questions and real-world database deployment challenges.

Exam Snapshot

Exam Detail

Description

Exam Code

DP-420

Exam Name

Designing and Implementing Azure Cosmos DB Solutions

Vendor

Microsoft

Version / Year

2025

Average Salary

$110,000 – $135,000 annually (varies by region and experience)

Cost

$165 USD

Exam Format

Multiple-choice, scenario-based, and practical implementation tasks

Duration (minutes)

120 minutes

Delivery Method

Online proctored or testing center

Languages

English, plus additional languages

Scoring Method

Weighted scoring (0–1000 points)

Passing Score

700/1000

Prerequisites

Recommended: experience with Azure, NoSQL databases, and programming

Retake Policy

Wait 24 hours after first attempt; limited attempts in a year

Target Audience

Database administrators, developers, and data engineers

Certification Validity

1 year

Release Date

2020 (current version updated periodically)

Prerequisites before taking the DP-420 exam

Candidates should ideally have:

  • Experience with Azure database services, including Cosmos DB and SQL API.
  • Knowledge of NoSQL database concepts, partitioning, indexing, and consistency models.
  • Familiarity with programming languages such as C#, Python, or Java for database integration.
  • Understanding of security, monitoring, and scaling strategies in Azure databases.

Completion of AZ-900 or AZ-104 is recommended but not mandatory.

Main objectives and domains you will study for DP-420

The DP-420 exam focuses on designing and implementing Azure Cosmos DB solutions. The main domains include:

  1. Design and Implement Data Models (25–30%) – Modeling documents, partitioning, and data consistency.
  2. Design and Implement Partitioning and Scaling (20–25%) – Partition keys, throughput scaling, and multi-region replication.
  3. Implement Security and Compliance (15–20%) – Access control, encryption, and compliance practices.
  4. Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Solutions (15–20%) – Performance monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
  5. Design and Implement Solutions Using APIs (20–25%) – SQL API, MongoDB API, Cassandra API, Gremlin API, and Table API.

Topics to cover in each DP-420 exam domain

Design and Implement Data Models:

  • Data modeling for document, key-value, graph, and column-family data
  • Implementing partitioning strategies
  • Managing consistency levels and replication

Design and Implement Partitioning and Scaling:

  • Selecting effective partition keys
  • Scaling throughput using manual or autoscale options
  • Configuring multi-region writes and failover

Implement Security and Compliance:

  • Configuring role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Encrypting data at rest and in transit
  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Optimize Solutions:

  • Using metrics, logs, and diagnostics
  • Optimizing queries and indexing policies
  • Troubleshooting latency and availability issues

Design and Implement Solutions Using APIs:

  • Using SQL API for querying data
  • Implementing MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, and Table API solutions
  • Integrating Cosmos DB with applications and other Azure services

Changes in the latest version of DP-420

The latest DP-420 version emphasizes multi-model database solutions, global distribution, and advanced performance optimization. Microsoft also updated content to reflect new APIs, security features, and best practices for enterprise-scale Cosmos DB deployments.

Register and schedule your DP-420 exam

You can register through the Microsoft Certification portal. Exams are available online with a proctor or at authorized testing centers.

DP-420 exam cost, and can you get any discounts?

The standard exam fee is $165 USD. Discounts may be available for students, educators, or Microsoft Learn partners. Bundled study resources and practice questions from Cert Empire help reduce cost and improve preparation.

Exam policies you should know before taking DP-420

  • Present a valid government-issued ID.
  • Arrive or log in 30 minutes early.
  • Electronic devices, notes, and calculators are prohibited during the exam.
  • Review retake policies in case of unsuccessful attempts.

What can you expect on your DP-420 exam day?

  • Multiple-choice, scenario-based, and hands-on implementation questions.
  • Tasks involving data modeling, partitioning, scaling, and security for Cosmos DB.
  • 120 minutes to complete the exam.

Practicing with the best DP-420 exam questions at Cert Empire ensures familiarity with real-world Cosmos DB scenarios and strengthens your confidence for the exam.

Plan your DP-420 study schedule effectively with 5 Study Tips

Tip 1: Review the official DP-420 exam blueprint in detail.
Tip 2: Use hands-on labs to practice data modeling, partitioning, and API integration.
Tip 3: Practice high-quality exam questions to identify and address weak areas.
Tip 4: Join forums or study groups focused on Cosmos DB and Azure databases.
Tip 5: Take timed practice exams to simulate real testing conditions and improve pacing.

Best study resources you can use to prepare for DP-420

  • Microsoft Learn: DP-420 learning paths and hands-on labs
  • Azure free tier for testing Cosmos DB solutions
  • Cert Empire’s curated DP-420 practice questions
  • Video tutorials from Microsoft and trusted online platforms
  • Database and Azure forums for community support

Career opportunities you can explore after earning DP-420

  • Azure Database Administrator – managing Cosmos DB and other Azure database services.
  • Cloud Data Engineer – designing scalable, secure, and distributed NoSQL solutions.
  • Azure Developer – integrating Cosmos DB into applications.
  • Data Solutions Architect – designing enterprise-grade data solutions in Azure.

DP-420 certification demonstrates your ability to build scalable, high-performance, and secure Cosmos DB solutions, enhancing career opportunities in cloud data engineering.

Certifications to go for after completing DP-420

  • DP-100: Azure Data Scientist Associate
  • AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • AI-102: Azure AI Engineer Associate (for AI-integrated database solutions)

These certifications build on DP-420 skills and prepare professionals for advanced roles in Azure data, AI, and cloud architecture.

How does DP-420 compare to other beginner-level cloud certifications?

DP-420 is more specialized than AZ-900 or AZ-104, focusing on NoSQL and Cosmos DB solutions rather than general cloud fundamentals or administration. It is ideal for developers, database administrators, and data engineers aiming to design and implement cloud-native, globally distributed database solutions on Azure.

Practicing with the best DP-420 exam questions at Cert Empire ensures you gain practical experience, understand scenario-based questions, and confidently pass the exam while building real-world Cosmos DB skills.

 

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