Microsoft Azure DP-420 Real Exam Questions [Feb 2026 Update]

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

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.

Why Practice Exam Questions Are Essential for Passing Microsoft DP-420 Exam in 2026

Passing the DP-420 certification isn’t about memorizing terms or rot learning, it’s about developing the aptitude required of a database solutions architect. Loaded with detailed explanations and extensive references, Cert Empire’s DP-420 Exam Questions are designed to help you think like an actual Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB developer. These practice questions mirror the Microsoft exam pattern, guiding you through what’s required to pass the exam on your first attempt.

Prepare Smarter with Exam Familiar Quiz

The DP-420 exam is challenging and broad, but consistent practice transforms that difficulty into strength. By regularly solving real exam-style questions, you’ll improve your pacing, reduce anxiety, and recognize recurring question logic. Over time, the format will feel second nature, allowing you to focus on accuracy instead of uncertainty on exam day.

Master Every Domain with Real Exam Logic

The DP-420 practice questions cover all official domains in the correct proportion. This means you’re not just preparing one domain, but all of them, making your exam preparation comprehensive. You can check all Microsoft certifications to compare this exam with others in the same track.

What’s Included in Our DP-420 Exam Prep Material

It’s not just a question blob that we offer, but a whole experience that transforms your exam preparation. Here is exactly what you get:

PDF Exam Questions

• Instant Access: Start preparing right after purchase with immediate delivery.
• Study Anywhere: Access the soft form questions from your phone, laptop, or tablet.
• Printable Format: Ideal for offline review and personal note-taking, and especially if you prefer to study from hard-form documents.

Interactive Practice Simulator

• Question Simulation: Our online DP-420 exam practice simulator is designed to help you interactively review and prepare for the exam with tailored features such as show/hide answers, see correct answers etc.
• Flashcard-like Practice: Save your toughest questions and revisit them until you’ve mastered each domain.
• Progress Tracking: The progress tracking feature of our quiz simulator lets you resume your study journey right from where you left.

3 Months of Unlimited Access

Enjoy full, unrestricted access for three months, long enough to practice, revise, and retake simulations until you are satisfied with your results.

Regular Updates

Cloud databases and distributed systems evolve rapidly, so being current is the cornerstone of DP-420 exam prep. Being mindful of that, CertEmpire’s certified exam coaches keep the content of the practice questions up to date with the latest exam requirements so that you always have the latest exam questions and resources available to you.

Free Practice Tests

To make the decision easy for you, we offer free practice tests for the DP-420 exam. Look at the right side-bar and you will find the free practice test button that will take you to a sample free DP-420 practice test. Go through the free DP-420 exam questions section and discover the richness of our practice questions.

Free Exam Guides

Cert Empire offers free exam preparation guides for DP-420. You can find a trove of DP-420 related exam prep resources at our website in our blog section. From tailored study plans for success in DP-420 to exam day guidelines, we have covered it all. Cherry on the top, you do not have to be our customer to access this material, and it is free for all.

Important Note

Our DP-420 Exam Questions are updated regularly to match the latest Microsoft exam version.

The Cert Empire content team, led by certified DP-420 professionals, has taken the newest release and added updated concepts, frameworks, and Cosmos DB data modeling techniques to ensure relevance.

✔ Each question includes detailed reasoning for both correct and incorrect options, helping you understand the full context behind every answer.
✔ Every solution links to official Microsoft references, allowing you to expand your knowledge through verified documentation.
✔ Mobile-Compatible – Both the PDF and simulator versions are easy to use across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even in printed form.

The DP-420 remains one of the most respected certifications in database development, proving mastery of Azure Cosmos DB, performance tuning, and cloud data architecture.