Data Engineer exam topics with real interview-style Q&A—covering Spark on Kubernetes, Apache Airflow, Iceberg, Performan
Sub Category
- IT Certifications
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Objectives
- Design reliable data models on Cloudera Data Platform (CDP) using Apache Iceberg with ACID, time-travel, and schema evolution.
- Build and optimize Apache Spark pipelines (DataFrame/Spark SQL) on Kubernetes, with correct executor sizing and shuffle strategy.
- Implement incremental ETL/CDC patterns and idempotent upserts using Spark MERGE, checkpoints, and watermarking.
- Tune Spark jobs for performance: fix skewed joins, enable AQE, prune partitions/columns, and reduce small files via compaction.
- Choose effective partitioning, bucketing, and file-size targets for large fact tables to balance cost and speed.
- Orchestrate pipelines with Apache Airflow: production-grade DAG design, retries/SLAs, alerts, and pre/post-load data quality checks.
- Secure and operate pipelines on CDP with least-privilege access, secrets management, monitoring dashboards, and auditability.
- Deploy and promote jobs via the CDP Data Engineering Service (DES) CLI/API, including blue/green and canary releases.
- Diagnose failures quickly from Spark UI and Airflow logs; run safe rollbacks and targeted backfills.
- Apply real exam patterns for the CDP Data Engineer certification: topic weightings, common traps, and time-saving strategies.
- Map business queries to efficient table formats (Parquet vs Iceberg) and choose the right catalog/integration approach.
- Measure success with concrete KPIs: wall-clock time, shuffle MB, task p95, data freshness, and DQ pass rates.
Pre Requisites
- No strict prerequisites — this course is interview-style and exam-focused. You can join as a motivated beginner.
- Basic knowledge of SQL (SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY) and data warehousing terms. (optional)
- Familiarity with Apache Spark concepts (DataFrames, transformations vs. actions). (optional)
- High-level understanding of Apache Airflow (DAGs, retries, alerts) and CI/CD ideas. (optional)
- Comfort reading technical artifacts like Spark UI screenshots or Airflow logs. (optional)
FAQ
- Q. How long do I have access to the course materials?
- A. You can view and review the lecture materials indefinitely, like an on-demand channel.
- Q. Can I take my courses with me wherever I go?
- A. Definitely! If you have an internet connection, courses on Udemy are available on any device at any time. If you don't have an internet connection, some instructors also let their students download course lectures. That's up to the instructor though, so make sure you get on their good side!
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