CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002): exam guide, passing score and how to prepare
Every question and every answer is checked twice before you see it.
What the CompTIA Data+ exam covers, what to check before you book, the ideas people mix up, and a simple way to prepare. Last updated .
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Before exam day: what to know about CompTIA Data+
The real exam is run by the provider. These are the details people look for before they book.
Source: the provider’s official page, checked on 1 November 2026. The provider can change these details at any time.
Your exam-day checklist
- Confirm the details above on the provider’s page the day you book. Formats and rules change.
- Match your name and ID. The name on your registration usually has to match your identification. Check the provider’s ID rules.
- Test your set-up early if you take the exam online: camera, microphone, internet and a clear desk. Providers publish a system test.
- Know the rules for breaks and materials before you sit. Read the candidate agreement.
- Rehearse at exam pace. Take your last practice test with a timer and no notes.
What the CompTIA Data+ exam covers
The CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002) exam is about data analysis, visualisation, governance and quality. Always check the provider’s official exam guide for the current objectives, fees and format.
Roles this can lead to
- Data analyst
- Reporting or BI analyst
- Business analyst
- Data quality analyst
Easy to mix up on the CompTIA Data+ exam
Exam questions often use two ideas that sound alike. Learn the difference once and several questions become easy.
| Pair | The key difference | How to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Mean or Median | The mean is the arithmetic average and is pulled by extreme values, while the median is the middle value and resists outliers. | Report the median for skewed data such as house prices; use the mean when values are roughly symmetric. |
| ETL or ELT | ETL transforms data before loading it into the target, while ELT loads raw data first and transforms it inside the target system. | Use ETL when data must be cleaned before it reaches the warehouse; use ELT when the target platform can transform large volumes efficiently. |
| Star schema or Snowflake schema | A star schema keeps dimension tables denormalised around a fact table, while a snowflake schema normalises dimensions into further related tables. | Choose a star schema for simpler, faster reporting queries; choose a snowflake schema to reduce redundancy in large dimensions. |
| Correlation or Causation | Correlation means two variables move together, while causation means a change in one produces a change in the other. | Say 'associated with' when you only see a relationship in the data; claim a cause only when a controlled test or strong evidence supports it. |
Study notes written by us. Always check the provider’s exam guide for the current objectives.
How to prepare in four steps
- Read the official exam guideNote the domains and their weights on the provider’s page.
- Take Test 1 as a baseline90 questions in 90 minutes, no notes.
- Fix the gapsRead every explanation and keep an error log.
- Repeat to 82%Two timed tests in a row, then book the exam.
See how we explain every option
Each option in our tests has a reason: why the right answer is right and what trap each wrong option sets.
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A customer table lists the same person twice, once as 'Jon Smith' and once as 'Jonathan Smith', with the same email address. Which data quality dimension is most clearly affected?
Illustration from the data topic area. An original question written for this exam’s topics, not an actual exam question.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CompTIA Data+ exam?
The CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002) exam is about data analysis, visualisation, governance and quality. We rate it intermediate level in our guide to help you choose.
What is the passing score for CompTIA Data+?
675 on a scale of 100 to 900. Source: the provider, checked 1 November 2026. The provider can change this at any time.
How long is the CompTIA Data+ exam?
90 minutes, with Up to 90 questions. Source: the provider, checked 1 November 2026.
Who should take CompTIA Data+?
It suits people in or moving toward roles such as Data analyst, Reporting or BI analyst, Business analyst. A certificate supports an application but does not guarantee a job.
How should I prepare for CompTIA Data+?
Read the provider's official exam guide, take one timed practice test as a baseline, fix the topics you missed, then repeat until you reach about 82 percent twice in a row. Our CompTIA Data+ study plan shows the pace.
Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any certification vendor or exam body. Certification names, exam codes and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exam a practice product prepares for. Our questions are original and are not actual exam questions.