Know what the statistics mean.
One DA0-002 candidate says they did not have to calculate variance or standard deviation, only a median, but needed to know what each measure is for. They also saw Gantt charts in several answer choices.
CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002) Exam Guide
Validates foundational data analytics skills across data concepts, acquisition and preparation, analysis, visualization, reporting and data governance.
Data+ tests whether you can find, prepare, analyze, present and govern data as an early-career analyst. Expect scenarios about data quality, choosing a statistic or chart, and handling sensitive data. Learn the domains with one book or course, practise on a real dataset, then use practice tests to find gaps.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
1.0Data concepts and environments20%
- 1.1Explain data concepts.
- 1.2Identify types of data sources.
- 1.3Identify infrastructure concepts.
- 1.4Identify common data analysis tools.
- 1.5Identify artificial intelligence (AI) concepts.
Example scenario: A team stores sales data in a relational database and customer feedback as JSON files. How would you describe the difference in structure, and which tool would you use for each?
2.0Data acquisition and preparation22%
- 2.1Use data acquisition methods.Scenario
- 2.2Perform data exploration to identify possible inconsistencies with a data set.Scenario
- 2.3Perform appropriate data transformation and cleansing techniques.Scenario
Example scenario: Two customer lists use different date formats and some customers appear in both. What steps would you take before combining them?
3.0Data analysis24%
- 3.1Given a set of requirements, determine the appropriate communication approach for data analysis.
- 3.2Select the appropriate statistical method or function.Scenario
- 3.3Troubleshoot basic issues using the appropriate tool or method.Scenario
Example scenario: Average order value jumped this month because of a few very large orders. Which measure would describe a typical order better, and why?
4.0Visualization and reporting20%
- 4.1Use the appropriate visual elements.Scenario
- 4.2Use the appropriate delivery or consumption method.Scenario
- 4.3Troubleshoot issues using report validation techniques.Scenario
Example scenario: A manager wants to compare monthly sales across five regions over two years. Which chart would you choose, and what would you check before publishing it?
5.0Data governance14%
- 5.1Explain data management concepts.
- 5.2Summarize concepts related to data compliance.
- 5.3Compare and contrast data privacy and protection practices.
- 5.4Compare and contrast data quality assurance practices.
Example scenario: A report shared with a vendor must not reveal customer email addresses. How would you protect them while keeping the report useful?
Official Data+ V2 exam page · DA0-002 (V2)
Format
- Questions
- Up to 90
- Duration
- 90 min
- Passing score
- 675 / 900
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English, Japanese
Question types
Choose the best answer from the options, or the stated number of answers when a question asks for more than one.
CertUp example
A survey column has the values Yes, No and some blanks. What should you do with the blanks before calculating the percentage of Yes answers?
Show answer
B. A blank may mean the question was skipped or a real No, and the choice changes the percentage, so decide it first and apply it consistently.
Complete a hands-on task in a simulated environment, such as configuring a setting, reading output or putting steps in order.
CertUp example
Match each chart to the question it answers best. Questions: how sales change month to month, which region sold the most, whether ad spend is related to sales, how order sizes are spread.
Show answer
Line chart → sales over months, bar chart → which region sold the most, scatter plot → ad spend against sales, histogram → spread of order sizes.
Make a study plan
Read the domain outline and try a short set of practice questions. Work through one book or course, and practise each topic on a real dataset in a spreadsheet, SQL or a BI tool.
Most candidates spend 30–70 hours. Plan for the low end if you already analyze data at work; plan for the high end if statistics, SQL and charts are new to you.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.3 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.29 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.15 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.3 h
Learn the core concepts
Use the Sybex guide or the LinkedIn Learning course as your main resource. Check every topic against CompTIA's domain outline.
Best bookCompTIA Data+ Study Guide: Exam DA0-002, 2nd edition
Best video courseCompTIA Data+ (DA0-002) Cert Prep
Best official bundleCertMaster Learn and Exam Bundle for Data+Work with a real dataset. Download a public dataset, clean it, calculate summary statistics and build one dashboard as you study each domain.
Practice with mock exams
Take practice tests to find weak domains, then review why each option is right or wrong. Read each question carefully, because a single word can change the answer.
Data+ Practice Test (V2)CertMaster Practice for Data+ (V2)Sybex Online Test Bank (Data+ Study Guide, 2nd edition)Are you ready?
- You can explain when to use the mean, median or standard deviation.
- You can pick a suitable chart for a given question and audience.
- You can explain how masking, encryption and access control protect data differently.
Prepare for exam day
Buy a voucher and schedule with Pearson VUE. The voucher is valid for 12 months, subject to the exam retirement date.
At a test centre
Testing from home
- Bring the identification listed in your appointment confirmation, with the same name as your booking.
- Arrive at the time specified in your confirmation and store personal belongings as instructed.
- Use the exam tutorial before the 90-minute timer starts.
- Run the OnVUE system test on the computer and connection you will use.
- Prepare a private room and clear your desk.
- Have your accepted ID ready and begin check-in at the time stated in your confirmation.
Advice from exam takers
Use more than one practice test.
The same candidate found CertMaster's practice test closest to the exam because it includes PBQs, and the two Sybex tests similar without PBQs. Another candidate says their CertMaster practice score was within a few points of their real score.