Databricks MLDatabricks Certified Machine Learning Associate
ML engineering on the Databricks Lakehouse platform
Details last reviewed January 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
The Databricks Machine Learning Associate validates skills in using the Databricks platform for ML workflows — including MLflow, feature engineering, model training, and model serving. As Databricks becomes the standard ML platform at large enterprises, this certification carries growing weight.
What you'll validate
- ✓Databricks platform and workspace
- ✓MLflow experiment tracking
- ✓Feature engineering on Databricks
- ✓Model training with Spark ML and scikit-learn
- ✓Model deployment and serving
- ✓Delta Lake integration
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Databricks is widely adopted by Fortune 500 data teams
- +MLflow is the de facto ML experiment tracking standard
- +Validates platform-specific skills that are hard to demonstrate on a resume
Disadvantages
- −Platform-specific — requires Databricks environment
- −Less recognized by non-data employers
Who it's for
Best for
- →ML engineers working on Databricks platforms
- →Data scientists in enterprise data lakehouse environments
Not ideal for
- ×Those not using Databricks
- ×ML beginners without platform experience
Career paths this unlocks
Databricks ML: quick answers
- How much does the Databricks ML exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $200 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for Databricks ML?
- We estimate roughly 100 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the Databricks ML exam?
- The exam is 120 minutes with about 45 questions.
- How long is the Databricks ML credential valid?
- 2 years. Recertify every 2 years
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for Databricks ML
Register for the exam
Register and pay directly on Databricks.com — Databricks Academy also offers prep courses
More places to study
Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
Subscription video courses
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Jobs for Databricks ML holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $200
- Exam Duration
- 120 minutes
- Questions
- ~45
- Passing Score
- 70% (32/45)
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~100 hours
- Validity
- 2 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !Python proficiency; ML fundamentals; basic Spark knowledge recommended
Provider
Databricks
Data and AI certifications on the Lakehouse platform
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