Congratulations on taking the first step towards mastering the Snowflake Data Cloud!Â
Whether you’re aiming for Snowflake certification, seeking to enhance your proficiency with the platform, exploring new data implementation strategies, or developing internal training programs, accessing quality training resources is critical for success in Snowflake.
As the proud recipient of the 2023 (and 2022) Snowflake Partner of the Year award, phData has a wealth of invaluable insights, best practices, tips, and learning strategies that were essential in my own journey of upskilling in Snowflake.
While learning Snowflake presents its challenges, the benefits for any data professional are immense. In this blog, I’ll guide you towards success in your Snowflake learning journey.
Where’s the Best Place to Learn Snowflake?
Snowflake Certification Program
Snowflake’s training resources were an essential first step in preparing for my certification. On occasion, I returned to these initial lessons when later study left ambiguity. I recommend starting with a review of the SnowPro Certifications.Â
The SnowPro Core Certification exam assesses an individual’s mastery level of core concepts relating to Snowflake, such as implementation, utilization, and migration. This is the foundational level certification and prerequisite for all SnowPro Advanced Certifications.
To get started with SnowPro Core Certification training, check out these recommended study assets:Â
For additional advice, read this blog for tips on How to pass the SnowPro Core Certification Exam!
Snowflake’s SnowPro Advanced Certifications assess advanced Snowflake knowledge and skills relating to five data science roles.Â
The SnowPro Advanced Administrator Certification targets Snowflake Administrators, Snowflake Data Cloud Administrators, Database Administrators, Cloud Infrastructure Administrators, and Cloud Data Administrators. This certification tests the knowledge and skills required in the administration of Snowflake and its components.
The SnowPro Advanced Architect Certification consists of a target audience that includes Solution Architects, Database Architects, and System Architects. This certification will assess the knowledge and skill required to design, deploy, and optimize architect solutions using Snowflake.
The SnowPro Advanced Data Analyst Certification tests the advanced Snowflake knowledge and skills of Data Analysts, ELT Developers, and BI Specialists. The exam will cover all aspects of using Snowflake and its components to apply data analysis principles, from preparing and loading data to presenting data and meeting business requirements.
The SnowPro Advanced Data Engineer Certification tests Data and Software Engineers for comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to apply data engineering principles using Snowflake.
The SnowPro Advanced Data Scientist Certification is a test targeted at Data Scientists and AI/ML Engineers to appraise knowledge and skills used in the application of data science principles, tools, and methodologies using Snowflake.
Snowflake’s Training Tracks
Starting at the source, Snowflake offers many courses and lesson plans tailored to the certification you wish to take. To access these lessons, choose from the links above or go to the Resources tab on the Snowflake home page. From there, select Certifications, then Browse available SnowPro Certifications, and finally, view the certification you wish to pursue.Â
The recommended Snowflake training courses for your target certification will be listed in a section either to the right or below the certification description.
I recommend starting with the Hands-on Essentials and Level Up Series, as these courses will familiarize you with concepts within the Study Guide. The study guide contains links to resources section by section.
Udemy
Udemy hosts numerous Snowflake courses and practice tests tailored to your desired certification. While these courses can be excellent resources, it is prudent to carefully review course descriptions and user reviews to identify relevant and accurate courses in Udemy.Â
In the case of practice tests and quizzes, find the relevant section within Snowflake’s documentation for each question. This practice helps prevent potential human errors, ensures accurate learning, and reinforces your understanding of the subject matter.Â
Given that Snowflake updates their exams regularly, understanding why a question is correct or incorrect will provide much more success than rote memorization of questions.
YouTube
YouTube is another external source of excellent learning materials. I found the Data Engineering Simplified’s playlists particularly beneficial during my studies. However, it’s essential to remain cautious and guard yourself against inaccuracies or outdated information. As with Udemy, I recommend that you personally verify information sourced from YouTube to ensure accuracy and solidify what you know.Â
phData hosts numerous videos exploring real-world applications and challenges. The Snowpark playlist, in particular, is an invaluable source for learning about Snowpark: Snowflake’s set of libraries and runtimes that securely deploy and process non-SQL code.Â
Many videos in other playlists explore the integration of Snowflake with various services such as Databricks, SAP, Power BI, and leveraging ML/AI in a Snowflake environment. Although optional for passing a SnowPro Core certification exam, these videos offer valuable insights and knowledge.
phData
Our experts are constantly creating educational content around how to use/leverage the Snowflake platform. One of the best (and free) places to find thought-leadership Snowflake content is the phData blog.Â
To give you an idea of what our team writes about, here are some of our most requested Snowflake resources:Â
Additionally, our Snowflake experts have developed a free Getting Started with Snowflake guide that covers each section of Snowflake, preparing the learner for success within the Snowflake Platform.Â
How Many Days Will It Take to Learn Snowflake?
The answer to this question depends on your study schedule, familiarity with SQL, and understanding of topics as you advance through the platform. If you study full-time for two to three weeks, following the resources listed here, you should be able to successfully pass the Snowflake SnowPro Core exam.Â
This depends on how quickly some concepts sink in, how often a video is replayed, or if curiosity and intrigue pull you down a tangent.Â
Conclusion
There are many paths to learning Snowflake. Just within this blog, we’ve identified several locations of valuable resources. Even though learning Snowflake is not easy, there is a robust community dedicated to easing this journey.
Passion for progress and sharing knowledge are essential attributes for success, two fundamental attributes at the heart of each individual at phData. If you want to know more, consult phData for expert Snowflake help!
