CompTIA Data+ Study Guide
Description
Prepare for the CompTIA Data+ exam, as well as a new career in data science, with this effective study guide
In the newly revised second edition of CompTIA Data+ Study Guide: Exam DA0-002, veteran IT professionals Mike Chapple and Sharif Nijim provide a powerful, one-stop resource for anyone planning to pursue the CompTIA Data+ certification and go on to an exciting new career in data science. The authors walk you through the info you need to succeed on the exam and in your first day at a data science-focused job.
Complete with two online practice tests, this book comprehensively covers every objective tested by the updated DA0-002 exam, including databases and data acquisition, data quality, data analysis and statistics, data visualization, and data governance.
You'll also find:
- Efficient and comprehensive content, helping you get up-to-speed as quickly as possible
- Bite-size chapters that break down essential topics into manageable and accessible lessons
- Complimentary access to Sybex' famous online learning environment, with practice questions, a complete glossary of common industry terminology, hundreds of flashcards, and more
A practical and hands-on pathway to the CompTIA Data+ certification, as well as a new career in data science, the CompTIA Data+ Study Guide, Second Edition, offers the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to get started in an exciting and rewarding new career.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Mike Chapple, PhD, is Teaching Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations at the University of Notre Dame. He's a technology professional and educator with over 20 years of experience. Mike provides certification resources at his website, CertMike.com.
Sharif Nijim is an Associate Teaching Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, where he also serves as the Academic Co-Director of the Master of Science in Business Analytics program.
Content
Introduction xxi
Assessment Test xxviii
Chapter 1 Today's Data Analyst 1
Chapter 2 Data Analytics Tools 17
Chapter 3 Understanding Data 43
Chapter 4 Databases and Data Acquisition 83
Chapter 5 Data Quality 145
Chapter 6 Data Analysis and Statistics 197
Chapter 7 Data Visualization with Reports and Dashboards 245
Chapter 8 Data Governance 299
Appendix 349
Index 365
Introduction
If you're preparing to take the Data+ exam, you'll undoubtedly want to find as much information as you can about data and analytics. The more information you have at your disposal and the more hands-on experience you gain, the better off you'll be when attempting the exam. This study guide was written with that in mind. The goal was to provide enough information to prepare you for the test, but not so much that you'll be overloaded with information that's outside the scope of the exam.
We've included review questions at the end of each chapter to give you a taste of what it's like to take the exam. If you're already working in the data field, we recommend that you check out these questions first to gauge your level of expertise. You can then use the book mainly to fill in the gaps in your current knowledge. This study guide will help you round out your knowledge base before tackling the exam.
If you can answer 90 percent or more of the review questions correctly for a given chapter, you can feel safe moving on to the next chapter. If you're unable to answer that many correctly, reread the chapter and try the questions again. Your score should improve.
Don't just study the questions and answers! The questions on the actual exam will be different from the practice questions included in this book. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or objective, so use this book to learn the objectives behind the questions.
The Data+ Exam
The Data+ exam is designed to be a vendor-neutral certification for data professionals and those seeking to enter the field. CompTIA recommends this certification for those currently working, or aspiring to work, as a data analyst, data architect, business analyst, reporting analyst, operations analyst, or marketing analyst.
The exam covers five major domains:
- Data Concepts and Environments
- Data Acquisition and Preparation
- Data Analysis
- Visualization and Reporting
- Data Governance
These five areas include a range of topics, from data types to statistical analysis and from data visualization to tools and techniques, while focusing heavily on scenario-based learning. That's why CompTIA recommends that those attempting the exam have 18-24 months of experience, although many individuals pass the exam before moving into their first data analysis role.
The Data+ exam is conducted in a format that CompTIA calls "performance-based assessment." This means that the exam combines standard multiple-choice questions with other, interactive question formats. Your exam may include several types of questions such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and image-based problems. More details about the Data+ exam and how to take it can be found here:
https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/data
You have 90 minutes to take the exam and will be asked to answer up to 90 questions during that time period. Your exam is scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 900, with a passing score of 675.
You should also know that CompTIA is notorious for including vague questions on all of its exams. You might see a question for which two of the possible four answers are correct-but you can choose only one. Use your knowledge, logic, and intuition to choose the best answer and then move on. Sometimes, the questions are worded in ways that would make English majors cringe. Don't let this frustrate you; answer the question and move on to the next one.
CompTIA frequently does what is called item seeding, which is the practice of including unscored questions on exams. It does so to gather psychometric data, which is then used when developing new versions of the exam. Before you take the exam, you will be told that your exam may include these unscored questions. So, if you come across a question that does not appear to map to any of the exam objectives-or for that matter, does not appear to belong in the exam-it is likely a seeded question. You never really know whether or not a question is seeded, however, so always make your best effort to answer every question.
Taking the Exam
Once you are fully prepared to take the exam, you can visit the CompTIA website to purchase your exam voucher:
https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/
When you arrive at the test center, you'll go through a check-in process at the front desk where the exam staff check your identification, take your photograph, and electronically capture your signature.
You will need to bring two forms of identification along with you to the exam. Your primary identification must be a government-issued identification card that contains both a photo and a signature. For example, you might use:
- A passport
- A driver's license
- A military identification card (accepted for in-person exams only)
- A national or state/province-issued identification card
- An alien registration card (green card, permanent resident, visa)
Identification cards printed in a language that does not use Roman characters are only accepted if they were issued from the country where the candidate is taking the exam.
You may use any form of identification for your second source that is current and contains your name and either a photo or a signature.
Currently, CompTIA offers two options for taking the exam: an in-person exam at a testing center and an online exam that you take on your own computer from your home or office. You may not take breaks during your CompTIA exam.
This book includes a coupon for an exam voucher from the CompTIA Store that you may use to save 10 percent on your CompTIA exam registration.
In-person Exams
CompTIA partners with Pearson VUE's testing centers.
Simply set up a CompTIA SSO account (if you don't already have one) and schedule an exam at a Pearson VUE center near you.
On the day of the test, take two forms of identification and make sure to show up with plenty of time before the exam starts. Remember that you will not be able to take your notes, electronic devices (including smartphones and watches), or other materials in with you. You will be provided with a locker to store your items.
Online Exams
CompTIA began offering online exam proctoring in 2020 through the OnVUE online testing system. Candidates using this approach will take the exam at their home or office and be proctored over a webcam by a remote proctor.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the online testing experience, candidates wishing to pursue this option should check the CompTIA website for the latest details.
After the Data+ Exam
After you finish the exam, you are notified of your score immediately, so you'll know if you passed or failed the test right away. You should keep track of your score report with your exam registration records and the email address you used to register for the exam. If you've passed, you'll receive a handsome certificate in the mail.
Maintaining Your Certification
CompTIA certifications must be renewed on a periodic basis. To renew your certification, you can choose to pass the most recent version of the exam, or complete 20 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) through approved activities during your three-year renewal cycle.
Qualifying activities include:
- Attending a live webinar
- Attending a conference
- Completing a college course
- Completing a training course
- Completing an ACE (American Council on Education) course
- Creating instructional materials used in teaching a course
- Earning a non-CompTIA industry certification
- Completing a CompTIA exam development workshop
- Publishing a book
- Publishing a blog
- Publishing an article or white paper
- Teaching or mentoring
- Work experience
When you sign up to renew your certification, you are asked to agree to the CE program's Code of Ethics, to pay a renewal fee, and to submit the materials required for your chosen renewal method(s).
What Does This Book Cover?
This book covers everything you need to know to pass the Data+ exam.
- Chapter 1: Today's Data Analyst
- Chapter 2: Data Analytics Tools
- Chapter 3: Understanding Data
- Chapter 4: Databases and Data Acquisition
- Chapter 5: Data Quality
- Chapter 6: Data Analysis and Statistics
- Chapter 7: Data Visualization with Reports and Dashboards
- Chapter 8: Data Governance
- Appendix: Answers to the Review Questions
Study Guide Elements
This study guide uses a number of common elements to help you prepare. These include the following:
- Summaries The summary section of each chapter briefly explains the chapter, allowing you to easily understand what it covers.
- Exam Essentials The exam essentials section focuses on major exam topics and critical knowledge that you should take into the test. The exam essentials focus on the exam objectives provided by CompTIA.
- Chapter Review Questions A set of questions at the end of each chapter will help you assess your knowledge and whether you are ready to take the exam based on your knowledge of that chapter's...
