DP-420: Designing and Implementing Cloud-Native Applications Using Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB

Pick how to study

• Try 10 free DP-420 questions
• DP-420 mock exam: timed, you pick the length
• DP-420 flashcards: spaced repetition
• DP-420 decision sheets: look-alike services, settled

The DP-420 exam

• Questions: 307

What DP-420 covers

Every question and flashcard is mapped to the DP-420: Designing and Implementing Cloud-Native Applications Using Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB skills outline so you only revise what is on the exam.

• Design and develop database solutions
• Secure, optimize, and deploy database solutions
• Implement AI and Analytics capabilities in database solutions

Why earn the DP-420 certification in 2026

DP-420 is Microsoft's specialty-level certification for designing and implementing cloud-native applications with Azure Cosmos DB. From 6 October 2026 the certification is renamed Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate, reflecting an expanded focus on AI retrieval and agent memory. Microsoft expects candidates to have development experience in C# or Python and familiarity with Azure AI services. The exam covers designing and developing database solutions, securing, optimising and deploying database solutions, and implementing AI and analytics capabilities.

Who should sit this exam

Backend developers building globally distributed applications, database engineers working with NoSQL at scale, cloud architects designing multi-region data strategies, and application developers using Cosmos DB SDKs.

Exam tips

• Master partition key design: choosing keys that distribute data and queries evenly
• Know consistency levels: Strong through Eventual, and when to use each
• Understand Request Unit (RU) provisioning, autoscale, and cost optimization
• Review change feed patterns, stored procedures, and server-side programming

DP-420 study resources

• Build a study plan: tell us your exam date and we schedule daily practice and review sessions backwards from the date.
• Decision sheets: each sheet settles one choice between look-alike services, verdict first, then the comparison, then the traps.

Frequently asked about DP-420

How many questions are in the DP-420 practice exam?

The DP-420 practice exam covers Azure Cosmos DB development, data modeling, partitioning, consistency levels, and performance optimization. The current question count is shown on the DP-420 landing page.

What APIs does DP-420 cover?

DP-420 covers Cosmos DB Core (SQL) API, MongoDB API, Cassandra API, Gremlin API, and Table API. It focuses on application development using SDKs and best practices for each API.

What programming skills are needed for DP-420?

DP-420 requires proficiency in C# or Java, experience with Cosmos DB SDKs, understanding of NoSQL concepts, and knowledge of data modeling patterns for globally distributed applications.

Other Specialty certifications

• Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions (DP-300) practice exam

Ready for DP-420?

Try the practice surface for free. Answer a few questions, see the spacing loop, then decide. Try 10 free DP-420 questions or browse the catalogue.