DP-203: Microsoft Azure Data Engineer
A live course on designing and operating data storage, processing and analytics pipelines on Azure. Built for people who want to do the job with confidence, not just pass a test.
Microsoft retired the DP-203 exam on 31 March 2025. The certification can no longer be earned, so nobody can sit this exam again. The course still runs live as a skills course, and you can reserve a seat on it. Ask us first and we will also tell you which current certification covers this ground.
Course overview
DP-203 Azure Data Engineer is a live programme on designing and operating data storage, processing and analytics pipelines on Azure. You build batch and streaming pipelines and work with the modern Azure data stack.
The course covers data storage design, batch processing with Azure Data Factory and Synapse, stream processing, and data security, governance and optimisation, aligned to the current data engineering objectives.
What you will learn
- ✓ Design and implement data storage solutions
- ✓ Build batch and streaming data pipelines
- ✓ Work with Azure Data Factory and Synapse Analytics
- ✓ Process data with Spark and SQL pools
- ✓ Implement data security and governance
- ✓ Monitor and optimise data solutions
Skills you will gain
DP-203 skills blueprint
The areas this exam measures, and the order we teach them live.
Course modules
Data storage design
Data lakes, partitioning, file and table formats, and serving layers.
Batch processing
Azure Data Factory, Synapse pipelines, Spark notebooks, and SQL pools.
Stream processing
Azure Stream Analytics, Event Hubs, and real-time ingestion.
Security and optimisation
Data security, governance, monitoring, and performance tuning.
Exam readiness
Consolidation and revision. The exam has retired, so this session is a practical wrap-up of everything you have built rather than exam preparation.
Prerequisites
Recommended before you join. We start from a clear baseline, so these help but are not strict gates.
- ✓ Working knowledge of SQL
- ✓ Experience with a scripting or programming language
- ✓ Familiarity with data concepts and Azure fundamentals
Who this is for
Data professionals who integrate, transform and consolidate data on Azure and want the DP-203 certification. SQL and a scripting language help.
What happened to the DP-203 exam
Microsoft retired DP-203 on 31 March 2025, so it can no longer be booked or sat and the certification cannot be earned. Everything the exam covered is still real work, which is why the course still runs. You reserve a seat, you train live with a trainer in the same small batch, and you leave able to do the job. Tell us your goal when you enquire and we will point you at the certification that covers this ground today.
Where this can take you
Common questions
Can I still sit the DP-203 exam?
No. Microsoft retired it on 31 March 2025, so it can no longer be booked and the certification cannot be earned. The course still runs live as a skills course and you can reserve a seat on it. Ask us and we will tell you which current certification covers the same ground.
Is this live or recorded?
Every session is live and instructor-led over Microsoft Teams. There are no pre-recorded videos. You learn with a real trainer and a small group.
When does the next batch start?
Batches form on a rolling basis. Send an enquiry and we will reply with the next available start date and times that fit your schedule.
How are session times decided?
Once you enquire, we set up a short Microsoft Teams call to agree the days and times that work for the batch.
Do you include hands-on labs?
Yes. You practise in a real environment throughout the DP-203 course, so the exam tasks feel routine by the time you sit it.
Ready to join the next DP-203 batch?
The exam has retired, the skills have not. Send an enquiry and we will confirm the next live start date, then set a time together over Teams.