CompTIA Data+ study guide · 2026

The 5 CompTIA Data+ domains, explained

5 domains and 18 official objectives. Data Analysis carries the most weight at 24%. Each guide explains what the domain covers, how its questions are framed and where candidates lose marks.

Start with Domain 3 See all domains
Questions
Maximum of 90 (multiple-choice and performance-based)
Time
90 minutes
Passing score
675 (on a scale of 100-900)
Outline
CompTIA Data+ DA0-002 V2 Exam Objectives, Document Version 2.0 (exam launched 14 October 2025)

Exam blueprint

Bar widths follow the official weights. Weight ranges are drawn at their midpoint.

  1. 1 20%
  2. 2 22%
  3. 3 24%
  4. 4 20%
  5. 5 14%
  1. 1 Data Concepts and Environments
  2. 2 Data Acquisition and Preparation
  3. 3 Data Analysis
  4. 4 Visualization and Reporting
  5. 5 Data Governance

All 5 domains

18 official objectives 80–120 hrs suggested study

  1. Domain 01 20%

    Data Concepts and Environments

    The vocabulary layer of Data+: how data is stored, typed, sourced, hosted and handled by tools and AI. Every later domain assumes you can read a schema, a file type or a storage choice on sight.

    Inside this domain

    • Explain data concepts.
    • Identify types of data sources.
    • Identify infrastructure concepts.
    • Identify common data analysis tools.
    • and 1 more objectives

    Watch for Varchar for multilingual names

    Objectives
    5
    Questions est.
    ~18
    Study time est.
    15–25 hrs
  2. Domain 02 22%

    Data Acquisition and Preparation

    Where the data work actually happens: pulling records with queries and pipelines, finding what is wrong with them, and fixing it without distorting the result. Expect hands-on, scenario and performance-based items here.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, use data acquisition methods.
    • Given a scenario, perform data exploration to identify possible inconsistencies with a data set.
    • Given a scenario, perform appropriate data transformation and cleansing techniques.

    Watch for Inner join by default

    Objectives
    3
    Questions est.
    ~20
    Study time est.
    20–25 hrs
  3. Domain 03 24%

    Data Analysis

    The heaviest Data+ domain: choosing the right statistical method, shaping findings for the audience who will act on them, and fixing the connection, SQL and data problems that stall an analysis.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a set of requirements, determine the appropriate communication approach for data analysis.
    • Given a scenario, select the appropriate statistical method or function.
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot basic issues using the appropriate tool or method.

    Watch for Most advanced method wins

    Objectives
    3
    Questions est.
    ~22
    Study time est.
    20–30 hrs
  4. Domain 04 20%

    Visualization and Reporting

    How findings reach people: picking the visual that fits the comparison, delivering it in the form the audience will actually use, and proving the report is fast, fresh and correct before anyone acts on it.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, use the appropriate visual elements.
    • Given a scenario, use the appropriate delivery or consumption method.
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot issues using report validation techniques.

    Watch for Pie for a trend

    Objectives
    3
    Questions est.
    ~18
    Study time est.
    15–25 hrs
  5. Domain 05 14%

    Data Governance

    The rules and checks that make data trustworthy and lawful to use: documented definitions, compliance obligations, privacy controls and the testing that proves data quality before and after release.

    Inside this domain

    • Explain data management concepts.
    • Summarize concepts related to data compliance.
    • Compare and contrast data privacy and protection practices.
    • Compare and contrast data quality assurance practices.

    Watch for Encryption for display limits

    Objectives
    4
    Questions est.
    ~13
    Study time est.
    10–15 hrs

Study the heaviest domains first

Marks follow weight. This order puts the most marks behind you first, across about 80–120 hrs of study.

  1. 3 Data Analysis 24% · 20–30 hrs
  2. 2 Data Acquisition and Preparation 22% · 20–25 hrs
  3. 1 Data Concepts and Environments 20% · 15–25 hrs
  4. 4 Visualization and Reporting 20% · 15–25 hrs
  5. 5 Data Governance 14% · 10–15 hrs

Try one

Practice questionDomain 3: Data Analysis

A retailer surveyed 400 randomly selected customers out of 50,000 and wants to report the share of all customers who are satisfied, with a margin of error. Which statistical method should the analyst use?

One trap from every domain

The answer that looks right, and the clue that gives it away.

  • Domain 1

    Varchar for multilingual names

    Clue The stem mentions international customers, accented letters or non-Latin scripts.

  • Domain 2

    Inner join by default

    Clue Words like 'all', 'including those without' or 'even if no activity'.

  • Domain 3

    Most advanced method wins

    Clue Past-tense phrasing such as 'how did', 'what was' or 'last quarter'.

  • Domain 4

    Pie for a trend

    Clue 'Over time', 'trend' or a long sequence of periods.

  • Domain 5

    Encryption for display limits

    Clue Staff need part of a value, such as the last four digits, to do their job.

Other Data & Analytics certifications

Study guides for exams that overlap with CompTIA Data+.

Practise what you read

CompTIA Data+ domains: common questions

How many domains are in the CompTIA Data+ exam?

CompTIA Data+ has 5 domains with 18 official objectives between them: Data Concepts and Environments, Data Acquisition and Preparation, Data Analysis, Visualization and Reporting and Data Governance.

Which CompTIA Data+ domain carries the most weight?

Data Analysis is the heaviest at 24%, followed by Data Acquisition and Preparation (22%). The lightest is Data Governance (14%). Weights come from CompTIA's official outline.

What is the CompTIA Data+ exam format?

Questions: Maximum of 90 (multiple-choice and performance-based). Time allowed: 90 minutes. Passing score: 675 (on a scale of 100-900).

How long should I study for CompTIA Data+?

Our planning estimate is 80–120 hrs across all domains, split by weight. It is an editorial estimate, not an official figure, so adjust it to your experience and to how you score on practice questions.

Where should I start?

Start with Data Analysis, because it carries the most marks, then work down by weight. Use the checklist on each domain page to confirm you can do what the domain asks before moving on.

Which outline is this guide based on?

This guide follows CompTIA Data+ DA0-002 V2 Exam Objectives, Document Version 2.0 (exam launched 14 October 2025), published by CompTIA. It was last reviewed in October 2026.

Domain names, weights and objectives come from CompTIA's official outline (CompTIA Data+ DA0-002 V2 Exam Objectives, Document Version 2.0 (exam launched 14 October 2025)). Question counts and study hours are editorial planning estimates, not official figures. Last reviewed October 2026.