Data Modeling14% of the exam

Sendable, filtered and random data extensions

Standard, filtered and random data extensions, sendable versus reference tables and the send relationship, field and primary key rules, external keys, retention policies, and the data extensions that send logging and Data 360 create.

Official exam objective
Given a scenario, differentiate the various types and uses of data extensions in Marketing Cloud.

~8 min read · 12 practice questions ·

What the exam expects

  • Choose between a standard, filtered or random data extension, and between a sendable table and non-sendable reference data, from a requirement.
  • Configure a send relationship and pick field data types and primary keys that the platform accepts.
  • Decide when a data extension beats an Email Studio list for an integration.
  • Explain what the name, external key and Type properties do, and what a developer can change.
  • Apply a data retention policy and know when it can't be added retroactively; recognize the data extensions that send logging and Data 360 activation create.
  • Key terms: sendable data extension (a table whose send relationship maps a field to the subscriber); filtered data extension (a segment of an existing data extension); random data extension (a random split of a source); external key (the unique identifier API calls use).

Key facts

Types
Detail
Standard, filtered or random; Type is set by the application
Subscriber key relationship
Detail
Only Text, Email Address or Phone fields
Field names
Detail
Alphanumerics, spaces, dashes, underscores and periods only
Primary keys
Detail
Unique, up to 850 characters, can't be modified after creation
Random splits
Detail
Up to 12 at a time
Filtered data extension
Detail
Sendability follows the source; refresh to pick up new records
Retroactive retention
Detail
Best practices: not above 100 million records; retention article: row-based under 1 billion
Data 360 audiences
Detail
Sendable data extensions in the Shared Data Extension folder
Sources for this section (7)
  • When is Reset period on import unavailable for a retention policy?
  • How many groups can one random data extension build create?
  • Why must a Data 360 audience's personalization strings be checked after activation?

The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.

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