Subscriber and Data Management26% of the exam
Lists versus data extensions, keys and field types
When a list beats a data extension and when it doesn't, how Is Sendable, Is Testable and the send relationship make a data extension an audience, how primary keys (including composite keys) shape imports, and what each field data type stores.
Given desired output requirements, set up Data Extensions in Marketing Cloud.
~8 min read · 13 practice questions ·
What the exam expects
- Choose a list or a data extension from audience size, attributes, import speed and the features the program needs.
- Make a data extension a send or test audience with Is Sendable, Is Testable and the send relationship, and keep reference data nonsendable.
- Pick a primary key, including a composite key, and know it can't change after creation.
- Pick the field data type and field settings (Length, Default Value, Encrypt Field) that store the data correctly.
- Key terms: list (a collection of subscribers); data extension (a table of your data in the Engagement database); send relationship (the field that maps each row to a subscriber key or subscriber ID); primary key (the field or fields whose value identifies a unique row); nonsendable data extension (reference data used to personalize, never an audience).
Key facts
List guidance
- Detail
- 500,000 subscribers or fewer, few attributes, simplicity
Import speed
- Detail
- Lists about 500,000 rows an hour; data extensions about one million rows in 10 minutes
Data extension only
- Detail
- Retention, Overwrite, relational data, sharing in Enterprise 2.0
List only
- Detail
- Web Collect, Profile Center, Subscription Center
Is Sendable / Is Testable
- Detail
- Message sends / test sends
Primary key
- Detail
- Unique, max 850 characters, can't be modified after creation, suggest 3 columns at most
EmailAddress type
- Detail
- Must be present to send
Date type
- Detail
- Central Standard Time, MM/DD/YYYY
Add only
- Detail
- Ignores rows whose primary keys exist
- Why does Salesforce suggest limiting a composite key, and what length cap applies to key values?
- When is a list easier than a data extension for adding a single member by hand?
- Why might the Encrypt Field option be unavailable when you define a field?
The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.
Keep reading with the Marketing Cloud Engagement Specialist pack
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