PR000005

The Informatica PowerCenter Data Integration Developer Specialist certification exam (PR000005) focuses on demonstrating practical, hands-on skills in using Informatica PowerCenter. The main points covered include:

• Data Integration Fundamentals: This is foundational. Expect questions on core concepts like ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, source-to-target mappings, data warehousing principles, and different data integration methodologies.

• PowerCenter Designer & Mapping Development: This is the heart of the exam. You need to be proficient in building transformations using various transformation types within the PowerCenter Designer tool. This includes:

  • Source and Target Definitions: Understanding and configuring different source and target types (flat files, relational databases, etc.).
  • Transformation Types: Proficient use of transformations like Expression, Filter, Aggregator, Joiner, Lookup, Router, Update Strategy, and more. Knowing when to appropriately use each transformation is crucial.
  • Data Mapping and Workflow Design: Creating efficient and optimized mappings, understanding data flow, and designing effective workflows.
  • Data Quality: Implementing data quality rules and transformations to cleanse and validate data.

• Workflow Manager and Session Management: Knowing how to manage and monitor workflows in the PowerCenter Workflow Manager. This includes scheduling sessions, monitoring their execution, and troubleshooting errors. Understanding session properties and performance tuning is vital.

• PowerCenter Repository & Metadata: Understanding the PowerCenter repository structure, managing metadata, and using repository-related tools.

• Debugging & Troubleshooting: A key aspect. You need to be able to effectively identify and resolve common issues in PowerCenter mappings and workflows. Analyzing session logs and identifying bottlenecks will be tested.

• Performance Tuning: Optimizing mappings and workflows for better performance is a significant part. This includes understanding indexing, partitioning, and other performance optimization techniques.

• Security: Basic understanding of security principles within PowerCenter, including user roles, permissions, and access control. This is not deeply covered, but it's still relevant.

In summary, the exam tests your ability to design, develop, and deploy ETL processes using Informatica PowerCenter. It's heavily focused on practical, hands-on experience. Preparation should involve significant hands-on practice with the PowerCenter tool itself, working through sample mappings and troubleshooting scenarios. Focusing on the transformation types and their effective use is key to success.