Practice Free SOL-C01 Exam Online Questions
Question #21
What is the CREATE FILE FORMAT command used for in Snowflake?
- A . To delete a file format
- B . To define the format of data files for processing
- C . To modify an existing file format in a table
- D . To create a new table
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The CREATE FILE FORMAT command creates a file format object in Snowflake that defines how data files should be interpreted when loading or unloading. Parameters in the definition include file type (for example, CSV, JSON, PARQUET), field delimiters, compression, quoting rules, and other parsing options. Once created, this file format object can be referenced by COPY INTO commands or external table definitions to ensure consistent handling of files.
Deleting a file format is performed using DROP FILE FORMAT. Modifying an existing file format is done with ALTER FILE FORMAT. Creating a new table is achieved with CREATE TABLE. Therefore, the purpose of CREATE FILE FORMAT is specifically to define how Snowflake should process data files.
B
Explanation:
The CREATE FILE FORMAT command creates a file format object in Snowflake that defines how data files should be interpreted when loading or unloading. Parameters in the definition include file type (for example, CSV, JSON, PARQUET), field delimiters, compression, quoting rules, and other parsing options. Once created, this file format object can be referenced by COPY INTO commands or external table definitions to ensure consistent handling of files.
Deleting a file format is performed using DROP FILE FORMAT. Modifying an existing file format is done with ALTER FILE FORMAT. Creating a new table is achieved with CREATE TABLE. Therefore, the purpose of CREATE FILE FORMAT is specifically to define how Snowflake should process data files.
Question #22
What is the primary purpose of Snowflake’s Cloning feature?
- A . To back up data in real-time
- B . To create an exact copy of a database, schema, or table without duplicating the storage
- C . To manage user permissions
- D . To create a backup of the entire Snowflake account
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Snowflake’s Cloning feature provides the ability to create azero-copyclone of tables, schemas, or entire databases. This means that the cloned object references the same underlying micro-partition data as the original, so no duplicate storage costs are incurred upon creation. Instead, Snowflake uses metadata pointers to reference the existing data. If changes occur in the original or cloned objects, Snowflake performs copy-on-write operations to maintain isolation while still optimizing storage. This cloning mechanism is extremely valuable for development, testing environments, analytics validation, and troubleshooting historical states. It is not a real-time backup tool; backup and restore are handled through Time Travel and Fail-safe. Cloning does not grant or manage permissions nor copy the entire Snowflake account; it works solely at the database, schema, and table object levels.
B
Explanation:
Snowflake’s Cloning feature provides the ability to create azero-copyclone of tables, schemas, or entire databases. This means that the cloned object references the same underlying micro-partition data as the original, so no duplicate storage costs are incurred upon creation. Instead, Snowflake uses metadata pointers to reference the existing data. If changes occur in the original or cloned objects, Snowflake performs copy-on-write operations to maintain isolation while still optimizing storage. This cloning mechanism is extremely valuable for development, testing environments, analytics validation, and troubleshooting historical states. It is not a real-time backup tool; backup and restore are handled through Time Travel and Fail-safe. Cloning does not grant or manage permissions nor copy the entire Snowflake account; it works solely at the database, schema, and table object levels.
Question #23
Which layer of the Snowflake architecture performs query optimization and execution?
- A . Database Storage Layer
- B . Client Layer
- C . Cloud Services Layer
- D . Query Processing Layer
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Query Processing Layer executes SQL statements using virtual warehouses and massively parallel processing. It handles query optimization, execution, and scaling. The Cloud Services Layer parses and plans queries but does not execute them. Storage persists data, and the Client Layer is external to Snowflake architecture.
D
Explanation:
The Query Processing Layer executes SQL statements using virtual warehouses and massively parallel processing. It handles query optimization, execution, and scaling. The Cloud Services Layer parses and plans queries but does not execute them. Storage persists data, and the Client Layer is external to Snowflake architecture.
Question #24
Which options are used in Snowflake notebooks for querying data? (Choose any 3 options)
- A . Python
- B . SQL
- C . Markup
- D . Markdown
Correct Answer: A, B, D
A, B, D
Explanation:
Snowflake Notebooks support multiple cell types for development and documentation. Pythoncells allow users to perform data transformations, analysis, and Snowpark operations. SQLcells enable executing Snowflake SQL queries directly against tables and views. Markdowncells support formatted documentation within notebooks―useful for narrative explanations and commentary. The option “Markup” is not a supported cell type in Snowflake Notebooks. These three supported types allow users to blend analytics, code execution, and documentation in a unified environment.
A, B, D
Explanation:
Snowflake Notebooks support multiple cell types for development and documentation. Pythoncells allow users to perform data transformations, analysis, and Snowpark operations. SQLcells enable executing Snowflake SQL queries directly against tables and views. Markdowncells support formatted documentation within notebooks―useful for narrative explanations and commentary. The option “Markup” is not a supported cell type in Snowflake Notebooks. These three supported types allow users to blend analytics, code execution, and documentation in a unified environment.
Question #25
Which edition of Snowflake offers the most comprehensive security and compliance features, including HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance?
- A . Standard Edition
- B . Business Critical Edition
- C . Enterprise Edition
- D . Virtual Private Snowflake (VPS) Edition
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Business Critical Edition includes advanced compliance certifications such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITRUST, and additional encryption and security controls.
Standard and Enterprise editions lack these compliance guarantees.
VPS provides even stronger isolation but builds on Business Critical features.
B
Explanation:
Business Critical Edition includes advanced compliance certifications such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITRUST, and additional encryption and security controls.
Standard and Enterprise editions lack these compliance guarantees.
VPS provides even stronger isolation but builds on Business Critical features.
Question #26
Which SQL command is used to view the definition of a Table?
- A . SHOW TABLE
- B . SELECT GET_DDL(‘TABLE’, ‘<table_name>’);
- C . SELECT * FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.ABLES
- D . DESCRIBE TABLE
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The GET_DDL function retrieves the Data Definition Language (DDL) script that was used to create a given object. Executing:
SELECT GET_DDL(‘TABLE’, ‘MY_TABLE’);
returns the full DDL including column definitions, comments, clustering keys, constraints, masking policies, and other metadata. This makes it essential for schema migration, replication, compliance audits, and environment synchronization.
DESCRIBE TABLE shows only column-level metadata―names, types, nullability―but does not return the full DDL.
SHOW TABLE is not a valid Snowflake command; tables are listed using SHOW TABLES.
INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES lists table metadata, but the provided option “ABLES” is invalid and still would not provide DDL even if corrected.
Thus, GET_DDL()is the only method that returns the complete table definition directly.
B
Explanation:
The GET_DDL function retrieves the Data Definition Language (DDL) script that was used to create a given object. Executing:
SELECT GET_DDL(‘TABLE’, ‘MY_TABLE’);
returns the full DDL including column definitions, comments, clustering keys, constraints, masking policies, and other metadata. This makes it essential for schema migration, replication, compliance audits, and environment synchronization.
DESCRIBE TABLE shows only column-level metadata―names, types, nullability―but does not return the full DDL.
SHOW TABLE is not a valid Snowflake command; tables are listed using SHOW TABLES.
INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES lists table metadata, but the provided option “ABLES” is invalid and still would not provide DDL even if corrected.
Thus, GET_DDL()is the only method that returns the complete table definition directly.
Question #27
Which of the following is true about data listings in the Snowflake Marketplace?
- A . They always require payment for access.
- B . They are limited to static data snapshots.
- C . They can be free or paid, depending on the provider’s terms.
- D . They are only accessible to Snowflake administrators.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Data listings in the Snowflake Marketplace can be offered as free or paid depending on how the provider chooses to distribute the data. Providers can use usage-based pricing, subscription models, or make datasets available at no cost. Listings are not restricted to static data; Snowflake supports live data sharing, enabling instant access to continuously updated datasets without copying or ETL. Listings are accessible to any Snowflake user with the appropriate marketplace access―not exclusively administrators. This flexibility makes the Marketplace a powerful ecosystem where organizations can seamlessly obtain external datasets for analytics, machine learning, and reporting needs. Providers define terms of use, pricing, and refresh schedules, while Snowflake manages the secure data-sharing infrastructure.
C
Explanation:
Data listings in the Snowflake Marketplace can be offered as free or paid depending on how the provider chooses to distribute the data. Providers can use usage-based pricing, subscription models, or make datasets available at no cost. Listings are not restricted to static data; Snowflake supports live data sharing, enabling instant access to continuously updated datasets without copying or ETL. Listings are accessible to any Snowflake user with the appropriate marketplace access―not exclusively administrators. This flexibility makes the Marketplace a powerful ecosystem where organizations can seamlessly obtain external datasets for analytics, machine learning, and reporting needs. Providers define terms of use, pricing, and refresh schedules, while Snowflake manages the secure data-sharing infrastructure.
Question #28
What does a red checkmark next to a cell in a Snowflake notebook signify?
- A . The cell has errors
- B . The cell is currently running
- C . The cell has completed execution successfully
- D . The cell is paused
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
A red checkmark in Snowflake Notebooks indicates that the cell encountered anerrorduring execution. This visual indicator helps users quickly identify issues so they can inspect the error message and adjust code accordingly. Successful execution shows a green checkmark, while running cells show a spinner. Snowflake notebooks do not include a “paused” state for notebook cells.
A
Explanation:
A red checkmark in Snowflake Notebooks indicates that the cell encountered anerrorduring execution. This visual indicator helps users quickly identify issues so they can inspect the error message and adjust code accordingly. Successful execution shows a green checkmark, while running cells show a spinner. Snowflake notebooks do not include a “paused” state for notebook cells.
Question #29
What is the purpose of a FILE FORMAT object in Snowflake?
- A . To manage virtual warehouse sizes.
- B . To create data backups.
- C . To specify the format and structure of data files being loaded (e.g., CSV delimiter, JSON compression)
- D . To define security policies for data files
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
AFILE FORMAT object defines how Snowflake interprets files during loading and unloading operations.
It includes settings such as:
Type (CSV, JSON, Parquet, Avro)
FIELD_DELIMITER, SKIP_HEADER, NULL_IF
Compression (GZIP, BZ2)
Time and date format handling
Encoding and escape character rules
By encapsulating these parsing rules, organizations standardize ingestion logic across stages and COPY INTO commands.
FILE FORMATs improve data consistency, reduce errors, and simplify maintenance by centralizing file parsing configurations. They do not manage compute resources, create backups, or define data security policies―those belong to warehouses, fail-safe/Time Travel, and RBAC respectively.
C
Explanation:
AFILE FORMAT object defines how Snowflake interprets files during loading and unloading operations.
It includes settings such as:
Type (CSV, JSON, Parquet, Avro)
FIELD_DELIMITER, SKIP_HEADER, NULL_IF
Compression (GZIP, BZ2)
Time and date format handling
Encoding and escape character rules
By encapsulating these parsing rules, organizations standardize ingestion logic across stages and COPY INTO commands.
FILE FORMATs improve data consistency, reduce errors, and simplify maintenance by centralizing file parsing configurations. They do not manage compute resources, create backups, or define data security policies―those belong to warehouses, fail-safe/Time Travel, and RBAC respectively.
Question #30
Which of the following are examples of system-defined roles in Snowflake? (Choose any 3 options)
- A . USERADMIN
- B . CUSTOM_ROLE
- C . ACCOUNTADMIN
- D . SECURITYADMIN
Correct Answer: A, C, D
A, C, D
Explanation:
Snowflake includes several system-defined RBAC roles to provide structured access control across the platform.
ACCOUNTADMIN is the highest-privileged role, governing the entire account, including billing, replication, failover groups, and object ownership inheritance.
SECURITYADMIN is responsible for user, role, and privilege management, including granting and revoking roles, password policies, and MFA enforcement. It is essential for identity lifecycle governance.
USERADMIN manages user creation, role creation, and user authentication administration. It is commonly assigned to identity administrators.
CUSTOM_ROLE is not a Snowflake system role; it is a user-created role, allowing organizations to design fine-grained, domain-specific access policies.
These predefined roles form the foundation of Snowflake’s security model and support least-privilege implementations.
A, C, D
Explanation:
Snowflake includes several system-defined RBAC roles to provide structured access control across the platform.
ACCOUNTADMIN is the highest-privileged role, governing the entire account, including billing, replication, failover groups, and object ownership inheritance.
SECURITYADMIN is responsible for user, role, and privilege management, including granting and revoking roles, password policies, and MFA enforcement. It is essential for identity lifecycle governance.
USERADMIN manages user creation, role creation, and user authentication administration. It is commonly assigned to identity administrators.
CUSTOM_ROLE is not a Snowflake system role; it is a user-created role, allowing organizations to design fine-grained, domain-specific access policies.
These predefined roles form the foundation of Snowflake’s security model and support least-privilege implementations.