SQLMentor // cert practice
← All certifications
// PG-A practice

PostgreSQL Associate Certification (PG-A)

Timed practice exams covering the topics tested on EDB's PostgreSQL Associate certification — schemas, indexes, MVCC, transactions, replication, security, JSON/JSONB, and performance. Each set has 30 questions and a 60-minute window.

30questions per set
60minute timer (auto-submit)
70%passing score
2practice sets

About this certification

The PostgreSQL Associate certification (offered by EDB, the primary commercial sponsor of PostgreSQL) validates that you can administer a PostgreSQL database in production — covering architecture, SQL fluency, MVCC, indexes, security, backup/recovery, replication, and routine maintenance. The natural first credential for anyone using PostgreSQL professionally.

Register via EDB ↗

Exam format

  • Questions: ≈ 80 multiple choice
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Pass mark: ≈ 70%
  • Delivery: Online proctored (EDB / Pearson VUE)
  • Cost: US$200 (check EDB's training site)
  • Recommended: 6+ months hands-on PostgreSQL experience
Topics covered & study plan

Topics covered

Architecture (processes, shared buffers, WAL, MVCC); Installation & config (postgresql.conf, pg_hba.conf, initdb); SQL fundamentals (DDL, DML, joins, CTEs, window functions); Data types (text, numeric, date, JSON/JSONB, arrays, ranges); Indexes (B-tree, GIN, GiST, BRIN, hash, partial, expression); Security (roles, GRANT, RLS, SCRAM-SHA-256); Backup & recovery (pg_dump, pg_basebackup, PITR); Replication (streaming, logical); Maintenance (VACUUM, ANALYZE, autovacuum).

Recommended study plan

  1. Work through the PostgreSQL tutorial in order.
  2. Install PostgreSQL locally; type every command in psql.
  3. Build a small project with replication: 1 primary, 1 streaming replica.
  4. Take Practice Set 1 under timing and note every wrong answer.
  5. For each wrong answer, re-read the relevant section of the official PostgreSQL docs.
  6. Take Practice Set 2 a week later; aim for ≥ 80% before sitting the real exam.

Pick a set to begin

Loading exam sets…
How the exam works
  • The 60-minute timer starts the moment you click Start exam.
  • Use the question grid to jump between questions; flag any you want to revisit.
  • Click Submit exam at any time to finish early; if the timer reaches zero, the exam auto-submits.
  • After submission you'll see your score, pass/fail status, weak topics, and per-question feedback.
  • Start with Foundations for SQL and architecture basics, then progress to Advanced for replication and tuning.
  • Your progress is kept in the browser only — refreshing during an exam will reset it.

Frequently asked questions — PG-A

How many questions are on the PG-A exam?
The PG-A exam contains 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. SQLMentor's free practice sets mirror that format so the timing feels familiar on exam day.
What is the passing score for PG-A?
The official passing score for the PG-A exam is 70%. Each SQLMentor practice set is scored against that same threshold and shows a clear PASS or FAIL on the results screen.
How long should I prepare for the PG-A exam?
Most candidates prepare for 4 to 8 weeks with consistent daily study. We recommend reading through the SQLMentor tutorials first, then running timed practice sets in the final two weeks until you score above 70% consistently.
Is the SQLMentor PG-A practice exam free?
Yes. Every PG-A practice set on SQLMentor is 100% free with no sign-up, no email gate and no paywall. Your progress is saved locally in your browser.
What topics does PG-A cover?
PostgreSQL architecture, MVCC, replication, indexes (B-Tree, GIN, BRIN), JSONB operations, query planning with EXPLAIN, VACUUM/ANALYZE and basic performance tuning. The SQLMentor sets are organised so each set samples across all of these areas to give you a realistic mix on every attempt.