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Official specifications published by Appian
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ACD101 Exam Topics and Domains
ACD101 is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with Expression Editor, Record Actions, Admin Console, Agile Practices, and more.
Appian Development: Interface Design
Interface Construction
- Construct user interfaces using SAIL components
- Configure and use local variables and rule inputs effectively
- Configure common interface components (dropdowns, grids, buttons, validations)
- Recognize and implement best practices outlined by Appian for interface design
- Perform interface testing and troubleshooting
Appian Development: Process Models
Process Model Fundamentals
- Recognize common ways to start a process
- Define the steps to create, debug, and publish a process model
- Configure commonly used Workflow nodes and Smart Services
- Describe the flow of data in a process
Appian Development: Expression Rules
Expression Rule Development
- Interpret the purpose and output of expression rules
- Build, implement and use basic function expression rules
- Leverage test cases to ensure the quality of expression rules
- Recognize and implement best practices outlined by Appian for expression rules
Introduction to the Appian Platform
Platform Resources and Documentation
- Identify commonly used Appian resources (e.g., online docs, Appian Max, knowledge base)
- Identify and organize an application's structure (e.g., application object, folder structure, group setup)
- Describe Appian use cases and capabilities for solving business problems (e.g., process mining, RPA)
Data Persistence
Database Management
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of managing data and relational databases
- Employ CDTs and query entities to read and write to the database
- Utilize records and query record types to read, write, and aggregate information from the database
- Recognize necessary steps in updating the underlying data model
Appian Development: Records
Record Type Configuration
- Configure a basic record by connecting to an existing data source or using codeless data modeling
- Design record views and lists
- Configure record actions
- Configure record relationships
General Appian Principles
Platform Fundamentals
- Differentiate between Appian platform permissions (e.g., role-based security)
- Differentiate between Appian design objects (e.g., process, records, sites, interfaces, expression rules)
- Define the use of each Appian environment
How do I earn this certification?
Passing ACD101 earns the Appian Certified Associate Developer certification. It sits in the Developer track.
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the PlanetCert practice test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for ACD101.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2023-10-02
- Announcement date: 2023-10-02
- Records Records now recognized as main object and source of data (13% domain weight)
- SAIL (Self-Assembling Interface Layer) Interface Design is largest exam domain at 19%
- Process Models 17% domain weight with focus on BPMN and smart services
- Expression Rules 15% domain weight covering Appian function library
- Codeless Data Modeling New option for Record source configuration
- RPA and Process Mining Mentioned in Platform Introduction domain (14%)
Who should take this exam?
- 1-3 months of Appian platform experience
- Approximately 80 hours of Appian platform training
- Basic understanding of software development
- Relational database experience
- Implementation of at least one small use case