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Preparing for the Certified LabVIEW Associate (CLAD) Exam
National Instruments Training & Certification
Presentation Agenda
National Instruments certification program overview LabVIEW certification track, exams and process CLAD exam
Preparation materials Exam format and question types Exam topics and related questions
Objective : Increase your chances to successfully complete the CLAD certification exam
Certification Program Overview
Certified Architect LabVIEW TestStand Mastery Certified Developer LabVIEW LabWindows CVI TestStand Certified Associate Developer LabVIEW
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Experience Foundation
LabVIEW Training & Certification Path
LabVIEW
Core 1 & 2
LabVIEW fundamentals Basic application creation using LabVIEW Basics of data acquisition & instrument control
LabVIEW
Core 3 & Connectivity
Modular application development Structured design and development practices Inter-application communication and connectivity techniques
Advanced Architectures for LabVIEW
Large application design Advanced development techniques Implementing multideveloper projects
Demonstrates knowledge of core features and functions Develops, debugs and maintains small LabVIEW modules
Demonstrates experience in developing scalable, readable and maintainable applications Develops, debugs, and deploys medium to large scale applications
Demonstrates mastery in architecting applications for multi-developer teams Develops requirements architectures, tools, components and best practices for team
LabVIEW Certification Exams and Process
Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer
Objective style exam (multiple choice) 1 hour long Scheduled (online) via Pearson Vues web page Administered and proctored by Pearson Vue Evaluated automatically Results available to candidate upon exam completion Certificate is mailed by Training & Certification
Certified LabVIEW Developer
Practical development exam 4 hours long Scheduled by Training & Certification or NI branch Administered by Training & Certification, proctored by NI representative Evaluated and concurred by two engineers 4 week process Certificate is mailed by Training & Certification
Certified LabVIEW Architect
Short answer and practical development exam Same as CLD
Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Exam
CLAD Exam Format & Style
Multiple choice style 40 questions
37 questions have one anwer Last 3 questions have multiple answers
These questions will be clearly identified
Time allocated: 1 hour Computer Based Test Pearson Vue
Mark questions for review can go back to review items after completion Skip questions can go back to skipped items
CLAD Exam Question Format & Style
Question format
Multiple choice, application based Graphical - Questions / answers may contain screen shots of VIs / functions
Question style
Given a scenario, determine the best function / method for solving the problem Given a block diagram, predict the outcome Given a block diagram and missing function(s), determine the best function(s) to complete the functionality
CLAD Preparation Steps
1. 2. 3. Review the exam topics in the CLAD Exam Preparation Guide Identify any knowledge gap Attend NI Training courses or utilize resources (at the end of the CLAD exam preparation guide) to close the knowledge gaps Evaluate your knowledge - Take the free on-line LabVIEW Fundamentals Exam Assess yourself - Take the Sample exam
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CLAD Exam Topics
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. LabVIEW programming concepts LabVIEW environment Software constructs in LabVIEW Programming VIs and functions Data communication and synchronization VIs and functions VI Server VIs and functions Error handling VIs and functions Design patterns SubVI design Debugging tools and techniques VI design and documentation (style) practices Memory, performance, and determinism
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CLAD Exam Topic
LabVIEW programming principles:
Data flow
Identify programming practices that enforce data flow on the block diagram, in VIs, and SubVIs Identify programming practices that break data flow
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CLAD Exam Topic Programming Practices
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CLAD Exam Topic Programming Practices
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CLAD Exam Topic
Software constructs in LabVIEW
Program control structures and data storage
Determine the data values in the shift registers after a set number of iterations occur or upon loop termination
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CLAD Exam Topic Shift registers
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CLAD Exam Topic
Software constructs in LabVIEW
Working with front panel window objects and data types
Determine if a type definition or a strict type definition is needed to represent a data item
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CLAD Exam Topic Type Definitions
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CLAD Exam Topic
Programming VIs and functions
Determine the output or intermediate values of data elements in an application that utilizes VIs and functions from the following list Determine the most appropriate VI(s) or function(s) to complete a specified functionality
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CLAD Question Timing Functions
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CLAD Exam Topic
Data communication and synchronization VIs and functions
Identify the pros and cons of and use local, global, or shared variables for data communication
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CLAD Question Global & Local Variables
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CLAD Exam Topic
Design patterns
Identify a design pattern, explain its pros and cons, and compare it with other design patterns
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CLAD Question Design Patterns
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CLAD Question Design Patterns
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CLAD Exam Topic
Debugging tools and techniques
Given an error situation, select the most appropriate method to debug the error
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CLAD Question Debugging Tools & Techniques
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CLAD Exam Topic
SubVI Design
Connector pane and connection types
Identify which terminals are Required, Recommended, or Optional
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CLAD Exam Topic Connector Pane
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CLAD Exam Topic
Programming VIs, functions, and properties
VIs and Express VIs
Utilizing VIs and functions from the following list, determine the most appropriate VI(s) or function(s) to complete a specified functionality File I/O Other
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CLAD Exam Topic File I/O
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CLAD Success - Next Steps
Immediately eligible to take the CLD exam
Form / participate in user groups with CLD / CLAs Prepare for the CLD exam using resources on Developer Zone Time yourself during practice exams Schedule to take the exam by emailing certification@ni.com
Note: CLAD certification must be current to take the CLD exam
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CLAD - Recertification
CLAD certification is valid for 2 years Recertification email sent out after 22 months of certificate issue date Recertification exam is another CLAD exam Recommendation: Take the CLD exam and certify as a CLD before CLAD expires
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Questions?
Exam related questions Visit ni.com/training for program information and preparation resources Best wishes on your Certification Exam !
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Thank you!
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