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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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