Esri Certified ArcGIS Desktop Developer Associates are familiar with ArcGIS desktop and/or engine application development. The candidate is a developer who is sufficiently familiar with ArcGIS technologies to use, configure and set up the software and build desktop GIS applications.
This certification is for ArcGIS Desktop developers who have a good context for ArcGIS Desktop application development through familiarity with ArcGIS end-user tasks such as data analysis, data editing, data creation and data quality, map visualization, and map output.
Sample questions [PDF - 63 KB]
A qualified candidate for the Esri Desktop Developer Associate Certification will be familiar with ArcGIS concepts related to the development of applications such as the application development lifecycle, object-oriented programming, as well as application documentation, maintenance, and support. They are capable of carrying out tasks as assigned by others on a team and have working knowledge of concepts and processes including (but not limited to) ArcGIS desktop framework and development platform, ArcObjects, geodatabase, data formats and storage, build custom components, coordinate systems, modeling/Python scripting, and troubleshooting.
A qualified candidate should be able to:
- Explain properties of coordinate systems, including units, domains, origins, precision, etc.
- Identify the ArcGIS geometry types and spatial relationships.
- Explain techniques for maximizing performance when accessing and managing data.
- Explain how to use geoprocessing to perform analysis, data management, and automation.
- Explain how to build a basic geoprocessing tool using Python.
- Identify the items that make up a map document.
- Determine when it is appropriate to use labels or annotations.
- Determine the appropriate architecture required to build a dockable window.
- Determine which option (command or tool) is appropriate for a given set of situations.
The following list of skills measured is provided to familiarize candidates with topics covered on the exam and to help guide exam preparation. We recommend candidates review this list and assess their knowledge of each skill. Specific preparation resources are available on the Training Resources tab to assist with refreshing in areas where any knowledge gaps are found.
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Apply ArcGIS Concepts
- Differentiate between geographic and projected coordinate systems
- Explain properties of coordinate systems, including units, domains, origins, precision, etc.
- Describe the impact of using multiple coordinate systems in the same map
- Describe the ArcGIS spatial operations and proximity operations
Work with Data
- Identify what types of services are available on ArcGIS Online
- Determine the appropriate where clause to retrieve a specific result
- Determine the most likely cause of a cursor related memory error
- Determine the implications of using the recycling property of cursors
- Describe how join and data properties affect the result of a join
- Explain techniques for maximizing performance when accessing and managing data
- Identify common data source formats and applications
- Determine the most appropriate workspace type to meet given requirements
- Describe the different operations that can be performed on selections
Geoprocessing
- Explain the elements that comprise the geoprocessing framework
- Resolve problems related to setting geoprocessing environments
- Explain how to use geoprocessing to perform analysis, data management, and automation
- Explain how to build a basic geoprocessing tool using Python
Work with Mapping and Visualization
- Identify the items that make up a map document
- Differentiate between a basemap layer and an operational layer
- Explain how to create or access layers programmatically
- Explain how to manipulate page layout elements
- Explain how to use ArcMap to author a map document
- Identify properties to be set programmatically to convert labels to annotations
- Describe advantages and disadvantages of custom layers
- List the requirements for persisting custom objects to the map document
- Determine which Python modules are required to complete a given task
- Differentiate between map and screen coordinates
Application Framework
- Differentiate between the license control and AoInitializer class
- Describe how to add tools to a toolbar control programmatically and using the IDE
- Determine the appropriate architecture required to build a dockable window
- Describe the benefits of implementing a custom extension
- Evaluate the available interfaces and determine the most appropriate ones to use to build the required custom extension
- Determine which option (command or tool) is appropriate for a given set of situations
- Determine where appropriate logic should be placed to optimize performance while implementing different methods and properties
- Choose which tasks can be accomplished using ArcPy
- Describe the purpose of edit sessions and when to use them
- Identify the minimum license level or extension license required to complete the task
The following training resources are available to help you prepare for your exam, but they are not required. Keep in mind, completing recommended training courses does not guarantee that you will achieve the requirements for a specific Esri Technical Certification.
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Search the ArcGIS Resource Center for additional materials.
