This week I took my Alteryx Foundation Micro-Credential and got an 100% on my first try with only around 16 hours of intense prep.
It is common to search for resources online in a panic to have as much preparation before an exam. I did the same last night before taking my first Alteryx Certification exam and I found it difficult to find a good guide to prepare with. Below I have compiled a guide with tips on how to do well on the Alteryx Foundation Micro-Credential Exam.
Exam Details
The Alteryx Foundation Micro-Credential Exam is the most basic level of the credentials Alteryx offers.
Price: Free
Exam type: Online and open book
Length of time: 1 hour
Attempts: One attempt every 7 days
Number of questions: 40
Question Types: Multiple choice and multiple-response. Point values are 1 point for multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. Partial credit is awarded for multiple-response questions (“Select all that apply”).
Topics Covered
I. Basic Data Analytics (35%)
- This section of the exam includes Data Types, File Extensions, Data Characteristics, Data Fields, Data Types, Metadata, and Statistical Measures.
II. Basics of Alteryx Designer (65%)
- This section of the exam includes UI Elements and Functions, Help Resources, Workflow Components, Workflow Management, Designer File Types, Designer Tools, and UI Familiarity.
- Tools you need to be able to identify by their names or icons and associate each tool with its functionality: Browse, Input Data, Output Data, Text Input, Data Cleansing, Filter, Formula, Sample, Select, Sort, Text to Columns, Summarize, Comment, Tool Container, Join, Union, DateTime.
Exam Tips
I. Have Alteryx open.
- This helps you easily answer the Alteryx specific UI questions as well as look at Tool icons.
II. Have Alteryx Documentation open.
- This helps with other UI questions Alteryx specific UI questions as well as look at Tool functions.
III. Have Google open.
- Google has all the answers, when it doubt search online.
IV. Relax and Review.
- There is enough time allotted for the exam, so do not stress out and take it too quickly. Review your answers, but don't change too many (trust your gut).
What I did to review
I. Reviewed the Exam Prep Guide.
- You can find all the information you need to know about the Exam in this Prep Guide.
II. Took Alteryx Academy Interactive Lessons.
- Especially the ones on Introduction to the Alteryx Designer and Understanding Data Types.
III. Reviewed my Data School New York notes.
- DSNY training is one of the best. They provide free trainings such as Thursday Trainings at Three as well as Learn What the Data School Learns (look out on LinkedIn or Eventbrite).
Other Practice
I. Participate in Weekly Challenges.
- Focus on the basic level challenges, however, this is not necessary as the exam is more on interactivity and basic tools and their functions.
II. Read other Data School Blogs to learn from other's experiences.
What Happens If You Pass?
I. Celebrate and post your achievements.
- Congratulations!
- Post your Credly badge on LinkedIn so the community can see.
II. Take the Alteryx Designer Core Certification
- The Alteryx Designer Core Certification is a step up from the Foundations Micro-Credential, so further studying and prep is recommended.
- Read other Data School Blogs to learn more about this exam if you are interested.
What If You Don't Pass?
I. Review where you went wrong.
- Alteryx sends an email detailing your performance in each category. This is great for you to see where your weak spots were and where to focus your review.
II. Retake the exam.
- Do not worry, you can retake it after a week (still free).
All in all, this exam is neither too difficult nor one to stress too much about. Trust in your understanding and you will do great!