Practice Test
This practice exam is designed for customers, partners, and Anaplan employees preparing for the Professional Model Builder Certification Exam. It reflects realistic scenarios that test your understanding of Anaplan’s foundational modeling concepts.
This practice exam will help you:
- Interpret how data flows through models
- Recognize well-structured (and poorly structured) models
- Apply early best practices in logic, UX, and governance
The purpose of this exam is to:
- Get you comfortable with the question format and reasoning style
- Identify areas for further study
- Build your confidence as you prepare for your first Anaplan credential
Use this practice exam to build your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared to begin your journey as a Professional Model Builder.
Overview
The Professional Model Builder Certification is the first step for aspiring Professional Model Builders—those committed to a long-term Anaplan career, including progression toward Professional Solution Architect, and eventually, Certified Master Anaplanner (CMA).
This exam tests your conceptual understanding of model-building fundamentals. You’ll be expected to demonstrate how Anaplan models are structured, how data flows through them, and how to apply essential best practices. While it doesn’t require advanced hands-on experience, it sets the standard for how Anaplan professionals should think about scalable model design from day one.
Recommended Study Resources:
- Level 1 Model Building course
- Anaplan Community
- Anapedia
- Planual (Modeling Best Practices)
Key Exam Areas and What to Study
This certification includes multiple-choice and scenario-based questions focused on foundational modeling knowledge. Each topic builds your readiness for real-world modeling—and eventually, advanced roles like Solution Architect or CMA.
1. Calculation Logic & Data Flow
(How data flows and how calculations are handled)
You should understand:
- How data moves through modules and across lists.
- Calculation dependencies and formula logic (e.g., LOOKUP, SUM, SELECT).
- How model structure affects calculation performance.
Study Tip: Think about how your formula choices and data setup affect usability and performance at scale.
2. Structural Foundations
(What models are built from—key building blocks)
You should understand:
- Core modeling components: lists, line items, modules, time, versions.
- How dimensions and hierarchies shape model functionality.
- Use of subsets, list properties, and naming conventions.
Study Tip: Practice identifying the right list type or dimensional structure for a given modeling scenario.
3. Model Design Principles
(Core design and foundational logic behind building models)
You should understand:
- DISCO methodology: organizing models into Data, Input, System, Calculation, Output modules.
- Design strategies for scalability, maintainability, and reusability.
- Model optimization basics (e.g., avoiding unnecessary dimensions, using booleans wisely).
Study Tip: Get used to evaluating model structure not just for function—but for future growth and user experience.
4. UX & End User Engagement
(Important but secondary to core model logic)
You should understand:
- Page types: Boards vs. Worksheets.
- Card types and how to present data clearly to business users.
- Context selectors, filters, and basic navigation flows.
Study Tip: Know how to design pages that balance aesthetics with functionality, especially for planner workflows.
5. Model Governance & Management
(Lighter coverage, but necessary for model maintenance)
You should understand:
- User roles and selective access basics.
- Model size awareness and structural naming consistency.
- Why governance matters as models scale and teams grow.
Study Tip: Start thinking like a future Center of Excellence leader—clarity, auditability, and discipline matter.
6. The Anaplan Way
(Methodology – for Professional Path only)
You should understand:
- High-level awareness of TAW as an agile methodology.
- Phases: Pre-Release, Foundations, Implementation, Finalization.
- Roles and responsibilities in an agile delivery environment.
Study Tip: While not tested deeply here, understanding TAW lays the groundwork for Solution Architect and CMA certification paths.