Practice Exam
This practice exam is designed to help you prepare for the Associate Model Builder Certification Exam by checking your understanding of Anaplan’s core modeling concepts.
The questions will reflect real-world modeling scenarios and test your ability to:
- Understand how Anaplan handles data and calculations
- Recognize good modeling structure and best practices
- Apply basic logic to model design and usability decisions
The purpose of the practice exam is to:
- Help you become familiar with the format and phrasing of exam questions
- Reinforce conceptual understanding through scenario-based reasoning
- Identify topics you may need to review further
Use this practice exam to build your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared to begin your journey as a Certified Model Builder.
Overview
The Associate Model Builder Certification is designed for customers and Anaplan employees who are beginning their model-building journey. This exam validates your foundational understanding of how Anaplan models are structured, how data flows through them, and the basic principles that ensure model integrity and usability.
This certification emphasizes conceptual understanding of Anaplan’s modeling approach rather than advanced technical application. It is a first step toward more advanced certifications such as Certified Model Builder and Solution Architect.
Recommended Study Resources:
- Anaplan’s Model Building courses
- Anaplan Community
- Anapedia
- Planual (for best practices)
Key Exam Areas and What to Study
This exam is organized around core modeling concepts, emphasizing understanding how models are designed and maintained.
1. Calculation Logic & Data Flow
(How data flows and how calculations are handled)
You should understand:
- How data moves through modules and lists.
- Dependency chains between line items and how formulas are evaluated.
- Use of LOOKUPs, SUMs, SELECT, and other basic functions.
Study Tip: Understand what happens when a user inputs data and how that data influences other parts of the model.
2. Structural Foundations
(What models are built from—key building blocks)
You should understand:
- The core components of Anaplan models: lists, modules, line items, time, versions.
- How to apply dimensionality correctly.
- The role of list hierarchies and subsets.
Study Tip: Visualize the relationships between lists, modules, and dashboards when building a model from scratch.
3. Model Design Principles
(Core design and foundational logic behind building models)
You should understand:
- Importance of modular design using the DISCO methodology (Data, Input, System, Calculation, Output).
- How to separate logic into system and calculation modules.
- Best practices for naming conventions, performance, and maintainability.
Study Tip: Be ready to spot poor design practices and know how to improve model structure.
4. UX & End User Engagement
(Important but secondary to core model logic)
You should understand:
- UX basics: Boards vs. Worksheets, cards, filters, and selectors.
- How end users interact with data via dashboards.
- What makes a user-friendly page.
Study Tip: Know how to present model outputs clearly for decision-makers and planners.
5. Model Governance & Management
(Lighter coverage, but necessary for model maintenance)
You should understand:
- Why model size, naming conventions, and version control matter.
- The basics of user roles and selective access.
- Importance of documentation and consistency.
Study Tip: Learn how a well-managed model prevents future rework and improves user trust.