ADVANCED

CERTIFICATION
EXAM PREP GUIDE
Everything you need to know to
prepare for and pass the exam.

ALTERYX  CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

TAKE YOUR 
SUPERHERO STATUS 
TO THE NEXT LEVEL
The world is full of valuable data that's just
waiting to be analyzed. Luckily, there's analytic
superheroes like you who harness their Alteryx
powers to turn data into insights. With your
advanced Alteryx analytic skills you're able to
tackle complex data sets, analyze spatial data,
Table of Contents:  and empower others through reports and analytic
Path to Success...........3
applications.  You're the superhero the analytics
Exam Format.............4
Exam Outline..........5-6 world needs.
Self-Assessment......7-8
Unlike traditional certification programs that are
Curriculum.............9-11
Practice Exam........12-21 focused only on measuring your knowledge, our
program is designed to help you assess your
strengths and weaknesses, close the gaps with
meaningful learning, and apply what you’ve
learned so you can use your superpowers to solve
the impossible. 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  2

THE PATH TO
CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS

1
Prepare for the exam by reading this guide and taking
Study the Advanced Certification Prep Training. Once you know what's on

and the exam, complete the self-assessment to identify your strengths and

weaknesses. Use the Advanced Curriculum to study for the exam and
Prepare sharpen your skills. Take the practice exam at the end of this guide. 

2
From the Certification page you can take the exam on-demand. The
Take exam isn't just a test, it's also part of the learning journey. Our

the certifications are designed to be low-pressure so you can focus on

Exam learning, not just passing. If you don't pass on your first attempt,
identify areas of difficulty and study up before taking the exam again. 

3
Passing the exam isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning.  Continue
Never.  your certification journey by earning a Mastery or Expert

Stop.  certification, share your knowledge with others on Alteryx

Community, or join a User Group.
Learning.

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  3

EXAM FORMAT
The Alteryx Designer Advanced certification exam allows users to
demonstrate their higher-level abilities with Alteryx Designer. The
The Advanced exam is
exam builds on concepts included in the Core exam and also
designed to help you
requires users to understand a wider breadth of tool functionality
prove and improve and apply their knowledge to more complex applications. 
your skills: it's free,
online, on-demand, Audience: Anyone who is currently Core Certified
and open-book.  Experience level: Advanced
Price: Free
Exam type: Online, on-demand 
Time Allotted: 2 hours
Passing Score: 80%
References: Open Book
Prerequisites: Passing the Core Certification exam
Questions: 44
Question Types: 40 multiple choice questions, 4 practical
application questions
Point Values: 1 pt for multiple choice, 10 points for practical
application questions
Attempts: 1 attempt every 7 days
Version: The exam tests on the latest version of Designer. 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  4

EXAM OUTLINE
The Alteryx Designer Advanced exam measures a candidate's
knowledge and skills related to the following objectives.

The candidate should be able to demonstrate their ability to do the 

following with all tools covered on the exam: 
Identify the functionality, strengths, and limitations of the tool 
Identify when the tool would be used to create a given output
Configure the tool to create a given output
Differentiate the functionality of similar tools

Advanced Preparation
Tools: Multi-Field Binning, Multi-Field Formula, Multi-Row Formula,
Random Percent Sample
Correctly format string expressions to produce a given output
Identify the specifiers and separators that transform a given date

Advanced Join & Parse

Tools: Join Multiple, Make Group, RegEx
Determine the number of records that results from a multidimensional
join
Identify the regular expression that would transform a given input to a
given output 

Spatial Analytics
Tools: Buffer, Create Points, Distance, Find Nearest, Generalize,
Poly-Build,  Poly-Split, Spatial Info, Spatial Match, Spatial Process,
Trade Area
Identify the spatial tools that include an embedded Select 
Identify which tools can generate the centroid of a polygon
Identify which tools use the drivetime engine 
Interpret the results of interactions between Target and Universe
objects Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  5
Reporting
Tools: Interactive Chart, Layout, Overlay, Render, Report Map, Report
Text, Table
Identify reporting tools with optional input anchors
Describe how to produce point and polygon objects on a Report Map

Macros
Tools: Control Parameter, Macro Input, Macro Output
Determine which kind of macro (standard, iterative, batch, location
optimizer) is the best solution for a given scenario 
Identify the number of outputs that are possible with an iterative macro 

Applications
Tools: Action, Check Box, Drop Down, Error Message, File Browse,
Folder Browse, List Box, Map, Numeric Up Down, Radio
Button, Tree  
Identify the Interface tools used to create a given App interface 
Determine when an Action tool is required between Interface and
workflow tools 
Identify which Interface tools can be used to input or output data in
an App

Data Investigation
Tools:  Association Analysis, Field Summary, Frequency Table, Pearson
Correlation, Scatterplot, Spearman Correlation
Interpret the output of Data Investigation tools and draw conclusions
Identify the possible input data types for Data Investigation tools
 

Practical Application
Questions in the practical application section gauge your ability to
use the above tools to solve questions. These questions require you to
connect to a provided data set in Alteryx Designer and build a
workflow to arrive at the correct answer. 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  6

SELF-ASSESSMENT
Use this sheet to assess the strength of your advanced Alteryx Designer
superpowers.  For each superpower listed, rate your strength from 1-3, with
the following scale:
1 = Weak,  2 = Moderately Strong, 3 = Superhuman Strength
This list is not all-inclusive, but should help you decide which areas to focus
on before attempting the exam. Each number you select counts towards
your overall superpower rating on the following page. 

Superpower  Strength Scale 

Preparing data with Multi-Field and Multi-Row tools.   1         2         3
Parsing data with the RegEx tool.   1         2         3
Blending data with advanced join tools.   1         2         3
Creating complex trade areas.   1         2         3
Finding the distance between spatial objects.   1         2         3
Calculating spatial objects' length or area.  1         2         3
Constructing spatial objects.  1         2         3
Configuring and analyzing Target and Universe objects.  1         2         3
Creating reports with multiple snippets.   1         2         3
Creating reports with maps.   1         2         3
Building standard macros.   1         2         3
Building iterative and batch macros.   1         2         3
Creating analytic applications.   1         2         3
Customizing apps with the Interface Designer.   1         2         3
Interpreting graphical and statistical outputs.  1         2         3

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  7

 Add up all of the points from the self-assessment on the previous page,
and fill in the thermometer with your score to see your superpower
strength rating.  Use your score and the certification preparedness key
When assessing your
to gauge your readiness for the exam. If your score is less than 35, use
skill level with each the Advanced Curriculum on the next page to study for the exam and
tool, remember that strengthen your skills. 
you'll need to be able
to do the following on
the exam: 
45
1) Identify the Certification Preparedness Key: 
functionality, 1-10: Just getting started
strengths, and 11-20: Advanced Recruit
21-30: Advanced Apprentice 
limitations of the tool
31-40: Advanced Sidekick
2) Identify when the 41-45: Advanced Superhero
tool would be used to
create a given output
3) Configure the tool to 30
create a given output
4) Differentiate the
functionality of similar
tools

15

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  8

CURRICULUM
Use the results from your self-assessment to guide your study efforts. 
If you're new to the concepts on the exam, complete the curriculum
sequentially to learn the knowledge and skills needed to
become Advanced Certified. Make sure you're logged into the Alteryx
Community to access all training.

The Alteryx Academy

Advanced Preparation 
provides several Interactive Lessons: 
           Preparing Data with String Functions
modalities for
           Calculations with Dates and Times
learning, including
           How to Fill Your Data
interactive lessons, Recorded Live Training:
live training, and           Tips and Tricks - Underrated Tools
weekly challenges.  Documents:
          Random % Sample Tool
          Multi-Field Binning Tool

Advanced Join & Parse

Recorded Live Training: 
           Parsing with Regular Expressions
Documents:
           RegEx
           Join Multiple
           Make Group

Reporting 
Recorded Live Training: 
           Introduction to Reporting
           Reporting for Intermediate Users

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  9

Spatial Analytics
Recorded Live Training:
Spatial Analytics for Intermediate Users
Interactive Lessons:
Viewing Spatial Objects
Understanding Spatial Objects
Creating Spatial Objects
Constructing Trade Areas
Splitting Spatial Objects
Calculating Distance
Relating Spatial Objects
Identifying Nearest Objects
Spatially Joining Data
Using Spatial Functions

Macros
Recorded Live Training:
Build Your First Macro
Build Your First Batch Macro
Build Your First Iterative Macro
Documents:
Macro Input
Control Parameter

Analytic Applications
Recorded Live Training:
Analytic App Development for Intermediate Users
Interactive Lessons:
Using Analytic Applications
Using the Interface Designer
Specifying Inputs and Outputs
Using List Boxes
Creating Drop Downs
Using Numeric Up Downs
Entering Free-form Text
Customizing Error Messages
Implementing Conditional Routing
Chaining Analytic Apps
Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  10
Data Investigation
Documents:
Pre-Predictive: Using the Data Investigation Tools (4 parts)
Data Investigation Tools

Practical Application
Weekly Challenges:
Let's Get Crafty! (apps)
Draw 1,000 Apples in Under 60 Seconds (macros)
Where to Host an Event (spatial)
Reduce the Manual Inputs! (macros)
Ranking Data (advanced prep)
Map Hurricane Harvey (spatial)

Exam Preparation
Recorded Live Training:
Advanced Exam Prep Session

Additional Resources
Read about each tool's functionality and configuration in the Help
Documentation and Tool Mastery series. See each tool in action in
Designer with One Tool Examples. To the Help Menu > Sample
Workflows > Learn One Tool at a Time.

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  11

PRACTICE
EXAM
Get a feel for the questions on the exam 
and test out your analytic superpowers. 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  12

QUESTION What is the resulting intersection object that is created from the
following objects: 

#1 Polygon: 

Line: 

A) A set of spatial points

B) A polygon object
C) A line object 
D) An intersection between two different object types is not allowed

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  13

QUESTION Which reporting tool has an optional input anchor?

#2 A) Report Text 
B) Report Map
C) Footer
D) Header

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  14

QUESTION Which interface tools were used to create the analytic application
shown below? Select all that apply. 

#3

A) Radio Button
B) List Box 
C) File Browse
D) Drop Down 
E) Check Box

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  15

QUESTION Which regular expression used with the Parse output method of the
RegEx tool will achieve the desired result? 

#4

A)  (a-z)\s(a-z) 

B)  ([a-z]+)([a-z]+)

C)  ([a-z]*)\t([a-z]*)

D)   ([a-z]+)\s([a-z]+)

Advanced  Certification Prep Guide |  16

QUESTION You are investigating profits (measured in thousands of dollars) at your
restaurant.  You get the following output from the Association Analysis
tool.  Given the output, which statements are correct? Select all that
#5 apply.

A) There is a statistically significant linear relationship between

Advertising and Profit

B) Based on the correlation matrix, as the average temperature increases

by 1 degree, profit decreases by approximately $170.39

C) Number of staff is not significantly related to Profit

D) There may be a problem with multi-collinearity between Average

Temperature and Advertising

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  17

QUESTION Practical Application Question

You are investigating recent UFO activity in Colorado.  Given the

#6 provided dataset on UFO sightings in Colorado, determine the number
of reported sightings that happened within 5 miles and 10 minutes of
another sighting.  (Hint:  Count each sighting individually.  If two
sightings are within the required distance and time of one another, both
sightings count towards the total).

A) 34
B) 36
C) 39
D) 40
E) 43

8Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  18

ANSWER Question 1) C. 
This question tests your knowledge of the Spatial Process tool, which

KEY allows you to create a new spatial object from the combination or
intersection of two spatial objects. When spatial objects intersect, the
resulting object is the object with the simpler geometry. In this scenario,
the resulting object would be the line since it is simpler than the
polygon. 

Question 2) A. 
This question tests your knowledge of reporting tools, as well as optional
inputs. Optional inputs are indicated by a light gray input anchor. The
Report Map, Header, and Footer tools all require input data. The Report
Text tool has an optional input anchor - you can connect this tool to
incoming data, or you can populate the tool with your own data. This
tool is helpful when you'd like to add text to a report that isn't already
included in your data set. 

Question 3) A., B., C., D., E.

All of the tools were used to create the app: 

Radio Button

List Box 

 Check Box
File Browse

Drop Down 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  19

Question 4) D.
This question tests your knowledge of regular expressions and the RegEx
tool. In this scenario, the desired result is splitting the first and last
names into separate columns, so we'll want to write an expression that
looks for a pattern of a word (first name) followed by a space, followed
by another word (last name). In a regular expression, anything in
between a set of parentheses is called a "group." For this question, we
want to parse out two groups from the string. We'll break down the
correct expression (option D) to explain what each part represents: 
([a-z]+) → represents the first group, which can be any series of letters
         [a-z] →  represents a string with any letter (between a and z) 
          + → represents the quantity one or more 
\s → represents a space
Taken together, the expression: ([a-z]+)\s([a-z]+) results in a string,
followed by a space, followed by another string. Since the RegEx tool
was configured to parse, the two strings are each put into their own
column. 

Question 5) C., D.
This question tests your knowledge of Spearman Correlations.  Option
A is incorrect because it says the relationship is linear.  Spearman
measures monotonic relationships.  A Pearson correlation would
measure a linear relationship.  Option B is incorrect because the
statement treats the correlation value like the coefficient on a variable
in a linear regression.  The value -0.1703829 measures the strength of
the correlation and does not specify how much the values rise or fall in
relation to one another.  Option C is correct because the p-value
between Number of Staff and Profit is .89517, which is far too high to
be statistically significant.  Option D is correct because the p-value
between Advertising and Average Temperature is low enough for there
to be a statistically significant relationship between them potentially
causing multicollinearity. 

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  20

Question 6) C.

There are many ways to approach this problem.  Although the following
process works, your workflow doesn’t have to match it.  First, a record ID
was added to make identifying individual records simple.  To determine
which reported sightings were within 5 miles of another sighting, several
steps were needed.  The latitude and longitude were turned into
centroids, and 5 mile trade areas were created for each centroid. The
dataset was appended to itself so that every possible combination could
be examined.  A Spatial Process tool was then used to create the
intersection objects between the trade areas and appended centroids.
 All combinations where no intersection existed were filtered out of the
data.  Of the remaining combinations that were within 5 miles of one
another, the amount of time between the sightings had to be calculated.
 The date/time information was converted to Alteryx DateTime format,
the difference between those times was calculated, and any combination
that was more than 10 minutes apart was filtered out of the data.  Lastly,
a Unique tool was used to remove any records that were duplicated
(forgetting this step incorrectly yields answer D).

Advanced Certification Prep Guide |  21