To become certified candidates should pass “Developer Essentials for FileMaker 14” Exam. The exam contains 61 multiple-choice questions, is 2 hours long and it costs 150$ in US and Canada (prices vary in other countries). Tests are administered in Pearson VUE testing centers around the world and can be booked on their website:

http://www.pearsonvue.com/filemaker/

The Exam objectives are as the following:

–        Ability to describe FileMaker Pro14 and FileMaker Server 14 technical specs.

–        Knowledge of Database Schema: auto-entry, validation and storage options, defining results and relationships for given graphs and scenarios, integration of external data sources using ESS, schema design;

–        Layouts’ building skills: layouts and specific occurrences, portals and data relationships, modification of layout objects’ behaviours, types and attributes of script triggers, implications of specific trigger types, use of chart objects; themes’, object styles and states’ application, properties and capabilities; setup and behaviour of layout parts;

–        Working with calculations skills;

–        Ability to write scripts and secure FileMaker systems;

–        Ability to deploy Database Solutions via Server;

–        Knowledge of Data Integration and Publishing on the Web;

–        Skills in  Development tools and processes;

–        Knowledge of FileMaker Go – creation and deployment of databases for iPad and iPhone.

The complete FileMaker Exam overview is available here.

There are no prior requirements to take FileMaker exam. However, in order to prepare for FileMaker 14 Exam it is recommended to go through official prep materials called FileMaker Training Series: Advanced. The study guide contains nine modules with demo files, exercises and videos, comprehensively covering all exam topics. The guide can be purchased for 19.99$ from the website below, it also comes free when you get FileMaker annual subscription.

FileMaker Training Series: Advanced

There is also free version of FileMaker Training Series called basics, which highlights all of the features and updates in the new FileMaker 14 Software.

FileMaker Training Series: Basics

There are also additional useful materials in the form of product documentation, technical briefs and white papers, which will help you to get better prepared for the exam.

Latest product documentation can be found here and for the latest products’ updates check the FileMaker Knowledge Base website. Technical briefs and white papers are available for free when you become FileMaker community member. https://community.filemaker.com/welcome

In addition to the online resources the attendance of annual FileMaker Developer Conference 2016 could be of a great interest and help. This is the largest global gathering of FileMaker independent and corporate developers, trainers and users. It is held on July 28-31, 2016.