Certified LabVIEW Architect (CLA) Exam

Passing the CLA exam is like getting your "black belt" in LabVIEW. And, just like getting your black belt in karate, it take years of hard work and learning things that just aren't taught in books (well . . . not in just one book, alone). It also requires using LabVIEW often and for a long period of time over several projects and on teams with multiple developers. The goal of the CLA is to validate that, given a set of requirements for a large application, one is able to develop, lead, and direct a team of LabVIEW developers in the creation of an efficient, cost-effective solution.

You can prepare for the CLA exam by doing the following:

• Pass the CLD exam (required).
  
  
• Review the CLA Topics (CLA Topics.pdf is located in the CERTIFICATION folder of the CD-ROM).
  
  
• Dedicate yourself to the pursuit of LabVIEW knowledge.
  
  
• Use LabVIEW passionately for many years on large projects and with multiple developers using source code control tools and semi-formal software project documentation.
  
  
• Ask and answer questions on the various online discussion forums and lists. (See Appendix E, "Resources for LabVIEW," for more info.)
  
  
• Take the LabVIEW Advanced Application Development course offered by National Instruments and NI Certified Training Facilities.
  
  
• Practice writing LabVIEW code with your eyes closed. (OK, we made this one up, but wouldn't that be cool?)