Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Practice Exam

The Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) certification is an entry-level credential offered by NI (formerly National Instruments) that validates a person’s fundamental knowledge and skills in using LabVIEW. LabVIEW is a visual programming language often used for data acquisition, measurement, test systems, and automation. Earning a CLAD shows that you understand the basics of creating and troubleshooting simple LabVIEW programs, and you can use the software to collect and analyze data from hardware systems.

In simpler terms, this certification proves that you are comfortable using LabVIEW to build small programs for measuring signals, automating instruments, or testing products. It’s a starting point for anyone planning to work in engineering, testing, or research labs where LabVIEW is commonly used. The CLAD certification helps build confidence and acts as a stepping stone toward more advanced LabVIEW certifications and roles.

Who should take the Exam?

This exam is ideal for:

• Fresh engineering graduates aiming to start careers in automation or testing
• Junior test engineers and R&D support engineers
• Lab technicians who use or plan to use LabVIEW for measurements
• Interns or trainees in electronics, electrical, or instrumentation fields
• Entry-level automation or software engineers

Skills Required

• Basic programming logic and problem-solving mindset
• Understanding of engineering measurements and data types
• Familiarity with loops, structures, and error handling in LabVIEW
• Ability to read and interpret LabVIEW block diagrams
• Basic knowledge of hardware connection and signal flow

Knowledge Gained

• Core concepts of the LabVIEW environment and tools
• How to build, run, and debug simple LabVIEW applications
• Techniques to acquire, analyze, and display data
• Understanding of modular programming using subVIs
• Fundamentals of error handling and data communication in LabVIEW

Course Outline

The Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Exam covers the following topics -

Domain 1 - LabVIEW programming principles

• Utilize data flow for development of VIs
• Polymorphism

Domain 2 - LabVIEW environment

• Front Panel, Block Diagram
• Menus and Palettes
• Connector pane and icon
• Configuration options

Domain 3 - Data types, software constructs, and GUI elements

• Data types: Ranges, formats, representation, scaling, and coercion
• Type definitions and strict type definitions
• GUI elements
• Program control structures and data storage
• Data structures
• Property Nodes

Domain 4 - Variables and functions

• Global and local variables
• Functions, VIs and Express VIs for the following:

Domain 5 - Simple design patterns

• Design patterns

Domain 6 - SubVI design

• Different methods to create subVIs
• Suitable connector pane and icon
• Connection types
• Options related to subVIs

Domain 7 - VI design and documentation

• LabVIEW Style Guide

Domain 8 - Error handling

• Proper error handling in applications

Domain 9 - Debugging tools and techniques

• Function of debugging tools
• Debugging practices and techniques for different situations