FileMaker Certification Preparation

Course Overview and Benefits

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This FileMaker Certification Test Preparation course was created to provide you with tools and knowledge you need to properly and productively study for and pass the exam. While we don't have any of the exam questions nor do we teach to the test, we extrapolate and expand on the information provided in the FileMaker Certification Study Guide.

Our videos utilize visual aids, engaging examples, and memory techniques to help you retain and recall the information during your exam.

The FileMaker Certification Test Preparation course is divided into chapters that concisely cover the eight sections of the exam.

Eight Part Series

The entire FileMaker Certification Exam Preparation series will cover these eight sections of the exam, discussed and weighted appropriately for their significance on the test.

Part 1 - Technical Specifications

This section covers the technical specifications for FileMaker 17 for Server, Pro Advanced, Go, and WebDirect. Topics will include specification and compatibility details for browsers, mobile browsers, operating systems, mobile operating systems, removed features and more.

Part 2 - Defining Database Schema

This section covers details about the types of FileMaker fields and will demystify some of the confusing options for auto-entry, validation, storage, and indexing. Students will also learn specifics about components of the relationship graph and how to simplify complex relationships.

Part 3 - Building Layouts

In this section, all foundational elements of FileMaker are brought together in one place - fields, tables, relationships, charts, script triggers, buttons, panels, themes, formatting, and all of the tools to use them properly.

Part 4 - Working with Calculations

The “Working with Calculations” section of the course counts for up to 20% of the exam. This training includes over 50 sections covering the proper expression syntax, logic, and order of operations; the behavior and use of calculation functions; and the behavior and use of custom functions.

Part 5 - Writing Scripts

In the process of visually demonstrating over 35 script steps, this section covers scripting concepts of core algorithm techniques and scripting features, context, and the tools and techniques for troubleshooting scripts. Since a FileMaker solution can be controlled almost entirely with scripts, you can make or break a solution with superior or inferior scripting performance.

Part 6 - Securing FileMaker Systems

The security section of certification is all about understanding how to control “who can access what” at all levels of a solution including: opening the file locally or externally, accounts, privileges, extended privileges, encryption and much more.

Part 7 - Deploying Custom Apps

This section focuses on all aspects of FileMaker Server; from installation and configuration, monitoring and administrative tasks, to admin console features and backups. Additional details regarding WebDirect and FileMaker Go will also be covered.

Part 8 - Data Integration

This section covers the methods used to connect to external data sources; including details on the large assortment of options for Importing, Exporting, Save/Send Records As, Snapshot Links, Integrating with web services, External Data Sources, and the lesser known world of ODBC and ESS.

Course Curriculum

(Select a box below to see all the lessons within each section)

1

Welcome
2

Certification Preparation Overview
3

Sec 2 Defining Database Schema
- Defining Database Schema: Overview
- Defining Database Schema: FileMaker Go
- Defining Database Schema: Tables
- Defining Database Schema: Tables Default Fields
- OPTIONAL: Defining Database Schema: Default Fields Instructions
- Defining Database Schema: Adding New Fields to Tables
- Defining Database Schema: Field Types
- Defining Database Schema: Field Auto-Entry Options
- Defining Database Schema: Field Validation Options
- Defining Database Schema: Field Validation Question
  FREE PREVIEW
- Defining Database Schema: Field Validation Order
- Defining Database Schema: Field Storage Options
- Defining Database Schema: Field Storage Options Question
- Defining Database Schema: Field Indexing
- Defining Database Schema: Relationships
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Graph
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Example 1
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Example 2
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Example 3a
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Example 3b
- Defining Database Schema: Relationship Example 3c
- Defining Database Schema: Summary
4

Sec 3 Building Layouts
- Building Layouts: Overview
- General Layout Information
- Context
  FREE PREVIEW
- Layout Setup Dialogue Options
- Layout Parts
- Layout Fields
- Layout Portals
- Portals, Panels, and Popovers
- Portals and Panels Navigation
- Buttons, Bars, and Popovers
- Web Viewers
- Script Triggers Analysis
- Script Triggers Question
- Script Triggers Activation
- Layout Tools: Badges
- Tools: Objects Tab
- Conditional Formatting
- Styles and Themes
- Styles and Themes Priorities
- Styles and Themes Question 1
- Styles and Themes Question 2
- Charting Data Sources
- Charting Layout Part Placement
- Building Layouts Summary
5

Sec 4 Working With Calculations: General
- Working With Calculations: Overview
- Commenting
- Operators
- Calculation Fundamentals Quiz
- Custom Functions General Information
- Custom Function Examples
- Custom Function Quiz
6

Sec 4 Working With Calculations: Functions A - H
- Base64EncodeRFC ()
- Char ()
- Code ()
- Evaluate ()
  FREE PREVIEW
- Execute SQL ()
- Filter ()
  FREE PREVIEW
- FilterValues ()
- Functions A - F Quiz
- Get ( ActiveFieldContents )
- Get ( ActivePortalRowNumber )
- Get ( ActiveRecordNumber )
- GetContainerAttribute()
  FREE PREVIEW
- Get ( CurrentTimestamp)
- Get ( DocumentsPath )
- Get ( InstalledFMPlugins )
- Get ( LastError )
- Get ( LastExternalErrorDetail )
- Get ( PersistentID )
- Get ( RecordID )
- Get ( RecordNumber )
- Get ( ScriptParameter )
- Get ( ScriptResult )
- Get ( TriggerCurrentPanel )
- Get ( TriggerKeystroke )
- Get ( TriggerTargetPanel )
- GetValue ()
7

Sec 4 Working With Calculations: Functions J - Z
- JSONFormatElements ()
- JSONListKeys ()
- JSONGetElement ()
- JSONListValues ()
- JSONSetElement ()
- Functions JSON Quiz
- Left ()
- LeftValues ()
- LeftWords ()
- Length ()
- Let ()
  FREE PREVIEW
- Middle ()
- MiddleValues ()
- MiddleWords ()
- Position ()
- Quote ()
- Right ()
- RightValues ()
- RightWords ()
- Functions Left, Middle, Right Quiz
- Round ()
- Substitute ()
- Trim ()
  FREE PREVIEW
- WordCount ()
- Function L - Z Quiz
- Working With Calculations Summary
8

Sec 5 Writing Scripts
- Writing Scripts: Overview
- Automating tasks with scripts
- Creating and editing scripts in Script Workspace
- Study Guide Question 5: Perform Script
- Script Debugger
- Control Scripts: If
- Control Scripts: Else vs Else If
- Control Scripts: Halt vs Exit
- Control Scripts: Loop, End Loop, Exit Loop If
- Control Scripts: Allow User Abort
- Control Scripts: Set Error Capture
- Writing Scripts Question 2
- Control Scripts: Install OnTimer Script
  FREE PREVIEW
- Control Scripts: Perform Script On Server
- Navigation: Enter Browse Find Preview Mode
- Navigation: Go To Field
- Navigation: Go To Layout
- Navigation: Go To Object
- Navigation: Go To Portal Row
- Navigation: Go To Record/Request/Page
- Navigation: Go To Related Record
  FREE PREVIEW
- Scripts Question 3 Delete All Records
- Fields: Insert From Device
- Fields: Insert From Last Visited
- Fields: Insert Text, Insert Calculated Result, Set Field
- Fields: Insert from URL
- Records: Commit Records Requests
- Records: Delete All Records Cascade Lock
- Records: New Record/Request
- Records: Truncate Table Question 8
  FREE PREVIEW
- Records: Save Records as PDF WebDirect Question 7 and 10
- Windows: New Window Question 6
- ODBC Driver Question 9
- Perform Find, Saved Finds
- Script Access Privileges Question 4
- Writing Scripts: Summary
9

Sec 6 Securing FileMaker Systems
- Intro/Overview
- Overview Details
- Authentication
- FMReauthenticate
- Extended Privileges
- Privilege Set
- Default Accounts and Privileges
- Security Functions: Account versus Current Privileges
  FREE PREVIEW
- File Options
- File Access
- Security Related Script Steps
- ODBC Security
- Encryption Overview
- Encryption at Rest (Part 1)
- Encryption at Rest (Part 2)
- Encrypt/Decrypt Fields
- Security Lock Icons
- SSL Certs, Ports, Remove Full Access and Custom Functions
- Section Recap
- Section Links
10

Sec 7 Deploying Custom Apps
- Deploying Custom Apps: Overview
- Backups: Automatic, On Demand, Scheduled, Progressive, and Preserved
- Server Scripting
- Deploying Custom Apps to FileMaker Go
- Monitoring Server Top Call Stats Question 4
- FileMaker WebDirect Considerations
- FileMaker Server OS Configuration (part 1)
- FileMaker Server Install Configuration (part 2)
- Admin Console (part 1)
- Admin Console (part 2)
- Admin Console (part 3)
- FileMaker Server Secure Folder
- Multi Machine Deployment
- FileMaker Data API Deployment Considerations
- Section Links
11

Sec 7 Deploying Custom Apps: OPTIONAL Server Installation Training
- OPTIONAL Training for Server
- OPTIONAL Training: Install FileMaker Server (Windows)
- OPTIONAL Training: Install FileMaker Server (Macintosh)
- OPTIONAL Training: FileMaker Server Ports (to configure firewall)
- OPTIONAL Training: Uninstall FileMaker Server (Windows)
- OPTIONAL Training: Uninstall FileMaker Server (Macintosh)
- OPTIONAL Training: Chapter Resources (Links mentioned in this chapter)
12

Sec 8 Data Integration: Import and Export
- Data Integration: Overview
- Importing and Exporting with Privileges
- Saving vs Exporting
  FREE PREVIEW
- Save as PDF
- Save as Snapshot Link
- Exporting and Saving Modes
- Export and Import Formats
- Import to a New Database
- Importing General Rules
- Importing: Methods for an Existing Database
- Importing: Additional Options
- Importing Privileges
- Importing Automated Recurring
13

Sec 8 Data Integration: ESS and ODBC
- ODBC and ESS
- External Sources: Links
14

Sec 8 Data Integration: OPTIONAL ODBC Training
- OPTIONAL: Accessing External Data Sources (Overview)
- OPTIONAL: Installing Windows ODBC driver
- OPTIONAL: Installing Mac ODBC driver
- OPTIONAL: Create an ODBC Data Source AWS RDS part 1
- OPTIONAL: Create an ODBC Data Source AWS RDS part 2
- OPTIONAL: ODBC Overview: Exchange data with open ODBC standards
- OPTIONAL: Add Schema to MySQL on AWS
- OPTIONAL: Connect FileMaker to External Data Sources
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 1
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 2
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 3
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 4
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 5
- OPTIONAL: Working with ESS part 6
- OPTIONAL: FileMaker Pro Advanced as an ODBC Data Source
- OPTIONAL: FileMaker Server as an ODBC Data Source
15

Content Exclusively for FileMaker 17 Certification Preparation
- Technical Specifications Overview for FileMaker 17
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker Server 17
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker Go 17
- Technical Specifications: Deploying a Custom App with iOS App SDK for FileMaker 17
- Technical Specifications: Deprecated and Removed Items for FileMaker 17
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker 17 Summary
- Technical Specifications: Quiz
16

Content Exclusively for FileMaker 18 Certification Preparation
- Technical Specifications: Overview for FileMaker 18
- Technical Specifications FileMaker Server 18
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker Pro 18 Advanced
- Technical Specifications: FileMaker Go 18
- Technical Specifications: Deploying a Custom App with iOS App SDK for FileMaker 18
- Technical Specifications: Deprecated and Removed Items for FileMaker 18
- While ()
- SetRecursion ()
- Set Error Logging ()
- Save a Copy as XML ()
- File Based Script Steps
- FileMaker 18 New Security Features
- FileMaker Server 18 New Features
- New Import Features for FileMaker 18
17

Final Thoughts
- The Last Few days or hours leading up to the exam
- CONGRATULATIONS!
18

Additional Resources
- Productive Computing Products and Services

Course Reviews

Excellent course, incredibly helpful, great value for money.

Benedick Miller

The course is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone considering taking the FileMaker Certification exams. It brings together the huge amount of material...

The course is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone considering taking the FileMaker Certification exams. It brings together the huge amount of material required to pass the exam in an easy to use format. The teaching is straight forward and clear. There is a mass of information here. The bottom line: I am convinced that the course helped me pass the exam. Well worth the money.

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I passed FileMaker Certification for both 17 & 18!

Jonn Howell

I recently took the coursework for FileMaker Certification, from Productive Computing University. Marc and Stu made this very approachable, easy to learn, a...

I recently took the coursework for FileMaker Certification, from Productive Computing University. Marc and Stu made this very approachable, easy to learn, and assisted greatly where pure memorization was needed. This is not my first rodeo at certification. I am now certified on 9 different versions of FileMaker. Yet, this time I wanted make sure I had it down pat, and I thought I might learn a few new things along the way. Wow! This coursework made the whole process much easier and less stress inducing. I took my time, watching the videos from my iPad while traveling overseas, and practicing on my Macbook Pro. When I returned to the States, I passed both tests in short order, and did well on them. These two guys work together very well as a team, and they made it very enjoyable, while inspiring confidence in me throughout the entire process. Go PCU! Jonn Howell DataExperience, Inc. Certified FileMaker Developer

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High Quality Course and Well-Worth Investment!

Sarah Stickfort

A five star course for sure! The course's intention statement is spot on... the streamlined study method did greatly enhance my level of understanding in key...

A five star course for sure! The course's intention statement is spot on... the streamlined study method did greatly enhance my level of understanding in key areas of FileMaker and built my confidence in preparedness to take the 17 and 18 Certification exams. Marc and Stu are both excellent teachers! I had hovered at a score just above passing on all my (five) prior exams - I went into the exams nervous about whether I had studied correctly and enough, and came out "nervous" that I was so close to the passing score. I definitely felt more prepared going into the 17 and 18 exams and my higher scores reflected that I did in fact have a better understanding of the FileMaker Platform.

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To the Point

Sayed Bondok

Believe me exam taker, without seeing this course you'll never get the hidden meaning of lots of functions. studying function by reading or even practicing b...

Believe me exam taker, without seeing this course you'll never get the hidden meaning of lots of functions. studying function by reading or even practicing by your own is boring! but with this way of teaching you'll like it....Thanks P.C. guys for your efforts....

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Great Course, Awesome Service, I PASSED!

Joanne Bell

A great, helpful and informative course. I didn't understand one section in functions, and I requested help. "U Tu Stu" responded, explained and even upda...

A great, helpful and informative course. I didn't understand one section in functions, and I requested help. "U Tu Stu" responded, explained and even updated the course to cover my question! That is awesome service. Way to go Productive Computing!

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Passed!

Christi Palme

Thanks for putting this course together it was helpful and I felt confident after finishing the course that I would pass the test which I then did. :-)

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A great course... #PassedMyExam

Steve Slater

Stuart and Marc...thanks for this course. Ran through most of it at 2x speed, but it was just the ticket for prepping me for the exam, which I passed!

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PASSED

Neal Frank

I am very pleased with the Cert Prep course. There is an enormous amount of information to go over and you all did a terrific job. I appreciated the effort, ...

I am very pleased with the Cert Prep course. There is an enormous amount of information to go over and you all did a terrific job. I appreciated the effort, the humor, the tips for helping us remember. I am pleased to announce that I passed the exam and I am so grateful for this course. An area that I particularly needed help with was FileMaker Server and this course filled in a lot of holes in my knowledge.

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Finally Passed

Michael Mayrhofer

After seven years of developing with FileMaker Pro and multiple attempts at certification, I managed to finally pass thanks to this excellently put together ...

After seven years of developing with FileMaker Pro and multiple attempts at certification, I managed to finally pass thanks to this excellently put together course. I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested in getting certified to study this course intently. Great job Marc and Stu!

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Excellent Material

Robert Jackson

This course provides a very useful insight to highlight and bridge any gaps in your FileMaker Developer skill set - very much appreciated the care taken here

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AWESOME

Pierre COLIN

Hello Stu and Marc, I took your course to prepare for my certification. Even if it was not yet complete, I studied the modules available and the rest from t...

Hello Stu and Marc, I took your course to prepare for my certification. Even if it was not yet complete, I studied the modules available and the rest from the study guide, yesterday I passed the certification exam with a 76% (Pass = 59%)! I cannot thank you enough, I look forward to the next version of FileMaker and the next course! Thank you very much. Pierre

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Certification Preparation

Collins Owens

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which version of FileMaker does this course cover?
FileMaker 17 and 18 are both covered completely.
Do I have to take this course to pass the FileMaker Certification exam?
No. However, it is our experience and belief that this course significantly reduces the necessary study time and increases the overall retention rate of all of the information studied, which gives you a better return on investment of your time spent.
Why should I get certified if my current company/employer does not require it?
Continually improving your skills can increase job security. Employers generally like to see employees striving for maximum productivity, not minimal effort. Additionally, you will be more attractive to potential employers if you are certified.
Is the course really worth the investment?
We believe so. Our own personal experience (and confirmed by many students) is that the structure and presentation style significantly decrease the time it would take to wade through the official study guide resources on our own without the guidance of the videos. In addition, being a FileMaker Certified Developer not only makes you more employable and attractive to new clients, but also ensures that you know the entire platform on a deeper level with increased skills needed to handle more complex projects.

Prerequisites

This course assumes the following prerequisites:

You have access to a recent model computer that runs Windows or Macintosh operating systems and access to an iOS device.
You have a licensed copy of version 17 or 18 of FileMaker Pro Advanced and FileMaker Server
You understand basic FileMaker terminology and you are familiar with all aspects of the FileMaker platform - FileMaker Pro Advanced, FileMaker Go, FileMaker Server, and FileMaker WebDirect.

Course Disclaimer

Simply watching this course does not guarantee passing of the FileMaker Certification exam.

Mastery of the necessary skills requires attentive engagement and additional individual action to validate comprehension.

The viewer is responsible for their own ability to demonstrate the knowledge learned to pass the exam.

Your Instructors

Instructional Design Specialist

Stuart Hite

Stuart has been developing software for over 30 years, starting long before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science in 1992. For over 14 years, he was the primary in-house FileMaker developer and the top nationwide instructor for a large education organization. He has been featured in hundreds of live and online courses on many different topics. He now gets to combine his passion for teaching and love of software development into one. “I love breaking down complex projects into simple tangible concepts in fun way. Knowing that the student is going to be able to accomplish so much more in less time after my course brings a lot of fulfillment.” - Stuart Hite, Instructional Design Specialist, Productive Computing, Inc.

President/CEO/Founder Productive Computing, Inc.

Marc Larochelle

Starting in 1991, Marc worked for the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for 5 years and built the trade show database in FileMaker which tracked 1000 exhibitors and 12 football fields worth of exhibit space. NAMM is one of the world’s largest trade shows and FileMaker was keeping track of everything. While at NAMM, Marc taught computer classes at night helping users with their Macintosh, MS Word, Excel, etc. In addition, he taught music/multimedia classes at local community colleges. Marc Larochelle and his brother Keith started Productive Computing, Inc. (PCI) in 1996. The company now in its twenty-second year, serves customers who use FileMaker and QuickBooks in the areas of custom development, solutions, plug-ins, hosting and licensing. Marc is certified in FileMaker versions 7 through 18 and he also holds a certification in AWS (Amazon Web Services). Marc has been to 19 FileMaker DevCons (18 as an exhibitor) and is considered a prime influencer within the FileMaker community.

Prepare Yourself for FileMaker Certification

Use this course to prepare yourself to pass the FileMaker 17 or 18 Certification exam as quickly as possible!