Exam specifics
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam (as of this writing) follows the same format as most IBM certification exams. The following information describes the test itself in more detail.
Length
As of this writing, the certification exam contains a total of 63 questions.
Format
As of this writing, the certification exam is multiple choice and is given electronically.
(Note: it is not currently accessible via the internet. The candidates appearing for the test must schedule an appointment to take the exam at a certified test facility).
Maximum time allowed
As of this writing, the allowed time for the certification exam allows for a total of 90 (consecutive) minutes.
Once the exam is started, time expends and does not stop until you indicate that you are done with the exam (or the total time allowed is exhausted). Once you begin the exam, if you must take a break, keep in mind that the break does not stop or pause the clock, so be prepared to complete all questions on the exam at a single sitting.
As in a written exam, you have the ability to skip or page forward and back during the time allowed.
There is no advantage for taking less time to complete the exam. Therefore, it is advised that you take the time to go back and check over the questions and answers which you finish early. This will also allow you to make sure that you answered all of the exam questions.
Questions that you do not provide an answer for are marked incorrect and will affect your total score. So, do not leave any unanswered questions! Make an educated guess if you have to!
Topics
As of this writing, the certification exam contains total nine topics. Each topic has an assigned weightage — meaning how much that particular topic is worth in the overall certification exam.
The following topics are currently covered on the exam. The weightage for each topic is provided in the brackets:
- The Components of TM1 (3 percent)
- Identify components of the TM1 Server
- Dimensions and Cubes (16 percent)
- Describe data points and dimensions and how they relate to cubes in TM1
- Identify a manual process to create each type
- Describe the use of element attributes
- TurboIntegrator (TI) (25 percent)
- Identify uses for TurboIntegrator
- Identify sources of input for a TI process
- Identify variables, their types, and how they are used
- Identify when to enable cube logging in a TI process
- Describe when to store values versus accumulate values when loading data
- Identify how to maintain objects created through TurboIntegrator
- Describe how to troubleshoot TI processes
- Aside from TI, describe various ways to load data into TM1 cubes
- Rules (25 percent)
- Describe the advantages of using Rules versus using TurboIntegrator
- Determine the target area of a rule
- Identify the significance of order in rules
- Describe the use of the DB function in rules
- Identify ways to optimize rules
- Identify how to trace a rule
- Advanced techniques for TI scripting (10 percent)
- Identify the Advanced tabs in TurboIntegrator and how they are used
- Describe the differences between the four TI scripts
- Identify where to apply custom scripts
- Drill-through (5 percent)
- Identify different types of data that can be drilled-to
- Identify the steps in creating a drill-through process and rule
- Virtual and lookup cubes (10 percent)
- Identify a lookup cube and how it might be used
- Describe common uses of lookup cubes
- Time considerations (3 percent)
- Identify ways to structure time dimensions
- Data presentation and reporting (3 percent)
- Identify techniques for presenting data in a TM1 application
Minimal score required to pass
As of this writing, the certification exam has a minimum passing score of 73 percent. Since, the exam has 64 total questions, to obtain a passing score you need to answer at least 45 answers correctly.
Test languages
As of this writing, the certification exam is currently only offered in English.
Location of exam
As of this writing, the certification exam can be taken at any of the many certified testing facilities throughout the world.
A current list of certified faculties can be found online at www.prometric.com.
Note: Prometric is an organization that offers the most extensive, professional, and secure testing network (our channel) in the world where tests are delivered in over 160 countries in over 7,500 locations.
Sample tests
As of this writing, sample exam questions are available online at www-03.ibm.com/certify/tests/samCOG-310.shtml.
These questions and responses are limited in nature but do give you a very general idea of what the certification exam will be like.
Maximum attempts allowed
Although there is currently no maximum number of attempts for taking the IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam, keep in mind that you will be charged in full for each attempt and no refunds are given.
Training
The IBM Cognos TM1 Developer (Test COG-310) certification exam requires both competency in TM1 as well as a thorough working knowledge of each of the major TM1 components.
This book should be used as a resource to obtain the core knowledge required to successfully pass the certification exam.
Additional research is left as an exercise for the reader.
Working experience
In addition to core knowledge, it is advised that at least some practical working experience with IBM Cognos TM1 should be acquired. Completing at least some basic development tasks in a real world environment goes a long way in preparing you for the certification testing.