AEP study plan
AEP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Data Modeling and Records
Sketch a normalized data model for a sample business case, separating record types from related reference data
Define record type relationships (one-to-many, many-to-many) and justify each cardinality in writing
Identify which fields should be primary keys, foreign keys, and lookup references
Build a small glossary of data-modeling terms and match each to a concrete example in your model
Your checkpoint
A one-page data model diagram plus a written rationale covering at least 6 record types and their relationships
Data Modeling and Records & Process Modeling and Automation
Create record types, fields, and relationships in a practice environment and load sample data
Write validations and field-level constraints that enforce your business rules
Design two process models that write to and read from your record types
Trace how a process variable maps to a record field and document the mapping
Your checkpoint
A working practice app with at least 4 record types, seeded data, and 2 processes that create and update records
Process Modeling and Automation
Model a multi-step approval process with gateways, assignments, and escalation paths
Configure task assignment using groups and dynamic assignees
Add error handling and a boundary path for a failed external call
Explain the difference between process variables, node inputs, and rule inputs in your own notes
Your checkpoint
A documented approval process with a decision gateway, an escalation timer, and a written variable-scope explainer
Process Modeling and Automation & Interfaces and User Experience
Build a form that collects data and submits into your process
Apply conditional visibility and dynamic dropdowns driven by record data
Add validation and user feedback on the form
Connect a task to a record so the assignee sees context without extra navigation
Your checkpoint
An end-to-end flow: form submission triggers process, assignee acts on task, record updates, verified by test run
Interfaces and User Experience
Lay out a record list view with filters, sorting, and a detail view
Design a dashboard-style page using reusable interface components
Apply consistent layout, spacing, and labeling conventions across two interfaces
Write a short accessibility and usability checklist and apply it to your pages
Your checkpoint
Two linked interfaces (list and detail) plus a dashboard page, with a completed usability checklist
Integrations and Web Services
Configure an integration that calls a REST endpoint and parses the response into process variables
Map integration errors to user-facing messages and retry logic
Describe when to use an integration object versus a connected system in your notes
Document authentication options for outbound calls and pick one for your practice integration
Your checkpoint
A working integration with success and failure paths, plus a one-page integration design note
Security and Access Control
Define groups, roles, and object-level permissions for your practice app
Implement record-level visibility so users see only their own or their team's data
Audit your app for over-permissioned objects and correct at least two findings
Explain how authentication and authorization differ in your own words with examples
Your checkpoint
A permission matrix document plus a verified test showing two users see different record sets
Appian Platform Fundamentals and Architecture & Deployment, Testing, and Administration
Review platform architecture concepts and write a one-page summary from memory
Deploy your practice app between two environments and document the deployment steps
Write and run a test plan covering process, interface, and security scenarios
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and log every missed concept
Build a personal weak-area list with a remediation action for each item
Your checkpoint
A deployment runbook, a completed test plan with results, and a prioritized weak-area remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Data model and seeded practice app exist and can be explained without notes
Week 4: End-to-end form-to-process-to-record flow runs successfully in a test
Week 6: Integration handles both success and failure paths with documented error messaging
Week 7: Two test users demonstrably see different record sets under your permission design
Week 8: Practice app deployed across environments and a scored mixed-domain practice set is complete