The Application Building Learning Track will guide you through building basic CommCare survey forms to deploying complex applications that use case management.

After learning all of the material covered in this track you are eligible to take the App Building Capstone Exercise and become certified in CommCare Application Building!

Or go back to the CommCare Learning Tracks and Certification homepage to explore other tracks, or look at general questions about CommCare Certification.

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Overview

Is this the right track for me?

This track is appropriate for people that will design and build CommCare applications.

What will I learn?

After completing this track, a CommCare Application Builder will be able to:

Confidently navigate CommCareHQ and explain the basic function of each part of the website
Use the CommCare form builder to develop complex forms with multiple question types, skip logic, and validation
Use Hidden Values to perform moderately complex calculations
Understand the basic principles of case management in CommCare
Link forms and case properties using Case Management in CommCare applications
Be able to find additional information on complex features by using the CommCare Help Site
Demonstrate good practice in design of CommCare applications

Am I qualified?

Anyone can use the page to walk through application building, and you do not need any programming skills or experience.

We find that a good application builder has the following traits:

Very comfortable with use of the Internet
Fluent in English or French
Comfortable with use of Microsoft Excel or a similar product
Has experience using Android devices

Core Modules

The modules listed below should be reviewed in order. We recommend you open links in a separate tab, or download this guide so you can use it for navigation.

CommCareHQ Basics

CommCareHQ Basics Overview

This module provides a basic overview of CommCareHQ, including creating and managing a web account, navigating sections of CommCareHQ, using support resources, and configuring project settings.

Tutorial Available for This Module

You can learn everything in this module by completing the Beginner Tutorial.

This module requires completion of:

CommCare Fundamentals

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to:	Links
Create a CommCareHQ account	Complete the sign up process for CommCareHQ Login to account	Beginner Tutorial Part 1 - Setting Up a New Project Space
Create a new CommCareHQ project space	Set up a new project space Recognize what is allowed in a project space name	Beginner Tutorial Part 1 - Setting Up a New Project Space
Distinguish between a CommCareHQ account and a CommCareHQ project space	Explain the relationship between a CommCareHQ account and a CommCareHQ project space Recall that CommCareHQ users can have access to multiple project spaces	CommCare Fundamentals - CommCare Structure
Describe each section of CommCareHQ	Locate each of the following sections of CommCareHQ: Dashboard, Reports, Data, Users, Applications, Exchange, Project Settings (also CloudCare and Messaging only if relevant to project) Explain what information can be found and what tasks can be completed in each of the main sections (also CloudCare and Messaging only if relevant to project)	Beginner Tutorial Part 2 - Navigating and Preparing the Application Builder Project Settings
Explain the purpose of the CommCare users forum and how to join	Explain the purpose of the CommCare users forum Understand and provide examples of the types of questions that are asked to the users forum Feel comfortable answering questions or sharing information when appropriate Describe best practices and basic etiquette when using the users group (e.g. clear subject lines, starting a new thread for a new topic i.e. not using an existing thread to ask an unrelated question, etc.)	Home
Access and use the CommCare Help Site	Navigate the home page of the Help Site (menu, shortcuts, search bar) Provide examples of the types of resources available on the Help Site Complete a search for a problem or question they have (i.e. use the search bar to input a topic, select a topic from the auto-filled list or search for their specific topic, understand and select from search results, etc.)	Home
Report a bug or other technical issues	Provide examples of problems that should be reported to Dimagi through the "Report an Issue" feature Report a bug or other technical issue within HQ, including knowing where the "Report an Issue" button is located, what type of information to include, how to inform other people, etc.	Submit a Support Request
Switch between project spaces	Use the project space dropdown menu to switch to another project space Understand when to switch to another project space (i.e. under which circumstances to switch)	Project Settings

Form Builder Basics

Form Builder Basics Overview

Covers the basic use of the form building, including adding, removing, and changing common types of questions, changing order, adding basic display and validation conditions, and defining basic question content. The basic use of the application builder is also covered.

Tutorial Available for This Module

You can learn everything in this module by completing the Beginner Tutorial.

This module requires completion of:

CommCare Fundamentals
CommCareHQ Basics

Learning Objective	The Learner Should be able to:	Link to Resources
Recognize and explain the function of each part of the application builder	Recognize the following sections: Deploy, Settings, Multimedia, Languages, Application Structure, Actions	Beginner Tutorial Part 2 - Navigating and Preparing the Application Builder
Create a blank application	Navigate to the applications tab and click the link next to "make a new application"
Change and save changes application, module, and form names	Explain where to go to update each one of these	Beginner Tutorial Part 2 - Navigating and Preparing the Application Builder
Identify and explain the function of the different parts of the form builder	Recognize the Question Bar, Question Tree, and Question Properties sections	Form Builder
Add, delete, and change the order of questions in a form	Recall that there is no "undo" button	Form Builder
Explain the purpose of different question types and identify where to go for more information on question types	Use the Form Builder page on the help site for more information on each question type	Form Builder
Explain the role of Question IDs and what is/is not acceptable in one	Explain whether or not Question IDs are acceptable when given examples.	Form Builder
Add and edit label text	Distinguish between label text and the label question type	Form Builder
Distinguish between the form builder and the form settings page	Access the form builder by clicking on "edit" or the small pencil icon on a form's name	Form Builder
Test a form in CloudCare using the Preview Form button	Access the Preview Form from the Form Settings page	Using Web Apps
Make a question required and explain what that means	Describe possible drawbacks of making a questions required	Form Builder
Add a basic display condition using the Expression Builder	Define display conditions and explain how they works Add display conditions to a form	Beginner Tutorial Part 5
Add validation conditions using the Expression Builder	Define validation conditions and explain how they work Add validation conditions	Beginner Tutorial Part 5
Locate the Advanced Tools section of the Form Builder	Find the options for bulk translations, export form contents, etc.	Form Builder

Advanced Form Builder

You can learn everything in this module by completing the Hidden Value Calculations Tutorial.

Advanced Form Building and Hidden Values Overview

Advanced Form Building and Hidden Values covers the uses of hidden values and use of the advanced expression editor tool to build display and validation conditions. The basic structure of "if" statements is also covered.

Tutorial Available for This Module

You can learn everything in this module by completing the Hidden Value Calculations Tutorial.

This module requires completion of:

CommCare Fundamentals
CommCareHQ Basics
Form Builder Basics

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to:	Link to Resources
Describe the possible uses of Hidden values	Store a value from another form, or from the case record carry over specific data that are required in form exports	Hidden Value Calculations Tutorial
Use the Advanced Expression Editor tool to build display conditions or validation conditions	Recognize the limits to the types of expressions you can build using the CommCare Expression Builder Recognize the importance of using the Advanced Expression Editor rather than writing directly into the question properties	Hidden Values Tutorial Part 1: Adding Two Questions Using a Hidden Value
Create basic calculation expressions in Hidden Values	Make calculations using values from multiple questions Identify some of the supported expressions for basic math functions.	Hidden Values Tutorial Part 1: Adding Two Questions Using a Hidden Value
Perform a calculation with dates	Use date questions to make calculations	Hidden Values Tutorial Part 2: Calculations Using a Date
Describe the structure of basic "if" statements	Use the correct syntax for if statements: if(condition = x, then y, else z) Find errors in incorrect if statements	Hidden Values Tutorial Part 3: If Statements
Display the output from a hidden value or previous question in the Label of a different question	Use output expressions to display questions and hidden values	Hidden Values Tutorial Part 4: Displaying an Output
Find additional functions that you can use in CommCare	Use the Help Site to discover other types of calculations and formatting that can be done	CommCare Functions

Case Management

You can learn everything in this module by completing the Basic Case Management Tutorial and the Advanced Case Management Tutorial.

Case Management Overview

Covers configuring case management in an application.

Tutorial Available for This Module

You can learn all the topics in this module by completing the Basic Case Management Tutorial and the Advanced Case Management Tutorial.

This module requires completion of:

CommCareHQ Overview
Form Builder Basics
Advanced Form Building

Learning Objective	Details	Link to resources
Explain the different options for Form Action on the Case Management tab of Form Settings	Determine when to use: Form registers a new case, Form updates/closes a case, etc.	Case Management Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 2- Registering a New Case
Configure a form to register a new case		Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 2- Registering a New Case
Make a form require a case to be selected before opening it		Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 3 - Updating a Case
Configure a form to close a case		Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 3 - Updating a Case
Define a Case Type at the Module Level		Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 4 - Module Case Management Settings
Save data to the case and explain the purpose of saving case properties from a form		Advanced Case Management Tutorial Part 1 - Saving Data to Case Properties
Load data into a case and explain the purpose of loading case properties into a form		Advanced Case Management Tutorial Part 3 - Case Management Window
Within a form, reference data that is loaded from the case		Advanced Case Management Tutorial Part 4 - Referencing Data from the Case
Distinguish between the case list and case details		Basic Case Management Tutorial Part 4 - Module Case Management Settings
Add properties to the Case List		Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Add properties to the Case Details		Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Configure the sorting of the Case List		Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Configure a Filter for the Case List		Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Correctly use the options for data type in the case list and details view	(Plain, Date, Time Since or Until Date, Phone Number etc.)	Case List and Case Detail Configuration

Application Design

App Design Overview

Covers best practices for designing an application from individual questions to the overall workflow, as well as important design processes like collecting user feedback.

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to:	Link to Resources
Design a workflow that is understandable by users and meets program requirements	Employ User-Centered Design to understand any existing workflows Use the CommCare Worksheet or other application design views to describe and develop an overall application structure	Application Planning Design Your Application Workflow
Collect, analyze, and use user feedback	Pilot early designs and prototypes with users to collect feedback	User Testing
Use appropriate project and application settings	Ensure that project settings are set appropriately Recognize or be able to find information on all major Application Settings	Advanced Application Settings Project Settings
Use Question Design best practices	Use descriptive, consistent Question IDs Develop question labels that are clear and fit on the screen Use appropriate validation conditions with helpful, actionable validation messages Determine the best question type to use for each question (ex. interger vs decimal vs text) Ensure that question types are appropriate for the selected device (no GPS questions for feature phones) Minimize the use of text input type questions	Question Design
Use Form Design best practices	Use and test Display Conditions Cluster related questions using Question Groups Use hidden values to help users with calculations	Form Design
Use Case Management best practices	Use descriptive case types Design case list and details to show useful information, use the best format available, and work well on the selected device	Case Management Design
Use appropriate multimedia where helpful	Incorporate multimedia for questions where useful Ensure that media files work well on the selected device Use icons and audio to guide users through an application	Multimedia Design
Ensure that the application is designed to collect data that is relevant for both reporting and for the user	Use hidden values to calculate data required for exports or reporting	Designing for Data Quality

Advanced Modules

These modules are relevant to many but not all projects. They are required for a Certification.

Multimedia in CommCare

Multimedia in CommCare Overview

This module covers best design practices for developing multimedia content for CommCare applications, as well as the core skills for adding, updating, and managing media files in CommCareHQ.

This module requires completion of:

CommCareHQ Basics
Form Builder Basics
Advanced Form Builder and Hidden Values
Basic Case Management
Advanced Case Management

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to	Link to Resources
Identify the types of multimedia content that can be added to a CommCare application.	Identify supported multimedia content types Provide the preferred formats for each type of media	Multimedia in CommCare
Understand best practices for multimedia use in CommCare	Describe the qualities of a good image for a CommCare app Describe the qualities of a good audio clip for a CommCare app Describe the qualities of a good video clip for a CommCare app	Images in CommCare Playing Audio in CommCare Video in CommCare
Upload a media file using the Form Builder	Add a media file for a question in the form builder Validate that all media are correctly uploaded using the Multimedia Manager Recognize an error message which indicates missing media files Respond to common errors associated with media files	Multimedia in CommCare Skipping multimedia validation
Download and Install multimedia files	Download multimedia files from the Multimedia Manager or Deploy section of an Application Explain how to include multimedia files when installing an application on either CommCare for Android or for Feature Phones	Android Online Install (with multimedia) Installing multimedia (Java Phones)
Create and use form or module Icons	Select or create appropriate images based on module or form purpose Upload an icon for a form Upload an Icon for a module	Application Icons

Applications in Multiple Languages

Applications in Multiple Languages Overview

This module covers all aspects of managing multiple languages in a CommCare application, including translation of form content, application-level text, and user interface strings.

The main section this module corresponds to is: Language Configuration in CommCareHQ

This module requires completion of:

CommCare Fundamentals
Form Builder Basics

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to:	Resources
Add a new language to a CommCare application	Build an application that supports multiple languages Change the default language of an application	Language Configuration in CommCareHQ
Use the Bulk Application Translation upload feature	Understand that this can update almost every required translation in your application, including forms, app/modules, case list/details, etc.	Bulk Application Translations
Define and update User Interface Translations	Strings that are not part of the application content you developed (i.e. "save form and exit", "start") Follow instructions to manually update UI translations, or use the bulk translation tool	Translate the CommCare User Interface
Translate the Application, Module, and Form names, as well as the case list/details screens through the Application Builder interface	Choose the language you want to use from the side menu, then edit each form, module, or application name Can also do this through the bulk application translation tool	Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Use the Form Builder Bulk Translation tool	Translate one form at a time using Excel to manage the translations	Form Bulk Translation
Explain what types of fonts are supported by CommCare	Font must be supported by the phone, and should be unicode	Local Language Support and Fonts
[Paid Feature] Manage Lookup Tables in multiple languages	Use Lookup tables in multiple languages	Using Lookup Tables with Multiple Languages

Advanced Application Building Topics

These advanced topics are often very important to a project; however because they are not relevant to every project they are no covered in detail here.

Advanced Features Overview

This module covers a variety of advanced, yet commonly used application building topics. These are not covered in any tutorials, but by following the guidance on the help site and trying them out you can gain experience in using them.

Learning Objective	The learner should be able to:	Link to resources
Use advanced configuration of the Case List and Case Details screens	Filter a case list to only show cases which meet a certain condition Configure multiple levels of sorting Explain how Fuzzy Search works Use ID mapping and other advanced case list/detail "types"	Case List and Case Detail Configuration Fuzzy Search
Use Child Cases (also known as Subcases)	Explain the parent/child case relationship Provide examples of when using a child case could be useful Use the case management configuration to open a child case Reference parent case properties when working with a child case Use parent/child case selection in a case list	Child Cases Case List and Case Detail Configuration
Use Form Logic	Explain how form display conditions work Create a form display condition Recognize the different options for End of Form Navigation	Form Display Conditions End of Form Navigation
Use Case Sharing	Define case sharing Explain the behavior of cases that are shared across multiple applications in a project space Set up an application and user groups for case sharing Recognize the implications of case sharing for worker activity reports	Case Sharing Pre-Configured Reports Connect Multiple Applications
[Paid Feature] Use Lookup tables	Explain the purpose of lookup tables Configure and update a lookup table Add lookup table questions to a form	Lookup Tables

Certification Process

To get certified in CommCare Application Building:

Learn all of the material associated with each of the modules listed on this page. Where available we recommend you complete the tutorials.
Pass the test for each module.
Successfully complete the Application Building Capstone Exercise

Learning the Material

We hope that you can use the materials available on the CommCare Help Site, along with the CommCare Users Google Group and lots of practice. Dimagi also provides capacity building service packages which include live training around these topics.

Sign up for the users group to be notified of webinars and other CommCare events in your region.

Taking the Tests

CommCare Certification tests are currently hosted on CloudCare, CommCare's web data entry tool. You will need a special account to access them. Please contact your Dimagi point of contact, or if you don't have one email certification-support@dimagi.com

You can access each module test by clicking on the link below, or by finding the test with the corresponding name in CloudCare.

Other things to keep in mind:

You must do your own work. You can consult the CommCare Help Site or other apps you have built, but you cannot ask other people for help.
You can take a test multiple times but we will only count the most recent time you took the test.
You must get 70% correct in order to pass a test.

Information on the Capstone Exercise can be found at the bottom of the page.

Capstone Exercise

In order to become certified in Application Building you will need to complete the Capstone Exercise. This will challenge you to use everything you have learned from all of these modules, and push you to learn even more by using the Help Site, trying things out, and reaching out through other channels.

The capstone is only available to partners that work with Dimagi or by special arrangement. Please contact certification-support@dimagi.com for more information.