This article provides you with a quick look at key information unique to the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript Associate exam. Per the key exam preparation resources article, exam selection and preparation begin with Esri Academy. Here you'll find exam details and have access to the corresponding Learning Plan and a link to Esri Community for the Exam Information Guide (EIG) and this exam comparison article. Here is an article to help you select the exam that’s right for you: A Personalized Approach to Exam Selection.
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New Version: ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript Associate 2026
In Development, to be published 20 November 2026
The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript Associate 2026 exam tests candidates’ experience in developing apps using the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript. It expects the candidate to have 2-4 years of experience in skills related to visualization, analysis, programming patterns, and UI/UX.
- Exam Details Page in Esri Academy (Access exam learning plan, buy exam vouchers)
- Exam Information Guide (EIG) in Esri Community (view detailed exam information, access exam preparation resources)
- Exam Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Previous Version: ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript Associate 2024
Pending Retirement 31 December 2026
The ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript exam evaluates the candidate’s experience developing apps using ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript. This exam validates skills related to visualization, analysis, programming patterns, and UI/UX.
- Exam Details Page in Esri Academy Catalog (Access exam learning plan, buy exam vouchers)
- Exam Information Guide in Esri Community (view detailed exam information, access exam preparation resources)
- Exam Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Learn more about exam retirement here.
Exam Version Comparison - 2026 vs 2024
Key Differences
- Exam Blueprint: The exam blueprint is the information outlined in the Exam Information Guide (EIG). This is created as a result of exam development efforts in collaboration with ArcGIS users like yourself.
- The 2024 exam version was aligned with the ArcGIS Online (June 2021) or ArcGIS Enterprise (10.9.1) as well as JavaScript Maps SDK 4.20 and up
- The 2026 exam version was re-organized to align with the ArcGIS Online (March 2026) or ArcGIS Enterprise (Version 12.0) as well as JavaScript Maps SDK (Version 5.0)
Exam Information Guide (EIG) – Skills Measured Comparison
2026 Exam Version – In Development | 2024 Exam Version – Pending Retirement 31 December 2026 |
Visualization - % Pending Blueprint Survey | Visualization - 32% |
Apply the appropriate renderers and symbology to visualize map data | Determine the appropriate renderers and symbology to visualize map data |
| Apply text and label features in a map | Apply text and label features in a map |
| Explain when and how to visualize client and server side data | Recognize when and how to visualize server and client side data |
| Identify the actions required to add items from ArcGIS Online/Enterprise to a web application | Identify the actions required to add items from ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Enterprise to a web application |
| Apply concepts required to create or modify features and attributes using editing/drawing/sketching | Apply concepts required to create or modify features and attributes using editing/drawing/sketching |
Analysis - % Pending Blueprint Survey | Analysis - 23% |
| Recognize when and how to query or filter based on attribute data and geometry | Recognize when and how to query or filter based on attribute data and geometry |
| Determine the appropriate method to perform spatial analysis (geometry/feature) | Determine the appropriate method to perform spatial analysis (geometry/feature) |
| Recognize the parts of geocoding and reverse geocoding | Describe geocode location services |
Describe utility services | Describe routing services |
Programming Patterns - % Pending Blueprint Survey | Programming Patterns - 31% |
| Apply concepts of event handling | Apply concepts of event handling |
| Determine when to use asynchronous and synchronous JavaScript Maps SDK methods | Determine when to use asynchronous and synchronous JavaScript Maps SDK methods |
| Determine the appropriate methods to implement security and authentication in an app | Determine the appropriate methods to implement security and authentication in an app |
| Apply concepts required to implement map components | Apply concepts required to implement widgets and components (pop-ups, web components, layer list, etc.) |
UI/UX - % Pending Blueprint Survey | UI/UX - 14% |
| Discuss navigation in 2D and 3D | Account for the relevant variables to navigate a view in 2D and 3D |
| Recognize how to place and arrange map components | Recognize the View.UI layout pattern |
Demonstrate an understanding of design and development resources (Calcite, styling, UI elements, etc.) | Demonstrate an understanding of design and development resources (Calcite, styling, UI elements, etc.) |
We hope you will engage with us during the next exam update process
Exams are updated every 18-24 months, and we welcome ArcGIS users and Subject Matter Experts to help shape the validity of our exam content. Your participation is critical to the success of our program, and your feedback is key to ensuring that the exam enhancements meet the needs of our GIS Industry. To learn more about exam development, visit our Esri Certification Exam Development blog.
How you can participate:
- View upcoming exam participation opportunities and RSVP to events that interest you on our Exam Development Participation board.
- Subscribe to the event board to receive notifications when new exam development events are added.
