Claude Cert Guide

Claude Code Configuration & Workflows

6 build exercises to practise the concepts in this domain.

3.1 — Build a Multi-Level CLAUDE.md Configuration

Beginner
30 minutes
  • Understand the three-level CLAUDE.md hierarchy (user, project, directory) and when to use each
  • Configure modular project standards using @import syntax
  • Use .claude/rules/ for topic-specific rule files
  • Diagnose configuration scoping issues with the /memory command
  • Identify root cause when a new team member does not receive instructions

3.2 — Create Custom Commands and Skills

Intermediate
30 minutes
  • Distinguish between project-scoped and user-scoped command locations
  • Configure SKILL.md frontmatter with context: fork, allowed-tools, and argument-hint
  • Understand when to use skills vs CLAUDE.md for conventions vs workflows
  • Verify scoping boundaries between shared and personal configuration
  • Apply the context: fork pattern to isolate verbose output from the main conversation

3.3 — Configure Path-Specific Rules with Glob Patterns

Intermediate
30 minutes
  • Write YAML frontmatter with glob patterns for conditional rule loading
  • Apply path-specific rules to files spread across many directories
  • Understand why path-specific rules are more token-efficient than root CLAUDE.md
  • Distinguish when to use path-specific rules vs directory-level CLAUDE.md
  • Verify conditional loading behaviour using the /memory command

3.4 — Practice Plan Mode vs Direct Execution Decision-Making

Intermediate
45 minutes
  • Apply the decision framework for choosing plan mode vs direct execution based on task ambiguity
  • Execute the hybrid plan-then-execute pattern for multi-file migrations
  • Use the Explore subagent to isolate verbose discovery output from the main conversation
  • Recognise complexity upfront rather than waiting for it to emerge
  • Distinguish task difficulty from task ambiguity when selecting execution mode

3.5 — Practice Iterative Refinement Techniques

Beginner
30 minutes
  • Apply the technique hierarchy: concrete examples over prose for inconsistent interpretation
  • Use test-driven iteration to provide unambiguous feedback via test failures
  • Deploy the interview pattern for unfamiliar domains to surface hidden requirements
  • Distinguish when to batch feedback vs iterate sequentially based on issue interdependence
  • Recognise that 2-3 well-chosen examples are sufficient for pattern generalisation

3.6 — Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline with Claude Code

Advanced
45 minutes
  • Use the -p flag for non-interactive Claude Code execution in CI pipelines
  • Configure structured JSON output with --output-format json and --json-schema
  • Implement session context isolation between code generation and review
  • Set up incremental review to eliminate duplicate findings across runs
  • Provide project context via CLAUDE.md for CI-invoked Claude Code