Free ARA02 Practice Test Questions and Answers (2026) | Cert Empire Practice Questions

The Outsourced Managed Service model involves engaging an external, experienced partner to deliver the entire RPA capability as a service. This approach provides a rapid path to deployment because the organization can leverage the partner's pre-existing infrastructure, expertise, and resources. The partner handles the end-to-end process, from development and implementation to ongoing support and maintenance, allowing the client organization to realize benefits quickly without the need to build an internal team from scratch.

B. Center of Excellence: This is an internal, centralized team that governs and supports RPA within the organization. It focuses on building in-house capability, which is the opposite of outsourcing.

C. Divisional: This is a decentralized internal model where individual business units independently manage their own automation initiatives, often leading to inconsistent standards and duplicated effort.

D. Franchise: This is a federated or hybrid internal model where a central CoE provides standards and support, but business units have their own development teams to build automations.

1. Blue Prism. (2020). Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Organization. Blue Prism University. In the section describing organizational structures, the Managed Service model is defined as leveraging a third-party for end-to-end delivery, emphasizing speed and access to expertise as key benefits. The CoE, Divisional, and Franchise models are detailed as distinct, primarily internal, organizational structures.

2. Blue Prism. (2022). ARA02 - Blue Prism Certified Associate Developer Exam Definition. Section 1.2: "Understand the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM)". This section requires candidates to know the different organizational models, including the outsourced model where an external partner provides the service.

The Blue Prism Enterprise RPA Maturity Model, a core component of the Robotic Operating Model (ROM), outlines the journey of an organization in adopting and scaling its automation capability. This model consists of three distinct phases: Initialize, where the initial foundation and proof of value are established; Industrialize, where the capability is scaled with robust governance, standards, and a pipeline of opportunities; and Institutionalize, where RPA becomes a fully embedded, business-as-usual capability driving strategic transformation. The term "Industrious" is not a recognized phase within this official framework.

A. Initialize: This is the first official phase of the maturity model, focusing on creating the initial RPA capability and proving its value.

C. Industrialize: This is the second official phase, centered on scaling the established RPA capability across the organization in a controlled and standardized manner.

D. Institutionalize: This is the third and most mature phase, where automation is deeply integrated into the enterprise's operational and strategic fabric.

1. Blue Prism. (2021). Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM) Architect (Version 7.0). [Courseware]. Blue Prism University. Module: "The Robotic Operating Model," Section: "The Enterprise RPA Maturity Model." (This courseware explicitly details the three phases: Initialize, Industrialize, and Institutionalize).

2. Blue Prism Limited. (2019). The Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Creating a scalable and sustainable Digital Workforce. [Official Guide]. Section: "The Enterprise RPA Maturity Model," pp. 12-15. (This document provides a detailed breakdown of each of the three phases and their objectives).

PDD stands for Process Definition Document. This is a fundamental artifact within the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM). The PDD provides a detailed, step-by-step description of the "as-is" business process that is being considered for automation. It captures all process steps, rules, inputs, outputs, and exception handling procedures, serving as the primary blueprint for the development team to build the automated solution accurately.

A. Process Document Definition: This is an incorrect arrangement of the words. The document itself is the definition of the process, not a definition of a document.

C. Process Design Document: This is incorrect. The document that details the technical design of the automation solution is the Solution Design Document (SDD), not the PDD.

D. Process Document Design: This is an incorrect and grammatically awkward arrangement of the words and is not a recognized term in Blue Prism methodology.

1. Blue Prism University (BP University). ARA02 - Blue Prism Certified Associate Developer Exam - Preparation. In the module covering the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM), the PDD is explicitly defined as the "Process Definition Document," a key deliverable of the "Define" phase.

2. Blue Prism Limited. Robotic Operating Model (ROM) v2. Section 2.2, "Define," describes the creation of the Process Definition Document (PDD) as the output of the process analysis and definition stage, which captures the detailed manual process.

3. Blue Prism Limited. Blue Prism - Process Definition (PDD) Template. The official template document provided by Blue Prism is titled "Process Definition Document," confirming the correct expansion of the acronym. This document's introduction states its purpose is to "provide a detailed definition of the business process selected for automation."

The RPA Governance Board is a strategic body responsible for the oversight, prioritization, and alignment of the automation program with business objectives. Its membership must include senior stakeholders with the authority to make decisions. The Head of RPA leads the program and is a core member. The CTO provides top-level technology strategy and ensures alignment with the enterprise IT landscape. IT or Application Owners are crucial as they are accountable for the systems the digital workforce will interact with, ensuring stability, security, and feasibility of the proposed automations.

D. Lead Developer: This is a technical delivery role focused on implementation. While their input may be required occasionally, they are not typically a standing member of the strategic governance board.

1. Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM®) v2 - Enterprise RPA Capability Framework: The ROM® documentation outlines the key roles and structures for a successful RPA implementation. The Governance and Pipeline function (Section 4.3) explicitly details the need for a board comprising senior business and IT stakeholders. This includes the Head of the RPA CoE (Head of RPA), senior IT leadership (like a CTO or equivalent), and owners of the business processes and underlying applications.

2. Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM®) v2 - Roles and Responsibilities: This document defines the responsibilities for various roles. The Head of RPA is defined as the leader of the CoE and a key figure in governance. The CTO's involvement is implied under senior IT sponsorship and strategic alignment. Application Owners are identified as key stakeholders for assessing the impact on their systems. The Lead Developer role is positioned within the delivery team, focused on technical design and development, not strategic governance.

The divisional (or decentralized) model establishes separate, self-contained automation capabilities within individual business units or divisions. A primary challenge of this structure is the creation of operational silos. These silos prevent the effective sharing of reusable automation components, best practices, and lessons learned across the enterprise. This lack of a centralized asset library and standardized approach leads to duplicated effort, inconsistent quality, and ultimately, a slower and less efficient scaling of the automation program. Each division essentially "reinvents the wheel," missing out on the economies of scale and accelerated delivery that a shared, centralized repository provides.

B. Process ownership is typically clearer and less abstract in a divisional model, as the automation team is closer to the business unit that owns the process.

C. A divisional model is often more agile and responsive to local change requests, whereas slow change management is a common criticism of a highly centralized model.

D. Security and access control are fundamental challenges that must be addressed in any operating model, not a difficulty specifically associated with the divisional structure.

1. Blue Prism Portal Documentation, Robotic Operating Model (ROM): Delivery. The official documentation describes the decentralized (divisional) model and lists its primary disadvantages as "Inconsistent standards," "Duplication of effort," and "Limited opportunity for re-use." This directly supports the idea that the model does not benefit from shared assets and best practices. (Note: Access to the Blue Prism Portal is required).

2. Blue Prism, "Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Architecting a Digital Workforce at Scale," Version 2.0, Section: 4.2.2 Decentralized. This guide explicitly states that in a decentralized model, "each business unit has its own RPA delivery and operational capability... The major drawback of this approach is that there is little or no sharing of best practice or re-use of automation components." This directly validates that option A is the correct challenge.

The "Build" stage of the Blue Prism Delivery Methodology is the phase where the actual development and configuration of the automation solution take place. Following the blueprint provided by the Solution Design Document (SDD), developers use the Blue Prism interactive client (Studio) to create the necessary Process and Visual Business Object diagrams. This stage involves writing the logic, configuring application interactions, and performing initial developer-led unit testing to ensure individual components function as designed. The primary output of this stage is the initial version of the automated process, which is then passed to the formal Test stage.

A. This describes the 'Define' stage, where the as-is process is analyzed and documented in the Process Definition Document (PDD) before any design or build work begins.

B. This describes the 'Design' stage, where the Solution Design Document (SDD) is created to detail the technical approach for how the process will be automated.

D. This describes the final part of the 'Test' stage, specifically User Acceptance Testing (UAT), which validates the solution's readiness for production deployment.

1. Blue Prism Portal Documentation, Robotic Operating Model (ROM) v2, The Delivery Lifecycle: The official methodology outlines the "Build" phase as the third stage. It is explicitly defined as: "The automated solution is built in the Blue Prism development environment, based on the PDD and SDD. The build is carried out by a developer with Blue Prism accreditation." This directly confirms that "Build" is the development of the process.

2. Blue Prism - Delivery Roadmap (within ROM documentation): This resource details the key inputs, activities, and outputs for each stage. For the "Build" stage (often labeled as "Configure & Unit Test"), the key activity is listed as "Configure the solution," reinforcing that this is the development phase. The input is the SDD (from the Design stage), and the output is the configured solution ready for the Test stage.

The SDD, or Solution Design Document, is a core artifact within the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM). It serves as the technical blueprint for an automation project. The document translates the business requirements detailed in the Process Definition Document (PDD) into a comprehensive technical design for developers to follow. It outlines the proposed solution's structure, including application interaction methods, workflow logic, data handling, exception management, and environmental requirements. The SDD ensures the development team builds a solution that is robust, scalable, and aligns with the initial process analysis.

A. Solution Document Design: This is not a standard term used in the Blue Prism methodology; the phrasing is grammatically incorrect for a document title.

B. Solution Definition Document: This incorrectly merges the purpose of the SDD (design) with the Process Definition Document (PDD), which defines the business process.

C. Solution Design Definition: This is a redundant and non-standard combination of terms within the Blue Prism framework.

1. Blue Prism University (2022). Blue Prism Foundation Training. In the module "The Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM)," the Solution Design Document (SDD) is explicitly defined as the key output of the Design phase, detailing the technical 'how' of the automation.

2. Blue Prism Limited (2021). Blue Prism - Robotic Operating Model (ROM) v2.0, Section 4.3 'Design'. This section describes the Design phase, where the Solution Designer creates the Solution Design Document (SDD) as the primary deliverable to guide the development team.

3. Blue Prism Limited. Blue Prism - Solution Design Document (SDD) Template. The official template provided on the Blue Prism Portal is titled "Solution Design Document," confirming the correct expansion of the acronym. This document's structure is a key part of the ARA02 curriculum.

A clearly articulated vision, cascaded from senior leadership, is fundamental to a successful Robotic Process Automation (RPA) implementation. Its primary purpose is strategic: to drive the significant organizational and cultural shifts required for a new capability. This top-down communication ensures that all key stakeholders understand the long-term goals and benefits of RPA, fostering the necessary buy-in and support to navigate the complexities of this transformational change. It aligns the entire organization towards a common objective, which is crucial for the establishment and scaling of a successful and sustainable automation capability.

A. Make sure everyone across the organization immediately accepts RPA

Immediate, universal acceptance is unrealistic for any significant organizational change. Change management is a process, and a vision helps facilitate, not guarantee, immediate acceptance.

B. Ensure the tactical deployment of RPA will be a success

While a strong vision supports tactical success, its primary purpose is broader and more strategic. It focuses on the overall transformational capability, not just individual process deployments.

D. Ensure the tactical deployment of RPA will be a failure

This is illogical. The entire purpose of establishing and communicating a vision is to guide the organization toward success, not failure.

1. Blue Prism. (2019). The Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Vision. Blue Prism University Portal. In the section detailing the "Vision" component of the ROM, it is explicitly stated that the vision must be cascaded from the top to "ensure that the transformational change required to establish a successful capability is embraced and supported by all key stakeholders across the company." This directly validates the correct answer.

2. Blue Prism. (2022). ARA02 - Blue Prism Certified ROM Architect Study Guide. Section: "Module 1: Robotic Operating Model - Vision." This guide emphasizes that the vision is not merely a technical goal but a business transformation objective. It highlights the role of the executive sponsor in communicating this vision to secure enterprise-wide support and align stakeholders with the strategic intent of the RPA program.

A Runtime Resource is a Blue Prism software instance installed on a physical or virtual machine that is dedicated to executing automated processes. This component is commonly referred to as a "Digital Worker." It operates non-interactively (unattended) to run the business processes that have been designed and configured in the Blue Prism development environment. The Runtime Resource logs into target applications, manipulates data, and performs tasks just as a human user would, but under the automated control of the Blue Prism platform.

A. This describes a Blue Prism Interactive Client, which is the interface used by developers and process controllers for building, testing, and managing processes, not for unattended execution.

C. This describes the role of the Blue Prism Application Server, which acts as a central communication broker between all other Blue Prism components and the database.

D. This describes the Blue Prism Database Server, which is the SQL Server instance that hosts the environment's database, storing process configurations, logs, and queue data.

1. Blue Prism Enterprise V7.2 Online Help, "Blue Prism components - Runtime resource": "A runtime resource is a computer that runs automated processes. It is often referred to as a digital worker. A runtime resource can be a physical or virtual machine." This source directly defines the Runtime Resource as the machine that runs processes, aligning with option B.

2. Blue Prism - Enterprise Architecture & Deployment Guide, Section 2.1 "Blue Prism Components": This guide details the architecture, stating, "Runtime Resources – Often referred to as Robots or Digital Workers, these are the resources that execute the configured Processes." This confirms the terminology and function described in option B.

3. Blue Prism - Infrastructure and Installation Guide v7, Section 1.2 "Blue Prism Architecture": The guide's architectural diagram and descriptions clearly distinguish the Runtime Resource from other components. It specifies that Runtime Resources are responsible for "executing processes," while Interactive Clients are for "development and control," and the Application Server handles "connectivity." This supports the exclusion of options A, C, and D.

The Developer role is the absolute cornerstone of any Robotic Process Automation (RPA) team, irrespective of its maturity level. This role is responsible for the core function of designing, building, and unit testing the automation solutions. Without a developer, no processes can be automated. While other functions are crucial for governance and scale, the development function is the fundamental prerequisite for an RPA capability to exist. At the earliest stages, a single person may fulfill multiple roles, but the developer function is the one that is non-negotiable and must be present from day one.

A. Project Manager: This function is vital for scaling and managing delivery, but in a nascent team, these responsibilities may be handled by a developer or analyst.

B. Release Manager: This is a specialized governance role that becomes critical as the RPA practice matures to manage deployments across environments, but is not essential for a foundational team.

D. Test Analyst: While testing is a critical activity, a dedicated Test Analyst role is typically introduced as the team matures and testing processes become more formalized.

1. Blue Prism. (2019). Blue Prism® - The Robotic Operating Model (ROM) (Version 1.1).

Page 17, Section: "The Foundation RPA Capability": This section illustrates the initial team structure. It explicitly shows the Developer and Process Analyst as the core of the "Process Delivery" function, highlighting the developer as a foundational role essential for creating automations.

2. Blue Prism. (2020). Blue Prism® - Roles and Responsibilities (Version 2.1).

Page 6, Section: "The Foundation Team": This document describes the initial team required to start an RPA journey. It states, "The foundation team consists of a Sponsor, a Champion, a Process Analyst and a Developer." This explicitly identifies the Developer as a critical role from the very beginning. The document later introduces roles like Release Manager and Test Manager as part of a scaled, mature organization.

The Process Controller is a fundamental operational role within the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM). This role is responsible for the day-to-day management, monitoring, and administration of the Digital Workforce in the live production environment. Key responsibilities include scheduling processes, managing work queues, monitoring the health of runtime resources, and performing initial investigation of process exceptions. The Process Controller acts as the primary human supervisor for the operational digital workers, ensuring that automated processes are executed efficiently and according to the defined schedule, thereby maintaining business continuity.

A. This describes a strategic leadership role, such as the Head of the Robotic Centre of Excellence (CoE) or an RPA Program Manager, who oversees the establishment of the entire RPA capability.

B. This is the responsibility of an RPA Manager or Head of Delivery. Their focus is on managing the human team members involved in the development and support lifecycle, not the live processes.

D. This describes the role of a Project Manager or Delivery Lead, who is accountable for managing the end-to-end delivery of a specific automation project according to a defined methodology.

1. Blue Prism University, ARA02 Courseware, Module: Roles and Responsibilities. The official course material explicitly defines the Process Controller role as being responsible for the "management and monitoring of the Digital Workforce in the production environment," which includes scheduling, queue management, and exception handling.

2. Blue Prism, "Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Roles and Responsibilities Overview" Guide, Version 2.1, Page 11, Section: "Process Controller". This official document states, "The Process Controller is responsible for managing the Blue Prism production environment. This includes the scheduling of Blue Prism processes, managing the session allocation and monitoring the Digital Workforce." This directly supports the function of controlling and administering operational processes.

3. Blue Prism, "Blue Prism - The Robotic Operating Model (v6)," Document, Section 4.3: "Roles and Responsibilities". This foundational document details the operational nature of the Process Controller, distinguishing it clearly from delivery-focused roles (like Project Manager) and team management roles (like RPA Manager). It places the Process Controller squarely within the "Run/Maintain" phase of the automation lifecycle.

Process Inventory Management, often referred to as Opportunity Pipeline Management within the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM), is the systematic framework for handling automation opportunities. It involves creating the necessary infrastructure—including governance, assessment criteria, and tools—to effectively manage the lifecycle of these opportunities from identification to implementation (B). A critical function of this managed inventory is to act as the central data source or platform for tracking progress, reporting on the pipeline's health, and communicating the value and benefits realized from the automation program to stakeholders (D).

A. This describes process discovery, which is the initial step that feeds opportunities into the inventory, rather than the ongoing management of the inventory itself.

C. Establishing a process mining approach is a specific technique for process discovery. It is a potential source for the inventory, not the management framework for the entire inventory.

1. Blue Prism. (2022). Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Delivery Methodology.

Section 4.2, "Opportunity Pipeline": This section details the mechanism for identifying, validating, qualifying, and prioritizing automation opportunities. It states, "The opportunity pipeline is the mechanism through which opportunities for automation are identified, validated, qualified and prioritized ahead of being delivered." This supports option B by describing the infrastructure and process for managing opportunities.

Section 4.2.5, "Prioritize": This part of the document emphasizes that the pipeline provides the basis for making decisions and reporting. It notes the importance of a "consistent scoring mechanism" and regular reviews, which are foundational to reporting and communicating value, thus supporting option D.

2. Blue Prism University. (2022). ARA02 - Blue Prism ROM Architect Courseware.

Module: "Delivery Methodology": The courseware explains that the opportunity pipeline (process inventory) is not just a list but a managed entity. It requires a defined process (infrastructure) for assessment and prioritization. It also serves as the primary tool for the Head of RPA to report on the program's progress and potential ROI to the business, directly aligning with options B and D.

An RPA Governance Board (often part of a Centre of Excellence or a Design Authority) is primarily focused on the strategic, technical, and operational oversight of the automation program. Its core members typically represent the key functions required for successful delivery. This includes Business Representatives who own the processes and pipeline, IT Representatives who manage infrastructure and security, and the Head of RPA who leads the program. While Human Resources (HR) is a vital stakeholder in the broader change management and workforce transformation aspects of automation, they are not typically a standing member of the core governance board that makes decisions on technical standards, architecture, and pipeline prioritization.

A. IT Representatives are essential for ensuring automations comply with security, infrastructure, and architectural standards, making them a mandatory member.

C. Business Representatives are crucial as they own the processes being automated, provide subject matter expertise, and help prioritize the automation pipeline.

D. The Head of RPA is the leader of the automation program and is central to the governance function, often chairing the board or committee.

1. Blue Prism, "Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - Overview". The official Blue Prism ROM documentation consistently describes the core governance structure as a partnership between the Business, IT, and the RPA Centre of Excellence (CoE). The Design Authority, a key governance body, is composed of technical and business leads. HR's involvement is framed within the "People" and "Change Management" components of the operating model, which is adjacent to, but distinct from, the core governance board. (Accessed via Blue Prism University/Portal).

2. Blue Prism University, "ARA02 - Blue Prism Certified Developer" Courseware. The module on the Robotic Operating Model (ROM) details the composition of governance forums like the Design Authority. It specifies that typical attendees include the Head of RPA, Enterprise Architect (IT), IT Security, and Business Process Owners. This composition underscores the focus on technical, security, and business process alignment, distinguishing it from workforce management functions handled by HR.

The People foundation within the Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM) is centered on establishing the organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities required to support and scale the Digital Workforce. It involves defining the skills and capabilities needed for the team that will design, build, deploy, and manage the automation solutions. This ensures that the right individuals are in place to govern and operate the RPA capability effectively, forming the core of the Center of Excellence (CoE).

A. This describes the Delivery Methodology foundation, which focuses on the lifecycle and standards for creating and deploying automations.

B. This relates to the Vision and Opportunity Assessment components of the ROM, which establish the strategic goals and identify suitable processes for automation.

C. This describes the Technology foundation, which deals with the IT infrastructure, architecture, and technical environment for the Blue Prism platform.

1. Blue Prism. (2022). Robotic Operating Model (ROM) - An Introduction. Blue Prism Portal Document. In the section "The Foundations of a Successful Digital Workforce," the 'People' foundation is described as: "Defining the roles and responsibilities required to deliver and maintain the Digital Workforce." This directly supports option D.

2. Blue Prism. (2022). Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM) v2 - Vision and Organization. Blue Prism Portal Document. This document details the 'People' aspect, covering Organization Design, Roles and Responsibilities, and Training, all of which are encompassed by "Defining the skills and responsibilities to build, manage and run the Digital Workforce."

The primary objective of a Blue Prism Developer is to design, develop, and test automation solutions according to the standards and best practices defined within the Robotic Operating Model (ROM). This role is responsible for configuring robust and efficient process automations based on the Process Definition Document (PDD) and Solution Design Document (SDD). The developer also provides ongoing support for the deployed solutions, particularly during the initial hypercare period and for subsequent defect resolution, ensuring the delivered automation meets the business requirements.

A. This describes the primary responsibilities of a Process Analyst, who identifies opportunities and creates the Process Definition Document (PDD).

C. This is a strategic management responsibility, typically belonging to the Head of RPA or an RPA Manager, overseeing the entire capability setup.

D. This describes the role of an RPA Manager or Delivery Lead, who is responsible for managing the team and overseeing the delivery lifecycle.

1. Blue Prism. (2021). Blue Prism Robotic Operating Model (ROM) v2. Section 4.2, 'The Roles', The Developer. This section explicitly states, "The Developer is responsible for designing, developing and testing the automation workflows and supporting the implementation of the Blue Prism solution."

2. Blue Prism. (n.d.). Roles and Responsibilities. Page 7, 'Developer'. This document outlines the developer's key responsibilities as: "Designing Blue Prism process solutions in accordance with standard Blue Prism design principles and conventions," "Configuring new Blue Prism processes and objects," and "Supporting the operational teams during the UAT and roll-out phases."