How AEP fits together
Most AEP implementations follow the same end-to-end flow. Understanding the order matters more than memorising every screen:
- Model — design XDM schemas for profiles and experience events.
- Store — create datasets based on those schemas.
- Ingest — load data through batch, streaming and source connectors.
- Resolve — link identifiers with Identity Service.
- Unify — build Real-Time Customer Profiles with merge policies.
- Segment — define audiences with batch, streaming or edge evaluation.
- Activate — send audiences to destinations and Adobe apps.
Wrapping all of this is the platform architecture: sandboxes, data governance, consent, APIs, Query Service and monitoring. The implementation guide turns these pieces into a delivery plan.
Choose your learning path
Beginner
Start with schemas, datasets and ingestion to understand how data enters AEP.
Implementation specialist
Follow the step-by-step implementation checklist from use case to go-live.
Architect
Design sandboxes, identity strategy, governance and integration patterns.
Career switcher
See AEP roles, skills, certification options and a realistic roadmap.
Interview preparation
Practise scenario-based AEP interview questions with model answers.
Enterprise team
Get AEP consulting, architecture review and implementation support.
AEP, Real-Time CDP, AJO and CJA: how they relate
AEP is the shared data foundation. Applications are licensed on top of it:
- Real-Time CDP uses AEP profiles and audiences for activation to marketing and advertising destinations.
- Adobe Journey Optimizer (AJO) uses profiles and events to orchestrate journeys and messages.
- Customer Journey Analytics (CJA) reports on AEP datasets across channels.
Read the full comparison in AEP vs Real-Time CDP.
Who this hub is for
This guide is written for beginners, students and career switchers who want a clear mental model, and for developers, data engineers, implementation specialists, consultants, architects, marketers, agencies and enterprise teams who need practical, step-by-step detail they can apply on real projects.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe Experience Platform a CDP?
AEP is the underlying data platform. The customer data platform capability is Real-Time CDP, an application built on AEP that adds audience activation to destinations.
How long does it take to learn AEP?
With hands-on practice, most professionals can understand the core flow (schemas, datasets, ingestion, identity, profile, segments, activation) in a few weeks. Production-level architecture skills come from working through real use cases and troubleshooting.
Do I need coding skills for AEP?
Not for the basics, which are UI-driven. Developers and data engineers benefit from JSON, REST APIs, SQL (for Query Service) and JavaScript (for Web SDK).
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