NCP-USD OpenUSD Professional Study Plan¶
8-Week Study Schedule¶
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)¶
Week 1: USD Fundamentals¶
- Study USD data model (prims, properties, metadata)
- Learn file formats (.usda, .usdc, .usdz)
- Practice USD Python API (create stages, prims, attributes)
- Study schema system (IsA vs API schemas)
- Reference: OpenUSD Documentation
Week 2: Scene Composition¶
- Memorize LIVRPS composition ordering
- Study references and payloads (differences and use cases)
- Learn variant sets and variant selection
- Understand inherits and specializes
- Practice layer stacking and sublayers
- Lab: Build a scene with multiple composition arcs
Phase 2: Advanced (Weeks 3-5)¶
Week 3: Omniverse Platform¶
- Study Omniverse architecture (Nucleus, Kit, Connectors)
- Learn Nucleus collaboration model
- Understand connector workflows
- Explore Kit SDK and extension architecture
- Reference: Omniverse Documentation
Week 4: Rendering and Materials¶
- Study USD Preview Surface properties
- Learn MDL material basics
- Understand Hydra render delegate system
- Study USD lighting and camera types
- Reference: MDL SDK
Week 5: Collaboration and Pipelines¶
- Study multi-user collaboration workflows
- Learn version control with Nucleus checkpoints
- Understand pipeline integration patterns
- Study performance optimization techniques
Phase 3: Exam Prep (Weeks 6-8)¶
- Work through scenario-based questions
- Review LIVRPS and composition arcs
- Focus on API knowledge
- Full-length timed practice
Self-Assessment¶
- Can I list LIVRPS in order and explain each arc?
- Do I know when to use references vs payloads?
- Can I write USD Python API code for common operations?
- Do I understand Omniverse Nucleus collaboration model?
- Can I explain Hydra render delegate architecture?