It will be a good idea to set a TED at some point – even if imaginary – to see how a phased progression works. You can shorten the TED to move between phases (45 days in Base, 45 in Build, 30 in Peak with a Taper week).
Ultimately peak fitness is about periodization and progressive overload constrained by the hours you can invest in your training.
I don’t normally compete but set a TED at start of winter to peak by late April, then go Continuous at whatever hours my schedule allows. This year I signed up for an event in August and set that as my second TED for the year.
Training Right For Your Event – Xert (baronbiosys.com)
Yes, but also feel free to experiment on-the-fly by using Filter. For example, show me sprint workouts today. Xert adapts to whatever you decide to do.
As @robt notes, you can lower the decay setting ranging from Optimal (stepped changes through more frequent BTs) down to No Decay (TL only matched).
Xert’s Magic Setting – Signature Decay – Xert (baronbiosys.com)
Keep in mind Xert is a 3-level strain model (low, high, peak) and your numbers are in constant flux. For training purposes your TP is a close range rather than an exact number. If you are in the right ballpark, you’re good to go.
Also, no need for those traditional RAMP tests unless you like doing them. 
Use search to locate “fitness test” entries in the workout library. They won’t show up on recommended lists but you can pick one whenever you want. Ride it in slope mode using gears/cadence and exceed target/duration where able. The goal is to measure max efforts under fatigue with MPA drawn down. Hard, but easier than RAMP or 20-minute tests.
Breaking Through the Xert Way! – Xert (baronbiosys.com)
If you have lots of power/HR/cadence data on file, you can enable HRDM under Account Settings and your outdoor rides will be quantified by difficulty, specificity, focus, and estimated strain score. Close enough to establish TL numbers for sig calcs but as @robt notes you’ll miss out on any BTs you may be achieving outdoors.
Tracking cadence improves the accuracy of HRDM. Click here for an inexpensive option.
Lots of newbie tips posted here – Beginner questions
Academy series videos are the quickest way to get up to speed – Discover + Improve + Perform
FAQs here – Support Home – Xert
Welcome aboard.