Amy Johnston · 23rd April 2025
A new era for Salesforce certification exams: what you need to know
Salesforce certifications have always been a powerful way to validate your skills, grow your career, and stand out in a competitive industry. But if you’ve taken — or are planning to take — a Salesforce exam recently, you might’ve noticed some big changes. Salesforce has officially updated its certification exam experience, and whether you’re a first-time test-taker or a seasoned cert collector, it’s worth understanding how these changes affect your study strategy and test-day expectations.
Want to know exactly how to pass your next Salesforce certification? Join us for our upcoming DevOps Launchpad webinar: How to pass your Salesforce certification exam. This practical session will share firsthand advice from 9x Salesforce-certified DevOps Advocate, Rob Cowell.
What’s changed in the Salesforce exam experience?
Salesforce rolled out an updated exam interface and process designed to make certification more accessible and secure. Here are some key updates you should know:
1. New exam interface
Salesforce now uses the Pearson VUE platform exclusively for all its online proctored and in-person exams. This change brings a more consistent, user-friendly testing environment with clearer navigation, better accessibility features, and a smoother question review system.
2. Improved registration process
The sign-up process has been streamlined through the Trailhead platform. You can now register, reschedule, and manage your certification history more easily than before—all from your Trailhead profile.
3. Flexible testing options
Salesforce exams are available both in-person at test centers and online via remote proctoring. The online option allows you to take the test from home, but you’ll need a private space, a reliable internet connection, and to pass a system check before beginning.
4. New pre-exam experience
You’ll now complete ID verification, environment scans, and other checks through an updated pre-test flow. It’s more thorough than before, so make sure to log in at least 30 minutes early.
5. Instant feedback
For most exams, you’ll now get immediate pass/fail results as soon as you finish. This helps reduce the waiting anxiety and lets you plan your next steps straight away.
How to prepare for the new experience
Preparing for the content of the exam is still crucial — but with the updated format, you should also make time to familiarize yourself with the test-day process.
- Take a practice test in similar conditions to mimic the pressure and pacing.
- Use Salesforce’s official prep materials and DevOps Launchpad resource to guide your revision.
- Get expert tips and study strategies in our upcoming webinar to help you confidently prepare for and pass your next Salesforce certification exam.
Want to learn more about getting certified in Salesforce DevOps?
If you’re looking to build your knowledge beyond Salesforce certifications, don’t forget to explore the free courses and certifications available on DevOps Launchpad. Whether you’re just getting started with DevOps, brushing up on CI/CD, or diving deeper into topics like Agentforce, testing, or Salesforce backup, there’s something for every skill level. Each course and certification is designed so you can upskill with confidence and apply what you learn to your Salesforce development. Start learning today and take the next step in your DevOps journey.