Salesforce offers over 50 certifications to validate your skills and advance your career. Protecting the integrity of these certifications is a top priority and essential to maintaining the high standards you expect. Here are three key steps we take every day to ensure Salesforce certifications remain secure.
Step 1. Defense – We designed a strong system
We continuously monitor and update our certification exams to keep them current with Salesforce releases and user feedback. Each exam is unique, with randomized questions to ensure fairness.
- Keeping exams up to date: We continuously update exams to stay aligned with Salesforce release cycles. User feedback also helps guide updates.
- Randomizing exams: Each exam is designed to be a unique experience for every test-taker.
- Monitoring exam statistics: We watch for unusual patterns that could indicate compromised content and quickly decide whether to update or change an exam, even outside the regular release cycle.
- Limiting exam retakes: While we know not everyone passes on the first try, we limit the number of retakes per release cycle to prevent question memorization. Learn more about our retake policy here.
- Improving our lockdown browser: We regularly update our lockdown browser to better detect and block proxy test-takers and bad actors.
Step 2. Identification – We monitor for security issues
We’re always on the lookout for behavior that could compromise certification exam content. Our goal is to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to prepare.
- Ongoing internet monitoring: We continuously scan the web for individuals or companies requesting, offering, or selling Salesforce certification content. We also partner with industry experts to expand coverage.
- Strong proctoring protocols: Proctors are trained to identify potential cheating in both online and in-person exams.
- Violation reporting: Think you’ve seen a certification security violation? Submit a case for our team to review.
Step 3. Correction – We act quickly
When violations occur, we take swift and appropriate action.
- Removing compromising posts: We send warning notices and delete any posts in the Trailblazer or Partner Community that violate certification security policies.
- Issuing takedown notices: For non-Salesforce platforms, we send official notices to remove any shared content that compromises our exams.
- Updating compromised content: Any compromised certification content is replaced.
- Taking permanent action: Depending on the severity of the violation, actions may include revoking certifications or banning violators from the program.
Code of Conduct
Check out the Program Agreement and Code of Conduct to learn the recommendations, prohibitions, policies, and consequences of violations.
What to do (and not do)
Participation in the certification program requires agreement to the Salesforce Certification Program Agreement and Code of Conduct, which we regularly update to reflect industry best practices.
Do:
- Use Trailhead – the only official resource – to prepare for exams. This includes trails, trailmixes, exam guides, Knowledge Articles, and practice exams.
- Practice in your Developer Org or Trailhead Playground.
- Join or start a study group in the Trailblazer Community.
- Find a mentor.
- After your exam, review section-level feedback to understand strengths and areas to improve.
Don’t:
- Share, use, or request exam dumps. These are often inaccurate, outdated, and devalue the certification for everyone.
- Share exam questions or answers.
- Use devices or get outside help during your exam. Review exam procedures for online and in-person guidelines.
Recent code of conduct updates include new candidate requirements, such as:
- Not providing false or misleading information to Salesforce.
- Not launching exams with malicious software.
- Not selling or misusing voucher or coupon codes.
All violations are taken seriously and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Consequences may include exam suspension, certification revocation, or removal from the certification program and Trailblazer Community.
See something? Say something.
If you see something suspicious, submit a case. If we confirm a security violation has taken place, we’ll take action right away.
Help us keep your certifications secure
We’ve built strong systems, monitor constantly, and act quickly – but we can’t do it alone.
- Submit a Certification Protection case: If you spot a violation, report it. Our team will review and act quickly if necessary.
- Flag posts in community groups: Use “flag as spam” or alert the group moderator.
- Promote security best practices: Share the Certification Program Agreement and Certification Protection case form with others in the Trailblazer Community.
Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of Salesforce certifications.
