My Experience with the New Certification Exam Platform
How the Move to Trailhead Makes Exams Simpler and Smarter
If you have been around the Salesforce certification block a few times, you know that the exam-taking process has not always been smooth. Between juggling separate logins, navigating outdated interfaces, and dealing with unpredictable proctoring hiccups, the old Webassessor setup often left something to be desired.
Salesforce transitioned its certification exams from Webassessor to Trailhead Academy in the summer of 2025. The move was designed to bring the entire certification process into one ecosystem, making it easier for learners to prepare, register, test, and track their credentials without switching between multiple platforms. This consolidation reflects how Trailblazers already use Trailhead and sets the stage for a more unified and user-friendly certification journey.
Now that I have sat for an exam in the new environment, I can confidently say: I like it. In fact, I prefer it. Having my learning journey, exam registration, and results all consolidated into one clean interface felt like an upgrade.
Here is a closer look at how the experience unfolded and what you should know before scheduling your next exam.
The Check-In Process: Thorough but Reassuring
The most noticeable change came at check-in. Pearson VUE powers the exam delivery, which means you will need to download their testing software. Before launching the test, the system required me to close all other windows and apps on my computer, same as always.
Then came the room scan. This step was lengthy. I had to use my phone to take photos showing what was in front of me, behind me, and on both sides. You will also need your phone to take photos of your ID before the exam begins.
After that, the proctor came on the microphone and asked me to pick up my laptop to give him a quick tour of the room (there was also an option to message him in a chat box if needed). I had a small pile of stuff on the floor, and he politely checked whether they were out of arm’s reach. Once I confirmed they were, we shared a brief conversation about my workspace before he cleared me to begin the exam.
Once you submit your ID photos and room scans, the system warns that it could take some time for the proctor to review your credentials and surroundings. It also reassures you that you can start the exam even after your scheduled time if needed. In my case, the whole review only took about four minutes, including the brief chat I had with the proctor.
This level of detail may seem tedious, but it ultimately reassured me. The proctor was not out to catch me off guard, just to ensure a fair and secure environment.
Dealing with Distractions: A Familiar Rulebook
One thing that has not changed is the need for a quiet space. In the past, I have run into interruptions like dogs barking and kids screaming, and the proctor had to pause the exam until I quieted things down. Those same rules apply here.
During check-in, the system tested my microphone and speakers to make sure everything was working. This made sense since clear audio is essential when a proctor needs to intervene. If you are worried about background noise, make arrangements in advance. It is worth it for the peace of mind.
Inside the Exam: Clean, Consolidated, and Intuitive
Once inside, the new exam interface was a breath of fresh air. Gone was dated look of Webassessor. Instead, the platform felt modern and easy to navigate.
I especially liked:
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Navigation Controls: Clear options for moving forward, going back, flagging questions for review, and jumping to any question I had already answered.
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Review Page: At the end, it was simple to click into flagged questions, review them, and return to the main list before submitting.
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Visual Cleanliness: No clutter, no unnecessary buttons, just the essentials.
Quick Tips Before You Schedule
If you are ready to book your next exam, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Log in early: Arrive 10–15 minutes before your exam time so you are not rushed. You can actually launch the exam up to 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
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Run the system test: Pearson VUE provides a tool to check your camera, microphone, and internet speed. While it doesn’t take very long, it would help you to take care of this before exam day.
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Have your ID ready: The name on your Trailhead account must match your government-issued ID exactly.
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Use Chrome: It remains the most stable browser for launching exams.
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Clear your space: Proctors will require a full scan of your surroundings, so tidy up in advance. Keep your phone out of reach or better yet, across the room.
What’s Still the Same
For all its improvements, some core elements of the exam experience have not changed:
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Exam Content and Format: The structure of Salesforce certification exams remains consistent.
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Proctoring Rules: You will still need a quiet space, a clear desk, a webcam, and a valid photo ID.
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Pricing and Retake Policies: Costs for most certifications remain the same, with identical retake guidelines.
So if you are familiar with Salesforce exams, the fundamentals will not surprise you.
Final Thoughts: A Step Forward for Salesforce Learners
Overall, I found the new Trailhead Academy exam platform to be a meaningful step forward. By consolidating training, registration, and testing into one ecosystem, Salesforce is better reflecting how learners already use Trailhead.
The check-in process may feel stricter, but it also adds a layer of professionalism and security. The modern interface removes much of the clunkiness we endured with Webassessor. And the convenience of having everything in one place is hard to overstate.
Of course, no system is perfect. There will be hiccups, long proctor waits during busy times, and the occasional technical glitch. But in the bigger picture, this transition feels like a more unified and learner-friendly upgrade.
If you have been hesitant to schedule your next certification, don’t be. The experience is clean, the platform is easy to navigate, and your results integrate seamlessly with the rest of your Trailhead journey.
And if you have already tried it yourself, consider leaving feedback through Salesforce’s official channels. The more voices they hear, the more improvements we can expect in the future.
Disclaimer: The screenshots in this post are shared for educational purposes only to demonstrate the pre-exam check-in process (such as downloading OnVUE, running system tests, and preparing your ID). They do not include or reveal any actual exam content, questions, or secure information. Any unique access codes or personal details have been removed or obscured. Please refer to official Salesforce and Pearson VUE documentation for the most up-to-date instructions.
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