How to Prepare For Your Exam Day (Testing Center)

Learn how and why you need to prepare for a Salesforce certification exam at a testing center. Then, get a step-by-step overview of the exam pre-check process.

To learn how to prepare for Salesforce certification exam taken online with a remote proctor, visit the How to Prepare For Your Online-Proctored Exam FAQ. 

Table of Contents

What to Prepare and Why It’s Important
Acceptable Proof of Identification
What to Expect During the Pre-Check Process

What to Prepare and Why It’s Important

Q: What am I required to bring, besides the exam’s subject matter, the day of my Salesforce certification exam at a testing center? 

A: Besides knowing your exam’s subject matter, at the testing center you must present two forms of original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) IDs; one form as a primary ID (government issued with name, photo, and signature) and form as a secondary ID (with name and signature or name and recent recognizable photo). 

The first and last name that you used to register must match exactly the first and last name on the ID that is presented on test day. All IDs required must be issued by the country in which you are testing. If you do not have the qualifying ID issued from the country you are testing in, an International Travel Passport from your country of citizenship is required, along with a secondary ID. 

Q: What are the implications for not meeting proof of identification requirements?
A: Implications for not meeting proof of identification requirements include longer time spent during the pre-check process, not being allowed to take your exam, forfeiture of the voucher you used to schedule the exam, and forfeiture of all exam registration and/or rescheduling fees. 

Q: Why do Salesforce certification exams have such strict proof of identification requirements?
A: Salesforce certification exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, which has specific testing requirements that offer industry-standard security policies and processes that help to safeguard the value and security of your hard-earned Salesforce certification. For more details, visit 3 Steps We Take to Safeguard Your Salesforce Credentials.

Q: What are the benefits of preparing proof of identification requirements ahead of my exam day?
A: Preparing your proof of identification ahead of your exam day will ultimately make your exam experience more seamless and efficient at your chosen testing center. 

Acceptable Proof of Identification

Q: What are the proof of identification requirements prior to taking a Salesforce certification exam at a testing center?
A: Pearson accepts the following forms of identification:

• International travel passport.

• Plastic driver's license.

• Identification card (national, state, or province ID card).

• Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa).

• Certain types of Aadhaar card. See Aadhaar ID Policy for OnVUE.

• Brazilian paper-based driver's license or ID card (Carteira de identidade Nacional).
  
  

If you have any questions or concerns about the ID you are required to bring with you to the testing center for admittance for your exam, please contact Pearson customer service. To view the full ID policy, including any additional allowances, visit Pearson’s Global ID Policy 1S.

Q: What types of proof of identification does Pearson not accept?
A: Pearson cannot accept IDs that are expired, digital, copied, paper-based, or restricted by law, including:

• U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Common Access Card (CAC), or certain secure access IDs.

• IDs from countries where OnVUE delivery is restricted: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), Russia, Belarus, and certain regions of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, Crimea).

What to Expect During the Pre-Check Process at a Testing Center

1. Arrival and Check-in: Make sure you arrive early to the testing center as indicated in the confirmation email. When you arrive at your testing center, the test administrator will confirm your appointment and exam. You will then need to agree to the testing rules.
   
   

2. Identification: Next, you will provide the required forms of identification, which may include a passport, driver's license, or credit card. Afterwards, you will sign your name on a digital signature pad for comparison with your ID.
   
   

3. Photograph: A photo will be taken of you for secure transmission and storage with your test results.
   
   

4. Personal Belongings: You will store all personal items in a secure locker, as items like phones, wallets, and watches are not allowed in the testing room.
   
   

5. Security Checks: The proctor will check for prohibited items each time you enter the testing room. Expect to pull back your hair, lift your tie or hood, roll up sleeves, turn out pockets, and have your glasses visually inspected.
   
   

6. During the Exam: During the exam, you will be given an erasable noteboard and escorted to your workstation. You will be monitored by the proctor and may be audio or video recorded. Please raise your hand if you need assistance or a break. Upon returning from a break, you may need to show your ID.             
   
   See the following break policy for more information. 
   
   

7. Break Policy: Please raise your hand and wait for a proctor to come get you for unscheduled breaks.
   
   Unscheduled breaks will be allowed as long as during those breaks: 

• • There’s no access to personal items.

  • The clock continues to run.

  • You do not leave the building.

     
            Upon returning from your break:

• • You must check in again and undergo the same security checks as when you initially started your exam.

  • You will not be able to change the answers for questions that you have already seen.