Beta Test Help

FAQs

1. Is this certification for WordPress developers on any platform?

Yes. The certification is intentionally platform‑agnostic, ensuring its relevance for WordPress professionals regardless of hosting environment or technical stack.

2. Who is eligible to take the beta exam?

Candidates should have prior experience in professional software development and a solid understanding of WordPress architecture and coding best practices.

We recommend 3–5 years of hands-on WordPress development experience, covering both backend and frontend work, including:

  • Full site builds
  • Architectural design, custom theme and plugin development
  • Site migrations
  • Performance optimization and security hardening
  • Debugging and error resolution
  • Scaling WordPress for high-traffic environments

3. Is the exam tied to a specific WordPress version?

Yes. The Advanced Professional WordPress Developer exam currently validates skills against WordPress 6.8. To maintain accuracy and relevance, the certification will be reviewed and updated annually in line with major WordPress releases.

A formal update cycle will be published in 2026 to outline how and when the certification will be refreshed in line with major WordPress releases.

4. What kind of test format is the exam?

The exam is a multiple choice format test, with single answer or multiple answer options.

It is delivered via an online exam or in a test center and requires the installation of internet browser lockdown software.

The exam will be proctored with a live-person proctor after the browser lockdown software has been installed. Read the online proctored guidance and the online testing requirements.

5. How much time will it take to complete a beta exam?

The beta exam is longer than the final version of the exam, we expect it to take between 2 and 3 hours.

6. Will I receive my result immediately?

Test takers taking beta exams don’t receive the exam results right away.

The exam records are scored after the beta exam period ends, and exam results are typically available 4 – 6 weeks after the beta closes. All beta participants are notified of their results at the same time after the beta period is complete.

When the final exam is published, test takers will receive their results immediately.

7. What is the passing score for the beta certification exam?

We have not yet set the passing score, that’s exactly what the beta test is designed to help us determine. Once the beta phase concludes, we will establish the passing score, recalculate the results accordingly, and share the updated outcomes with all beta test participants.

8. What happens if I don’t pass the beta certification exam?

If you don’t pass the beta exam, you’ll need to wait until the final exam is released to the public to try again. Your beta attempt will not count toward the four allowable attempts for the final exam.

You’ll be able to retake the final exam at no cost, and the $300 exam fee will be waived.

9. Is the beta certification exam available in other languages?

The beta exam is available globally in English only.

10. Will I receive section-level feedback for the beta certification exam if I don’t pass?

You will receive a section-level score breakdown once the cut score analysis and rescoring are completed at the end of the beta phase.

11. Where will I take the exam?

Beta testing the exam involves taking the certification exam under live conditions, which means in-person in a test center or proctored online. 

Find a test center near you and read about online proctored exam requirements.

12. How long will the credential valid for?

The credential is valid for three years and can be renewed at a 20% discount.

13. Are there training prerequisites or study materials required to take the beta certification exam?

No. There are currently no prerequisites to taking the Advanced Professional WordPress Developer certification exam.

However, we advise reading the exam and training guides, and taking the practice test. The VIP Learn courses will support your preparation.

Testing Requirements

The Advanced Professional WordPress Developer exam is delivered globally at Kryterion’s global test center network as well as online through Kryterion’s online proctoring (OLP) service, Webassessor.

Please review and complete the steps below PRIOR to your scheduled exam. Failure to do so may result in your registration being suspended or canceled and exam fees being forfeited.

Onsite / Test Center Exams

For the onsite exams delivered at a testing center, review the instructions below to facilitate the check-in process:

  • Confirm in Webassessor that your profile has the most current information (e.g., contact information, employer, legal name). Your legal first and last name in your Webassessor account must match the name on your government-issued photo ID. 
  • Arrive at your selected appointment time at least 15 minutes early.
  • Bring two forms of identification for verification. One must be a government-issued photo ID listed in the acceptable form of identification.
  • Bring your Test Taker Authorization Code provided in your exam session confirmation email. 
  • Avoid bringing unnecessary personal items with you. There may be limited or no storage available at the testing center. The proctor will ask you to place personal items in a cabinet, locker, or compartment before entering the secure testing area.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the testing area

Online / Remotely Proctored Exams

You are responsible for meeting system requirements of online proctored exams and having a suitable internet connection. Hardware malfunction, inadequate internet connection or failure to complete the below PRIOR to your scheduled exam session may result in your registration being suspended or canceled. Any exam fees paid may be forfeited.

  • You will need a computer with a webcam, and the necessary power adapter, cables and internet connection. Read about the hardware requirements.
  • You will need a second camera in the form of either a USB camera or a mobile phone or tablet. Read information on the dual camera setup.
  • You will also need to make sure that required exam software is successfully installed on your device prior to the exam. More on that below.
  • You will need to provide a photo ID to the proctor as detailed in the registration process. This data is covered by assessment provider Kryterion’s privacy policy. We encourage you to read this policy.
  • Bring one form of government-issued photo identification ready for verification, examples below.
  • Testing environment requirements:
    • Be prepared to sit for the entire length of the exam. You cannot take a break or step away from the camera’s view.
    • Use a quiet, well-lit room to take the exam. 
    • Be able to conduct a room scan.
    • Advise others that you cannot be disturbed during the exam session. No other persons are allowed in the testing area.
    • Remove all items other than your computer from your desk/workspace. This includes all papers, writing instruments, extra devices, etc. 
    • Disconnect external computer monitors from your laptop and close all applications.
    • Headphones/earbuds are not permitted during the exam.
  • Your proctor will inform you if drink or food is allowed.
Camera requirements
Additional software for the certification exam

You will be required to install the Respondus lockdown browser to ensure secure running of the proctored exam. Read more information about the lockdown browser.

Note: The Install Secure Browser button will only be enabled if you are enrolled in an exam in Webassessor

Acceptable for ID verification

For online proctored exams, be prepared to show a government-issued primary identification that includes your name, photograph, and signature. Examples include:

  • Government-issued driver’s license
  • U.S. Department of State driver’s license
  • National/state/country identification card
  • Passport
  • Passport card
  • Military ID
  • Alien registration card (e.g., green card, permanent resident visa)

Acceptable forms of secondary identification must include your name and signature. Examples include:

  • U.S. Social Security card
  • Debit (ATM) card
  • Credit card
  • School ID

Note: Your legal first and last name in your Webassessor account must match the name on your government-issued photo ID. In case of a mismatch, you will not be allowed to take the exam.


Prepare for the Beta Exam

Step 1. Understand what’s on the exam

The exam guide contains a list of topics that may be assessed in the beta exam.

Review the exam guide to determine if your knowledge aligns with the topics on the exam.

Step 2. Refresh your knowledge

If you have knowledge gaps, we recommend reading the training guide and exploring he WordPress VIP Learn courses.

The Learn courses highlight any topic areas that are WordPress VIP platform specific.

Step 3. Prepare with sample questions

Evaluate your readiness with a short practice quiz.

Step 4. Schedule the beta exam

Decide whether to take the exam remotely (see online testing requirements and system check) or at a test center (locate a test center near you).

Read the testing requirements for online proctored or in-person exams, and ensure you’re prepared.

Exam registration will open on December 3rd.