Pearson and its Pearson VUE business, the global leader in computer-based testing solutions, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Salesforce to become the sole provider of its certification exams worldwide. Registration for Salesforce certification exams, which cover more than 80 certifications across the Salesforce ecosystem, opened on July 21, 2025 according to an official announcement.
The decision comes at a time when organisations worldwide are competing for talent equipped with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills. Salesforce, claims to have steadily expanded its certification portfolio to help professionals demonstrate expertise in managing the platform and related technologies.
“Salesforce has become essential as companies embrace digital transformation, integrating advanced AI capabilities into their workflows to unlock new levels of efficiency across sales, marketing, and service teams. As enterprises look for ways to outpace competitors and adapt to changing market demands, harnessing Salesforce’s CRM and AI features is key to achieving lasting success and operational excellence. Salesforce certifications unlock this potential, empowering professionals to enhance their skills, demonstrate expertise and lead their organisations in achieving operational excellence and lasting growth,” says Sanjeev Balakrishnan, EVP of Customer Success at Salesforce.
A growing market for professional credentials
Global demand for IT certifications has grown as employers seek assurance of a workforce capable of handling rapidly evolving digital tools. According to Pearson’s recent Value of IT Certification Candidate Report (2025), more than 70 per cent of certified professionals reported improved efficiency and productivity at work, while nearly two-thirds indicated they had received-or expected-a promotion after completing a certification.
“Our strategic collaboration with Salesforce underscores a shared commitment to innovation and professional growth. Our new seamless certification experience is an investment in the future of professionals around the world, providing opportunities for individual career advancement and organizational success,” Dr. Gary Gates, Managing Director, Pearson VUE, said.
Independent studies have supported this trend. A 2024 IDC Futurescape survey predicted that by 2026, more than 90 percent of organisations worldwide will require formal certification for at least some technical roles, particularly in cloud computing and AI. Similarly, LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report highlighted certifications as one of the top three drivers influencing career mobility and hiring decisions in technology sectors.
Under the new arrangement, Pearson VUE has integrated its systems with Salesforce to simplify candidate registration, exam scheduling and delivery.
Professionals will be able to choose between:
-Online testing through the OnVUE platform for remote candidates.
-In-person testing at Pearson VUE’s global network of test centers.
-Event-based exams organized at client locations with proctored supervision.