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How to Choose a Certification Exam Delivery Platform

The growing shift toward hybrid learning, skills-based hiring, and global credentialing has fueled demand for secure, scalable certification exam delivery. Certification test sponsors face a complex challenge: how to balance exam security, candidate experience, and global reach while maintaining credibility and compliance. 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right certification exam delivery platform, from features and integrations to security considerations and delivery models. With 20+ years of expertise in the assessment industry, Kryterion partners with leading certification programs worldwide through our Webassessor® platform, flexible online proctoring, and global test center network. 

Table of Contents

What is a Certification Exam Delivery Platform?

A certification exam delivery platform is a secure, centralized system that enables organizations to create, manage, and deliver exams to candidates anywhere in the world. These platforms are designed to support the entire testing lifecycle, from scheduling and identity verification to proctoring and scoring, while ensuring the integrity and validity of every exam session. 

Unlike traditional paper-based testing, modern platforms are built for digital-first delivery, offering flexibility and scalability that meet the needs of today’s global candidate base. They allow organizations to offer exams in multiple formats, including: 

  • Online remote proctoring for candidates who need the convenience of testing from home or the office. 
     
  • In-person testing for controlled, high-stakes exam environments. 
     
  • Hybrid delivery models that combine the accessibility of online testing with the oversight of test center administration. 
     

The right platform also incorporates advanced security measures, such as browser lockdown, ID verification, AI-enhanced monitoring, and encrypted item banks. A secure exam delivery platform is critical to protect exam content and uphold program credibility. 

For candidates, certification exam delivery platforms simplify the experience with self-service scheduling, automated reminders, and compatibility across devices. For organizations, exam delivery platforms enable global scalability, robust reporting, and seamless integration with learning management systems (LMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and payment systems. 

A robust certification exam delivery platform is more than just software. It is the foundation of any modern certification program that supports the secure and accessible delivery of exam sessions. 

Why Your Delivery Platform Matters

Your certification exam delivery platform plays a critical role in the success, scalability, and credibility of your program. The right platform doesn’t just deliver exams, it impacts candidate experience, brand reputation, and program ROI. 

A robust, secure platform helps you: 

  • Protect Exam Integrity: Safeguard your content with multi-layered security measures like AI-enhanced monitoring, browser lockdown, and encrypted item banks to maintain trust in your credential. 
     
  • Deliver a Seamless Candidate Experience: From simple scheduling and intuitive interfaces to reliable proctoring, a positive experience can improve pass rates, increase candidate satisfaction, and drive program adoption. 
     
  • Scale Globally Without Adding Complexity: Reach candidates anywhere with multilingual support, flexible delivery models, and integrations that make administration easier as your program grows. 
     
  • Leverage Data-Driven Insights: Use built-in analytics to understand candidate performance, identify trends, and optimize exams for relevance and fairness. 
     

Your delivery platform can also act as a strategic growth driver, turning certifications into a revenue and retention tool. Learn more here: How to Turn Certification into a Revenue and Retention Strategy. 

Features to Look For in an Exam Delivery Platform

Choosing the right certification exam delivery platform starts with identifying the features that matter most to your program’s success. A comprehensive platform should balance security, scalability, and candidate experience while supporting your long-term growth strategy.

1. Secure Exam Administration

Security is non-negotiable for maintaining the integrity of your certification. Look for platforms offering: 

  • AI-enhanced monitoring to support secure, remote test delivery.  
     
  • Browser lockdowns to restrict unauthorized access. 
     
  • ID verification to confirm exam candidate identity. 
     

For a deeper dive into layered exam security, explore: Beyond AI: Total Exam Security Solutions.

2. Flexible Delivery Models

A modern platform should give you the flexibility to offer exams: 

  • Online through remote proctoring for global convenience. 
     
  • In-person for high-stakes, secure environments. 
     
  • Hybrid delivery for maximum reach and candidate choice. 
     

Learn more in Remote Proctoring vs. In-Person Testing: Which One is Right For You? 

3. Accessibility & Inclusivity

It is essential to make exams accessible to all candidates, including: 

  • Compliance with WCAG 2.1 and VPAT standards. 
     
  • Built-in accommodations like extended time, screen readers, and alternative input support. 

4. Seamless Integrations

Integration saves time and eliminates manual workflows. Choose platforms that connect with: 

  • Learning Management Systems (LMS). 
     
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. 
     
  • Payment gateways and candidate management systems.

5. Actionable Analytics & Reporting

Your platform should go beyond delivery to provide data-driven insights, including: 

  • Real-time candidate metrics, item-level performance data, and customizable dashboards 
     
  • The support of continuous program improvement and decision-making 

6. No-Cost Publishing & Updates

Choosing Kryterion as your exam delivery partner: 

  •  Gives you unlimited no-cost exam publishing and updates and no hidden fees 
     
  • Enables rapid deployment and continuous refinement of your exam content, without budget approvals or delays 
     
  • Supports program agility with full control and flexibility 

Discover the strategic value of no-cost publishing in: Revolutionizing Certification Programs: Kryterion’s No-cost Publishing Advantage. 

How a Certification Program Can Grow Your Business

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Delivery Options: Online vs. In-Person vs. Hybrid

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Choosing the right delivery model is an important decision that will impact your program’s capacity to scale while providing the best experience for your test candidates. Today’s certification programs often combine multiple approaches to meet diverse candidate needs, while protecting exam integrity. 

Why Global, Fast-Growing Certification Programs Choose Hybrid Exam Delivery 

Hybrid delivery combines the accessibility of online testing with the control of in-person oversight. Organizations offering certifications across multiple regions increasingly prefer hybrid models to serve diverse candidate preferences without compromising program integrity. 

Use Case Example — Databricks 
When Databricks’ partnered with Kryterion to adopt a hybrid delivery approach, their certification program experienced explosive growth. The result? Exam volume doubled year-over-year while maintaining best-in-class exam security and delivering a seamless candidate experience. Read the full Databricks certification program success story here: Securing Databricks’ Certification Program with Kryterion’s Expertise.   

Questions to Ask Vendors Before You Choose an Exam Delivery Platform

Choosing the right certification exam delivery platform starts with asking the right questions. Use this checklist to evaluate potential vendors, and select the right exam delivery platform that aligns with your program’s needs: 

  • What security protocols are in place? Look for multi-layered safeguards like AI monitoring, browser lockdown, and encrypted item banks. 
     
  • Does the platform support multiple delivery models? Flexibility to offer online, in-person, or hybrid exams is essential. 
     
  • How seamless are integrations? Confirm compatibility with your LMS, CRM, payment systems, and candidate management tools. 
     
  • Is the platform globally scalable? Ask about multilingual support, scheduling options, and worldwide test center access. 
     
  • How does the platform provide accessibility to all test candidates? Look for WCAG 2.1 and VPAT compliance with built-in accommodations. 
     
  • What analytics and reporting tools are included? Access to actionable insights can elevate program performance. 
     
  • What level of psychometric or technical support is offered? Confirm that you have expert guidance for test validity and reliability. 
1. What is the best certification exam delivery platform

The best platform is one that balances security, scalability, and candidate experience while supporting your long-term program goals. Kryterion’s Webassessor® stands out for its flexible delivery options and its multi-layered security measures that safeguard exam integrity at scale. 

2. How do platforms prevent cheating and promote fairness for all candidates?

Modern certification platforms use multi-layered security protocols to protect exam content and uphold fairness and include: 

  • AI-enhanced remote monitoring with human oversight. 
     
  • Browser lockdown to block unauthorized access. 
     
  • Biometric ID verification to confirm candidate identity. 
     
  • Encrypted item banks to secure exam content. 

Learn more about Kryterion’s approach to protecting exams in Beyond AI: Total Exam Security Solutions.  

3. Which delivery model is best for global certifications?

For global programs, hybrid delivery offers the greatest flexibility. It combines online proctoring for accessibility with in-person testing for high-security environments, ensuring candidates worldwide can participate without compromising integrity. Kryterion’s global test center network and secure online proctored exam delivery makes hybrid a strong option for scaling certifications globally. 

4. What features are essential for enterprise-scale programs?

Enterprise-ready platforms should include: 

  • Robust security protocols to protect brand credibility. 
     
  • Global scalability for multinational audiences. 
     
  • WCAG 2.1 and VPAT accessibility compliance. 
     
  • Seamless integrations with LMS, CRM, and candidate management systems. 
     
  • Real-time analytics for performance insights. 
5. How do certification platforms integrate with LMS and CRMs?

Integration is key for streamlining operations. Kryterion’s Webassessor® connects seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, and payment gateways. This seamless integration can reduce manual work while providing a single source of truth for candidate data and exam performance. 

How a Certification Program Can Grow Your Business

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FAQs: Choosing a Certification Exam Delivery Platform

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The best platform is one that balances security, scalability, and candidate experience while supporting your long-term program goals. Kryterion’s Webassessor® stands out for its flexible delivery options and its multi-layered security measures that safeguard exam integrity at scale. 

Modern certification platforms use multi-layered security protocols to protect exam content and uphold fairness and include: 

  • AI-enhanced remote monitoring with human oversight.
  • Browser lockdown to block unauthorized access.
  • Biometric ID verification to confirm candidate identity.
  • Encrypted item banks to secure exam content. 

Learn more about Kryterion’s approach to protecting exams in Beyond AI: Total Exam Security Solutions.  

For global programs, hybrid delivery offers the greatest flexibility. It combines online proctoring for accessibility with in-person testing for high-security environments, ensuring candidates worldwide can participate without compromising integrity. Kryterion’s global test center network and secure online proctored exam delivery makes hybrid a strong option for scaling certifications globally. 

Enterprise-ready platforms should include: 

  • Robust security protocols to protect brand credibility.
  • Global scalability for multinational audiences.
  • WCAG 2.1 and VPAT accessibility compliance.
  • Seamless integrations with LMS, CRM, and candidate management systems. 
     
  • Real-time analytics for performance insights. 

Integration is key for streamlining operations. Kryterion’s Webassessor® connects seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, and payment gateways. This seamless integration can reduce manual work while providing a single source of truth for candidate data and exam performance. 

Why Leading Organizations Choose Kryterion Exam Delivery Solutions

Ready to deliver secure, scalable exams worldwide? Discover why leading organizations choose Kryterion to build and grow their certification programs. With our Webassessor® platform, flexible online proctoring, and global test center network, we make exam delivery seamless and secure. 

Schedule a call to speak with a Kryterion expert today.  

Why invest in a certification program for your business?

ROI Positive

Certification programs can be an ROI positive tool for increasing product adoption and advocacy. 90% of companies have seen a positive return on their customer education investments, which can be enhanced with the addition of a certification (Forrester).

Customer Retention

Certification programs can be an effective tool to drive customer retention which increases profitability. Increasing customer retention rates by only 5% increases a company’s profits by 25-95% (Harvard Business School).

Trust and Credibility

Certification programs can build confidence in your product and credibility in your brand. 80% of consumers say they consider trust a deciding factor in their buying decisions (consumer survey).

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