The new Webflow CMS Exam – what is it and is it worth taking?

In June 2021 I successfully completed the Webflow CMS (content management system) exam. Having heard about the three available Webflow exams not too long ago, I decided to take the plunge and give the CMS exam a go. You've never heard of the Webflow exams? Well, that's what I'd like to talk about today...

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What is it?

Webflow is now offering three different Webflow certifications: the CMS Exam, as well as the Layout Certifications I and II. All three programs are still in beta at the time of writing. This means that you can take these exams already, but Webflow might most likely further develop these exams and make improvements to them in the near future.

What are the exams comprised of?

I can currently only speak to the CMS exam, as I have not taken the other two certifications yet. The CMS exam is made up of 25 multiple choice questions, some of which require true/false answers, while others allow for one or multiple correct answers. Participants have to get a a score of at least 88% (22 correct questions) to pass the exam. There is no limit as to how much time you can spend answering each question. If you don't pass the exam on your first try, you have 2 more attempts available. Each exam is valid for 12 months only.

What do I get after passing the exam?

After passing the Webflow CMS exam you receive a digital certificate (PDF document), stating you passed. You could potentially add this to your LinkedIn profile or application documents for a job if you're so inclined. Apparently Webflow will also provide you with "official badge assets" as soon as the beta period is over.

Is passing the CMS exam difficult?

I can't speak to the other to exams offered, but for the CMS exam I'd say: if you know your way around the Webflow content management system the questions are quite straight forward and not hard to solve. Having worked extensively with the CMS on client projects I found it quite easy to answer the 25 questions and ended up answering each of them correctly at the first go.

Is it worth taking the Webflow CMS exam?

Well, in my opinion there is no clear cut answer for this. There are still a few issues with the exam that don't sit well with me.

1. One obvious one is that the exam isn't really well known in the industry or with employers. Many long-term Webflow experts aren't even aware of its existence. So, you can't say it is something employers will recognise straight away when they see it on your (LinkedIn) profile or your resume.
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2. Adding to the first point above, the exam certificate itself is rather... underwhelming and judging from Webflow's educational videos and other design documents online I would have expected a more refined layout that looks a bit more official and not like something someone has slapped together quickly in a Word document (sorry, Webflow!). It doesn't give the impression of any kind of "authority" and coming directly from Webflow that is what you'd be looking for when completing the exam. Especially if you are looking at adding the exam to your job application you want it to look quite formal so it is taking seriously and hiring managers don't think you put this together yourself and added it to your application. But I understand that the exam program is still in beta stage, so hopefully this is something Webflow will further improve on later.
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3. For someone who knows their way around the CMS, the questions are quite easy to answer and I had actually expected it to be more difficult. However I assume as the exam program is further developed, additional stages (the CMS exam currently only has a stage I for users to complete) will be made available that more challenging.
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4. Badge assets. Webflow says at the end of the beta program "badge assets" will be mailed out to anyone who has completed the exam. Having a digital badge would be a great way to show potential clients on your website that you have completed a Webflow qualification. Yes, I know a great portfolio and superb testimonials are way more important, but additionally an offical looking badge wouldn't do any harm either. Hopefully those badges will then be done up more professionally than the certificate. Nevertheless it is a little frustrating that those assets are only provided after the beta period is over. This means there is no way for designers to show their qualification as soon as they've received it. And – to my knowledge – Webflow doesn't advertise publicly when the beta period is over either, leaving people waiting.

All in all I think there is still lots to improve when it comes to the Webflow exams and certifications. But having followed Webflow and what they're doing for a while now, I think this section might grow into something bigger and better with time – it's just not there yet. Therefore I'd say, why not get in early and complete one (or all three) exams if you can? Even if you don't do anything with it, don't add it to your LinkedIn profile or brag with it at your next Webflow Meetup (by the way, if you're in Perth, Australia, check out our Webflow Meetup), it's just a fun challenge to see if you can answer all questions at your first try! I intend to do the remaining to exams (Web Layouts I and II) soon...

Wanna check out some of Webflow's exams for yourself? Just do so on their dedicated exam page. Question about this article – just say hi!

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