Usability testing and evaluation
(CPUX-UT)
The knowledge and skills you need, the industry recognition you deserve
Find and fix the problems that prevent your users from using your products and services
Learn how to evaluate user interfaces, with users in usability tests, through usability inspections and by user surveys. Extending the knowledge and skills introduced in CPUX-F, you will discover in depth, how to plan, conduct, analyse and report on the findings of a usability test, in an ethical manner.
CPUX-UT will help you demonstrate your understanding of the terms and concepts in the field of testing and evaluation of user interfaces, specifically in usability testing. CPUX-UT will teach you how to apply concepts, techniques and methods related to the planning, conducting and reporting the results of usability tests and user interface expert reviews, and in designing, performing and analysing the results of qualitative and quantitative user surveys.
Is CPUX-UT right for me?
If you are passionate about ensuring the projects you are involved in have a high level of usability, our Usability testing and evaluation (CPUX-UT) certification is ideal for you!
Based on international standards and authored by experts in the field of UX and usability, the CPUX-UT certificate is perfect for anyone who wants to advance their knowledge and skills in the principles and processes of usability evaluation.
CPUX-UT is an advanced level certificate; as it builds on the foundation level certification, you do need to be CPUX-F certified before you can take this exam.
Rasmus HornI strongly advise anyone who works within the area of usability testing, to consider getting a CPUX-UT certification. It proves that you know what you do when conducting usability tests. The quality of the outcome of the tests will improve and the strength and impact of test activities will increase.
CPUX-UT
For me personally, the CPUX-UT certification is yet another objective confirmation of my many years of experience and expertise in this area. That’s why it was important for me to obtain this certification. The CPUX training courses are extremely valuable and provide comprehensive knowledge in the field of usability and user experience. Highly recommended for any UX professional.
Sonja Fedderken-Engert
CPUX-UT
What does the CPUX-UT curriculum cover?
CPUX-UT covers the “Evaluate the designs against user requirements” activity of the human-centred design process, as outlined in ISO 9241-210 Ergonomics of human-system interaction. You will learn the terms and concepts related to usability testing and evaluation, specifically usability testing. CPUX-UT also ensures you are able to plan, conduct and report the results of usability tests and user interface expert reviews, and design, execute and analyse the results of qualitative and quantitative user surveys.
The CPUX-UT curriculum covers:
- An overview of usability evaluation
- Usability inspections
- User surveys
- Usability testing
- Preparing a usability test
- Recruiting usability test participants
- Conducting usability testing sessions
- Communicating results
How do I get certified?
Certification in CPUX-UT is by passing both a theory and a practical exam. You can find further information and detailed descriptions about the theory and practical exams in the CPUX-UT exam regulations.
Theory exam
The theory exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, written by us, based on the content of the CPUX-UT curriculum. You have 90 minutes to answer the 40 questions and you need to score at least 28 points out of 40 (70%) to pass the exam.
Practical exam
The practical exam consists of planning, conducting and documenting the results of a usability test of an interactive system. You must document the process on video and in a report. Test participants must come from the user group specified in the exam instructions, however you can choose between face-to-face or remote usability tests. You must submit your videos and written results to the certification provider no later than 7 days after receiving the exam details. The practical exam will be assessed using the CPUX-UT checklist; you need to score at least 70% to pass
Choose what suits you
You can choose the level of CPUX-UT certification that best suits you. If you only want to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained you can take just the theory exam; if you want to demonstrate that you are able to put the theory into practice and be a practicing UX professional, capable of designing solutions then you should also take the practical exam.
CPUX-UT theory exams are carried out by one of our independent certification providers, who between them operate across the globe, meaning you can take your CPUX-UT exams pretty much anywhere. The CPUX-UT practical exam is conducted and video recorded by you, and sent to one of our independent certification providers for analysis and scoring.
The process is very straightforward:
- Get CPUX-F certifiedBefore you you can take any advanced-level CPUX certification you need to have passed the Foundation in Human-centred Design (CPUX-F) exam.
- Learn your stuffBook a training course with one of our recognised training providers, or, if you prefer to pace yourself you can self-study. Whilst we recommend attending a training course, due to the additional, valuable insight you will get from your training, all our curricula are completely free and available and contain everything you need to pass your exams.
- Choose a certification exam provider
If you attend a training course, your course administrator might already have helped you organise your exams; if you are studying by yourself, you just need to register with one of our independent certification providers. - Take the theory and practical certification examsYou can take your exams in person (if that is what your training provider has organised), remotely via a special exam app, or at a Pearson test centre. CPUX-UT includes both a theory and a practical exam.
- Tell the world you are a UX professional
After you have passed the exam, get on LinkedIn and tell everyone you are a Certified Professional in UX and usability. - Choose your next CPUX certification…
You can take the advanced-level courses in any order, so why not start with the one that looks the most interesting?
What is the CPUX-UT theory exam like?
The CPUX-UT theory exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question has one, two or three correct answers. To pass the exam you need to score at least 70%.
Here are some examples of the questions, taken from the freely available CPUX-UT practice exam questions.
Which one of the following statements about pilot usability test sessions is correct?
- Pilot usability test sessions are not required for unmoderated usability tests
- Pilot usability test sessions are mandatory for remote usability tests
- Colleagues should never be used as test participants – not even in pilot usability test sessions
- Findings from pilot usability test sessions may be included in the usability test report if the findings seem valid
- Pilot usability test sessions must include an open-ended task
- Stakeholders should not observe pilot usability test sessions
During a usability test session, the participant gets more and more quiet. Finally, they stop talking completely but continue to work on the task at hand. Which two of the following choices represent suitable actions?
- Urge the test participant to speak out loud and clear
- Observe what is catching the attention of the test participant
- Ask open and neutral questions to find out what the test participant is thinking
- Shorten the session because the test participant is not useful
- Politely remind the test participant of the previous request to think out loud, but don’t insist
- Break off the session for a few minutes to show the test participant how to think aloud
CPUX-UT curriculum, practice questions and exam regulations
All you need to study and get certified in Usability Testing and Evaluation
Usability Testing and Evaluation (CPUX-UT) Curriculum
Version 1.18, released November 2020
Exam regulations for Usability Testing and Evaluation (CPUX-UT)’
Version 1.27, January 2021
40 practice theory exam questions for Usability Testing and Evaluation (CPUX-UT)
Version 3.02, released November 2020
Checklist for the Usability Testing and Evaluation (CPUX-UT) practical exam
Version 1.15, November 2020
Sample Usability Test Report for the practical CPUX-UT exam
Version 1.0, March 2015
Sample Certificate (CPUX-UT)
released April 2025
CPUX-UT documentation and certification is also available in German language
How much does CPUX-UT cost?
Costs for studying
You can self-study by reading the CPUX-UT curriculum at your own pace, however, for a good deal more insight, lots of practical exercises, and the chance to learn from expert trainers and other delegates, we encourage you to take a training course with one of our recognised training providers.
Self-study will only cost you your time, training providers will naturally charge for attending their training courses.
Prices, locations and timings vary – choose from the list of upcoming CPUX-UT training courses below and see the training provider’s website for their prices.
If, after studying by yourself or having attended a training course, you want to become certified, you will need to take the CPUX-UT certification exam.
Costs for certification
CPUX-UT certification is a rigorous process designed to produce trustworthy results, so your certification has real value – CPUX certificates are far more than proof of your attendance during a training course – they demonstrate you know your stuff!
If you have attended a training course, your training provider may have organised this for you, if you need to organise your exam, take a look at the exam process and choose an exam provider that suits you.
Prices vary depending on exam provider, whether you are a student or member of a specific UX organisation, or if you are booking a retest.
CPUX-UT certification typically costs £xxx to £xxx. A 20% discount is available for members of our member organisations.
All our curricula are free!
If you just want to study the CPUX-UT curriculum without becoming CPUX-certified, you can do that for free! All our curricula are freely available – you can download them and start reading them now. You can also download a set of 40 practice theory exam questions, to help consolidate what you’ve learned.
Find a CPUX-UT training course
| Level | Country | Location | Date | Length of time | Course Language | Training provider |
|---|
Germany
Switzerland
Canada
Austria
DenmarkFrequently asked questions about the CPUX-UT
Candidates report that it took them anywhere between 10 and 40 hours to complete the practical examination.
No.
Got a question about CPUX-UT?
If you have any questions, please contact Rolf, the CPUX-UT editor.
Rolf Molich
editor-cpux-ut@uxqb.org
Further reading recommendations from the editor
Rolf says, “The topics and concepts covered in the CPUX-UT syllabus provide sufficient foundation for preparation for the CPUX-UT certification exam. The Nielsen Norman Group’s online article “Usability Testing 101” and all of its related links also provide a good overview of usability testing. We also recommend the following literature on the topic of usability evaluation:”
Rocket Surgery Made Easy: The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Finding and Fixing Usability Problems
by Steve Krug
Usability Testing Essentials: Ready, Set …Test! 2nd Edition
by Carol M. Barnum
What’s next, after CPUX-UT?
It’s on to the next curriculum! We have another two advanced-level curricula that cover User Requirements Engineering and Designing Solutions.
If you are a CPUX-F certified UX professional, you are eligible to take any of these exams – good luck!
Advanced Level
User Requirements Engineering
(CPUX-UR)
Advanced Level
Designing Solutions
(CPUX-DS)
CPUX CERTIFICATION IS OFFICIALY RECOGNISED BY
