# Training channels and demo sandbox preparation

*Slack Consultant Study Guide · Learning and Enablement · Last updated October 21, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant/learning-and-enablement/training-channels-and-demo-sandbox-preparation*

How to set up the two live environments behind Slack's experiential learning: a public, dated training channel where learners practice (with a support person and early membership), and a demonstration sandbox that is reset, staged and rehearsed before every session.

- Certification: Salesforce Slack Consultant
- Exam section: Learning and Enablement
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/slack-consultant

**Official exam objective:**

> Prepare an experiential learning approach for live environments.

## What the exam expects

- Distinguish the two live environments of a Slack training: the training channel (learners join and practice) and the sandbox (the facilitator demonstrates; learners never join).
- Name and configure a training channel to Slack's standards: dedicated to the class, public, in a workspace every participant and supporter can reach, with participants added ahead of time.
- Staff the session: assign a team member to answer questions in the training channel and record that in the learning plan.
- Plan the Slack Connect training channel a Partner consultant shares with the client, including approvals from both organizations' admins.
- Prepare the demonstration sandbox: start fresh, create the elements the demo needs, tidy the sidebar to about 20 channels, and rehearse.
- Key terms: **live environments** (training channel plus sandbox); **training channel** (where learners do in-channel activities); **sandbox** (the facilitator's demo environment); **preflight steps** (sandbox checks before each session); **in-channel support** (the team member answering questions).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Live environments | Training channel plus sandbox; set up both before delivering training | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| Who joins the sandbox | Only the facilitator; learners don't join or participate | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| Example channel names | #slack-training, #(client name)-slack-user-training, #slack-user-training-(date) | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| Channel visibility | Public, in a workspace all participants can access | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| Early membership | With the participant list in hand, ask the client to add participants in advance | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| In-channel support | A team member answers questions; recorded in the learning plan's roles and responsibilities | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools) |
| Slack Connect training channel | May need approval from the client's admin and the consultant's own admin | [Explore Learning Tools](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools), [Slack Connect approval settings](https://slack.com/help/articles/115005912706-Manage-Slack-Connect-channel-approval-settings-and-invitation-requests) |
| Slack Connect plan requirement | Each organization in a shared channel must be on a paid plan | [Slack Connect guide](https://slack.com/help/articles/115004151203) |
| Sidebar size | Aim for 20 channels or less in the sandbox sidebar | [Engage Learners with Activities](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/engage-learners-with-activities) |

## Check yourself

- Why does a dated name such as #slack-user-training-(date) suit a client running several cohorts?
- When should you ask the client to add participants to the training channel?
- When does a training channel need approval from two admins?
- Why remove reactions from a demo message before the session?

## Sources

- [Enhance Training with Effective Learning Tools and Resources](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/explore-learning-tools)
- [Engage Learners with Interactive Activities in Training](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/slack-training-experience-preparation/engage-learners-with-activities)
- [Slack Connect guide: Work with external organizations](https://slack.com/help/articles/115004151203)
- [Manage Slack Connect channel approval settings and invitation requests](https://slack.com/help/articles/115005912706-Manage-Slack-Connect-channel-approval-settings-and-invitation-requests)
- [Create a channel](https://slack.com/help/articles/201402297-Create-a-channel)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 7 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Slack Consultant pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams