# Card sorting, A/B and accessibility testing

*Platform User Experience Designer Study Guide · Testing · Last updated October 16, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/user-experience-designer/testing/card-sorting-a-b-and-accessibility-testing*

Which testing technique answers which question: card sorting and tree testing for information architecture, A/B and multivariate tests for live variants, usability benchmarks for before-and-after proof, and accessibility testing that pairs automated tools with keyboard and screen reader checks.

- Certification: Salesforce Platform User Experience Designer
- Exam section: Testing
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/user-experience-designer

**Official exam objective:**

> Describe testing techniques needed for optimal user experiences.

## What the exam expects

- Choose card sorting to generate categories and tree testing to evaluate an existing hierarchy.
- Use an A/B test that changes one thing to attribute a result, and know what a multivariate test adds.
- Set a usability benchmark before a redesign so improvement can be proven.
- Plan accessibility testing: automated tools and their limits, keyboard testing first, then multiple screen readers; know what each pass checks.
- Keep facilitator bias out of test sessions.

Key terms: **card sorting** (participants group items into categories); **tree test** (finding items in a text-only hierarchy); **A/B test** (two versions to two audiences, compared on a metric); **usability benchmark** (the same tasks and metrics measured before and after a change); **manual accessibility testing** (keyboard and screen reader passes that simulate a disabled user's journey).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Card sorting | Groups things into categories, such as navigation items | [Define Your Research Plan](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-research-basics/define_your_research_plan) |
| A/B testing | Two versions to two test audiences; winner by open or click-through rate | [A/B Testing in Email Studio](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=mktg.mc_es_ab_testing.htm&type=5) |
| One change per test | More than one difference hides what made the winner effective | [Considerations for Using A/B Testing](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.pardot_emails_ab_considerations.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Quantitative task metrics | Time to complete a task; number of errors | [Craft Your Questions](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-research-basics/craft_your_questions) |
| Automated testing limit | Passing is no guarantee of full accessibility | [Learn Accessibility Testing Basics](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/get-to-know-the-accessibility-test-framework-1) |
| WAVE | Icons and indicators; facilitates human evaluation | [Learn Accessibility Testing Basics](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/get-to-know-the-accessibility-test-framework-1) |
| Test order | Keyboard testing before screen reader testing | [Test for Accessibility](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/test-for-accessibility-1) |
| Tab reaches | Interactive elements only | [Test for Accessibility](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/test-for-accessibility-1) |
| Modal focus | Trapped while open; returns to the correct place on close | [Test for Accessibility](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/test-for-accessibility-1) |

## Check yourself

- When is card sorting the right technique?
- Why must an A/B test change only one thing?
- Why test keyboard navigation before using a screen reader?
- Which tool marks up the rendered page with icons for human review?

## Sources

- [Define Your Research Plan](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-research-basics/define_your_research_plan)
- [Craft Your Questions](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-research-basics/craft_your_questions)
- [Collect Your Data](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-research-basics/collect_your_data)
- [A/B Testing in Email Studio](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?language=en_US&id=mktg.mc_es_ab_testing.htm&type=5)
- [Considerations for Using A/B Testing](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.pardot_emails_ab_considerations.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Learn Accessibility Testing Basics](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/get-to-know-the-accessibility-test-framework-1)
- [Test for Accessibility](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/testing-for-web-accessibility/test-for-accessibility-1)
- [Keyboard Interaction Guidelines (SLDS)](https://v1.lightningdesignsystem.com/accessibility/guidelines/keyboard/)
- [Global Focus Guidelines (SLDS)](https://v1.lightningdesignsystem.com/accessibility/guidelines/global-focus/)
- [Refresh Your Design Testing Skills](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/ux-designer-certification-prep/refresh-your-design-testing-skills)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 12 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Platform User Experience Designer pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams