---
schema_version: "1"
id: 3cc2d95644b464fa9962bebadf5c0b19e8ce1606ffea55dfd8b1fcbc71affdf4
title: Journey Testing
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/mktg/264-0-0/mc_jb_journey_testing.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_jb_journey_testing.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 48d085038974fb3bfccfb2501e8f837c713ee57a249742286f7234dc0c571a8e
description: Use Journey Builder’s test feature to confirm that a Marketing Cloud Engagement journey behaves as expected. When you use a data extension as the entry source, you can configure a test to simulate a journey with real contacts. But the classic test mode is available with any entry source.
products:
  - Marketing
  - Marketing Cloud Engagement
release: "264"
---
# Journey Testing

Use Journey Builder’s test feature to confirm that a Marketing Cloud Engagement journey behaves as expected. When you use a data extension as the entry source, you can configure a test to simulate a journey with real contacts. But the classic test mode is available with any entry source.

Journey Builder requires you to validate and save the journey before you test it. Validation ensures that all elements of the journey’s design are complete and ready to test. Journey Testing isn’t available for Single Send journeys.

## Journey Testing with a Data Extension

If your entry source is a data extension, you can configure a journey test using real Engagement contacts. This test mode allows you to view their simulated paths through the journey without sending messages to them or affecting tracking or reporting. Test mode simulates random and decision split activities, but ignores wait times and contact entry settings. You get an accurate view of how a journey works without the wait.

After the test is completed, the journey canvas shows each contact’s expected path. To confirm that the contact progresses through the journey as intended, click through each contact’s path. Edit the journey as needed. If you edit the entry source or any of the canvas activities after testing, be sure to save, validate, and test the journey again.

## Link Wrapping

When testing journeys with email messages, link wrapping only works in Version 2 and later.

## Custom Activities

Custom activities are ignored during journey testing.

## Classic Test Mode

Classic test mode simulates random and decision split activities without sending messages but ignores wait times and contact entry settings. When you use classic test mode, you must fire the entry event. When the test is completed, the results appear in the workspace. To begin, click **Test**. Then fire a contact via API, use the Fire Event activity in Automation Studio, or use another method based on the journey’s entry source.

When the test is completed, the results appear in the workspace. From there, you can edit the journey if needed.

- **[Configure a Journey Test with a Data Extension](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_jb_test_your_journey.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Follow these steps to configure a test that simulates the journey of real contacts in your Marketing Cloud Engagement data extension.