Today we updated the Alexa Developer Console with new testing tools to help you identify and correct common errors before you submit your skill for certification. We also updated the top navigation in the developer console to make it easier for you to find these and other tools. By using these new features, you can certify your skills faster.

Avoid Common Errors with New Self-Service Validation and Functional Testing Tools

We added a new Certification page with two tools that can help you identify errors before you submit your skill for certification. First, using the validation section, you can verify that all required skills store fields are complete, including validating that you’ve selected a skill category and have included a proper skill icon. It also validates that your skill endpoint and interaction model are working prior to submitting for certification. You should fix these errors and re-validate to proceed.

Second, using the functional test section, you can perform a set of pre-certification tests on your skill. These tests send requests to your skill’s endpoint. For example, they test that your endpoint is valid and can return responses. They also verify that your end-point only accepts incoming requests with valid signature URLs, and that it works with additional parameters in the JSON request that we may add in the future. We run tests on all locales that your skill supports, and list issues by locale. For a smoother certification process, fix any issues identified via the functional tests before you certify – your skill must pass the functional tests before it can be certified.

You can learn more about both validation and functional tests in our documentation.

Find These and Other Tools Easily with Updated Navigation

As noted above, you can find validation and functional tests on the new Certification tab in the developer console. The console now includes five tabs:

• Build: Set up your skill, configure settings specific to the interaction model, and specify the endpoints for your service.
• Test: Access the simulator and other tools to help you test your skill.
• Distribution: Preview how your skill will appear in the Alexa Skills Store and determine the skill's availability.
• Certification: Verify that your skill is ready, then submit it for certification.
• Analytics: See your skill’s usage metrics. This dashboard can give you useful information about how customers are engaging with your skill.

Make Money by Creating Engaging Skills Customers Love

You can make money with Alexa skills using in-skill purchasing or Amazon Pay for Alexa Skills. You can also make money for eligible skills that drive some of the highest customer engagement with Alexa Developer Rewards. Download our guide to learn which product best meets your needs.