How to Create Custom Metadata in Test Class Salesforce

When building reliable Salesforce applications, test data consistency is just as important as test coverage.

This is where Custom Metadata becomes extremely valuable. Instead of hardcoding values in test classes,

you can use Custom Metadata to store reusable configuration data that works consistently across environments.

In this guide, we will explain how to create Custom Metadata in a Salesforce test class using a simple,

step-by-step approach. We will also show how Provar, a Salesforce automation testing tool, helps teams validate

Custom Metadata usage as part of their automated testing strategy.

What Is Custom Metadata in Salesforce?

Custom Metadata allows you to define reusable configuration data that can be deployed, packaged, and

accessed in Apex code, flows, and test classes. Unlike Custom Settings, Custom Metadata is fully deployable

and does not require manual data setup after deployment.

In simple terms, think of Custom Metadata as a settings table that:

Stores configuration values instead of business data
Works across sandboxes and production
Can be accessed in Apex without SOQL limits
Is ideal for feature flags, rules, and test configuration

Why Use Custom Metadata in Test Classes?

When writing tests, developers often struggle with:

Hardcoded values that break when logic changes
Test data that behaves differently in each environment
Complex setup logic inside test classes

Custom Metadata solves these issues by allowing you to reference stable configuration data inside your tests.

Custom Metadata vs Custom Settings (Quick Comparison)

Feature	Custom Metadata	Custom Settings
Deployable	Yes	No
Accessible in Tests	Yes	Yes
SOQL Required	No	Yes
Best for Configuration	Yes	Limited

For modern Salesforce development and testing, Custom Metadata is the recommended approach.

How to Create Custom Metadata in Salesforce

Step 1: Create a Custom Metadata Type

Follow these steps:

Go to Setup
Search for Custom Metadata Types
Click New Custom Metadata Type

Enter:
- Label (example: Test_Config)
- Object Name (Test_Config__mdt)
- Description

Step 2: Create Fields for Configuration

Add fields such as:

Boolean field (Is_Enabled__c)
Text field (Environment_Name__c)
Number field (Max_Records__c)

Step 3: Create Custom Metadata Records

After creating the type, add records:

Click Manage Records
Create a new record with test-friendly values
Save and deploy

How to Access Custom Metadata in a Test Class

You can access Custom Metadata without SOQL by using the getInstance() or getAll() methods.

Example: Accessing Custom Metadata in Apex Test Class

Test_Config__mdt config = Test_Config__mdt.getInstance('Default_Config');
Boolean enabled = config.Is_Enabled__c;

This approach ensures your test logic always uses the same configuration values, regardless of environment.

How to Create Custom Metadata Records Inside Test Classes

Salesforce allows you to create Custom Metadata records dynamically in test context using

Test.loadData() or direct insert (with limitations).

Option 1: Using Test.loadData()

List<Test_Config__mdt> configs =
Test.loadData(Test_Config__mdt.sObjectType, 'TestConfigData');

This method uses a CSV file stored as a static resource and is ideal for large test data sets.

Option 2: Direct Insert (Supported in Tests)

Test_Config__mdt record = new Test_Config__mdt(
DeveloperName = 'Test_Config',
Is_Enabled__c = true
);
insert record;

This is useful for quick unit tests that need only one or two records.

Best Practices for Using Custom Metadata in Test Classes

Keep metadata records simple and descriptive
Use one metadata record per configuration scenario
Avoid hardcoding business logic in tests
Version-control metadata with source-driven development
Align metadata values with your test strategy

Testing Custom Metadata with Provar

When you test Salesforce applications using Provar,

Custom Metadata becomes even more powerful. Provar allows you to:

Validate metadata-driven logic across environments
Reuse test data without manual reconfiguration
Automate configuration-driven scenarios
Run metadata-based tests in End-to-End testing

This ensures your tests remain stable even when business rules change.

Using Custom Metadata in CI/CD Pipelines

Custom Metadata fits perfectly into modern DevOps workflows. Because metadata records are deployable,

they can move automatically through environments using version control and

CI/CD Integration.

This means your tests and configuration remain aligned from development to production.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Custom Metadata for transactional data
Hardcoding metadata record names without constants
Creating too many metadata types
Not testing metadata-driven logic

Conclusion: Build Better Tests with Custom Metadata and Provar

Using Custom Metadata in Salesforce test classes is one of the most effective ways to create

reliable, maintainable, and scalable tests. It removes hardcoded values, improves environment consistency,

and simplifies test setup.

With Provar, teams can automate Salesforce testing using metadata-driven logic, validate configurations

across environments, and integrate tests seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines. This combination ensures your

Salesforce automation is not only robust but future-proof.

If you want to improve your Salesforce test strategy, Custom Metadata paired with Provar is the smartest place to start.