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Creating Custom Tests

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Written by Jaquez Hodo
Updated over a week ago
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For more information about plan types and capabilities, see Vanta's pricing page Custom tests are available only to users on the Growth or Scale packages, not the Core package.

With Custom Tests, Vanta users can use Vanta-built tests or create their own and map them to controls and frameworks. This feature is accessible according to your Vanta plan. If the option to create custom tests is unavailable, alternative methods such as using the Documents page can serve similar purposes.

Access Requirements for Custom Tests

  1. Vanta Plan Eligibility: Custom test creation is not included in the Core package of Vanta. The "+ Create custom test" option is only available to users with Growth or Scale packages.

  2. Requesting Access: If your plan does not support the ability to create custom tests, you can request enablement by reaching out to Vanta’s advisory or customer success teams to review your eligibility.

Ways to Create Custom Tests

You can create custom tests in one of three ways:

  • Configure a test parameter (on select Vanta-built tests)

  • Copy an existing test (Vanta-built or custom)

  • Create a Custom Test

Configure a Test Parameter

Some Vanta-built tests allow you to customize a parameter like the number of days before an account should be deactivated or the branch name for production repositories.

  1. Go to the Tests page

  2. Open the test you’d like to configure

  3. Select the Source data tab

  4. Adjust the available field(s) to match your policy

Please note: Only a limited set of Vanta-built tests support configurable parameters. If you think a test would benefit from customization, you can provide feedback to your Customer Success team.

Copy an Existing Test

Some Vanta-built and custom tests can be copied and modified to suit your needs.

  1. From the Tests page, select the test you want to copy

  2. Click the Source data tab

  3. Choose Copy test

  4. Edit the name, logic, and details to create a new test

You can also copy your own existing custom tests to make variants.

Please note: When you copy a test in Vanta, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The new test won’t carry over any control mappings, so you’ll need to manually add those after copying. You’ll also need to assign an SLA category and test owner. And because custom tests can’t be edited after they’re created, any future changes will require making a new copy of the test.

Creating a Custom Test

  • From the Tests page, select + Create custom test

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  • Add:

    • Test name

    • Description

    • How to fix/remediate instructions

  • From the drop-down, select the integration the custom test will be associated with, you cannot currently create a custom test that is not tied to an integration

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  • Use the simple logic builder to build the test

  • Select Create

Mapping the Test to Controls

  • From the Tests page, select the Custom tab

  • Search for your test

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  • Select the test

  • Open the Controls tab

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  • Select Add control

  • Choose the controls you would like mapped to this test, and click Add

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Finalizing and Managing Custom Tests

After creating or copying a test, be sure to:

  • Map it to controls (this is not automatic)

  • Assign an SLA category

  • Assign test owners

  • Deactivate the original test if you no longer need it

These final steps ensure the test integrates into your program and is monitored properly.

Please note: Custom tests can now support both automated checks and manual inputs. This feature allows creating unique tests to validate security program elements either automatically or through manual evidence when required.