How to bypass validation rules for specific users?

Question:

I have a requirement where a specific user should be able to edit a field without triggering validation rules. Initially, I attempted to write a validation rule using the formula LastModifiedId != '005000000000000AAA'. However, I realized that LastModifiedId is not updated until after the record is saved, so the validation still fires during the save attempt. Is there a workaround or a reliable way to check the current user’s ID or permissions during validation to exempt them?

Answer:

There are several approaches to exempt specific users from validation rules. Below are some options, each with steps and examples.

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1. Use a Custom Permission

Custom Permissions allow you to define permissions specific to your business logic. You can include them in a validation formula as $Permission.My_Custom_Permission__c.

Steps:

1. Create a Custom Permission in Setup.
2. Add the permission to a Permission Set.
3. Assign the Permission Set to users who should bypass the validation.
4. Modify your validation rule as follows: Users with the Custom Permission will bypass the validation.

NOT($Permission.My_Custom_Permission__c)

2. Use a Hierarchy Custom Setting

Hierarchy Custom Settings allow you to define user-specific values that can be checked in validation rules.

Steps:

1. Create a Hierarchy Custom Setting with a checkbox field, e.g., Is_Exempt_From_Validation__c.
2. Set the Org-Wide Default value of this field to false.
3. Set the field to true for any users who should be exempt from validation.
4. Modify your validation rule as follows:

NOT($Setup.My_Custom_Setting__c.Is_Exempt_From_Validation__c)

3. Use the User Alias

You can check against a user’s alias directly in a validation rule using $User.Alias. This approach works consistently across environments.

Example Validation Rule:

$User.Alias != "ExemptAlias"

4. Use the User’s Username

You can check if the current user’s username starts with a specific string. This approach can be useful if usernames follow a predictable pattern.

Example Validation Rule:

NOT(BEGINS($User.Username, "exemptuser@example.com"))

5. Use the User ID

As a last resort, you can check the user’s ID directly. This approach is less flexible and harder to manage, so it’s recommended only if other methods are not feasible.

Example Validation Rule:

$User.Id != "00550000000lxVg"

Each of these methods allows specific users to bypass validation rules without relying on fields like LastModifiedId that are updated only after a record is saved. The best method for your use case depends on your organization’s requirements and setup preferences.

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