Getting certified in Salesforce is a fantastic way to demonstrate your proficiency on one of the most in-demand CRM platforms in the industry. Our guide to the most sought-after Salesforce certifications will help you launch your career in Salesforce. Pursuing a certification in Salesforce is an excellent way to gain specialized knowledge and skills that can propel your IT career forward. However, with Salesforce’s frequently changing certification program and complex prerequisites, it can be challenging to navigate the certification paths. That’s why we’ve put together an up-to-date guide on Salesforce certifications, designed to help you gain a competitive advantage and unlock new opportunities.

Benefits of Salesforce certifications

Earning a certification from Salesforce can bring about a host of benefits that can aid in both personal and professional growth:

1. Career Advancement: Salesforce certifications can open doors to exciting career opportunities as they validate your skills and expertise, making you a preferred choice for employers.
2. Credibility and Recognition: Being a certified Salesforce professional enhances your credibility and recognition within the industry and among peers.
3. Increased Earning Potential: Certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts, due to their specialized skills and proven proficiency.
4. Enhanced Skillset: The certification process equips you with in-depth knowledge of Salesforce functionalities, making you more effective in your role.
5. Networking Opportunities: Salesforce certifications connect you with a global community of certified professionals, providing networking opportunities and access to valuable resources.
6. Career Flexibility: With a diverse range of certifications available, you can pivot your career within the Salesforce ecosystem to explore new roles and domains.

Salesforce Certification Path Overview

Salesforce offers certifications based on six roles: Administrator, Architect, Consultant, Designer, Developer, and Marketer. You can find more information about the certifications and certification paths for each role below.

Salesforce Administrator certifications

The Salesforce administrator certification focuses on performing admin functions, such as defining user requirements, customizing the platform, and assisting users in maximizing their experience with Salesforce. The certification is divided into two levels: Administrator and Advanced Administrator. Administrators have the option to pursue further certifications in app building, CPQ (configure price quote), and business analysis (refer to the section below).

Salesforce Administrator

A Salesforce Certified Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the organization’s Salesforce CRM system. This involves creating and modifying user accounts, managing data, creating and maintaining custom fields and objects, and configuring the system to meet the organization’s needs. The Salesforce Administrator certification demonstrates a candidate’s extensive knowledge of the platform’s configuration and customization, as well as their proficiency with its features. To obtain this certification, candidates should be able to maintain and modify Sales Cloud and Service Cloud applications, manage users, data, and security, and create dashboards, reports, and workflows.

Salesforce Advanced Administrator

A Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator possesses more advanced knowledge and experience than a Salesforce Administrator. They are responsible for handling complex tasks such as customizing the platform, configuring advanced security features, and optimizing performance while ensuring the platform aligns with company requirements and goals. To earn the Salesforce Advanced Administrator certification, candidates must have a thorough understanding of advanced Salesforce admin capabilities and be skilled at designing advanced reports, dashboards, and automation processes.

Salesforce CPQ Specialist

A Salesforce Certified CPQ Specialist is someone who implements and maintains the Salesforce CPQ solution for an organization. They make sure that pricing and quotation processes are accurate and provide technical support to streamline sales operations. The Salesforce CPQ Specialist certification shows that a person can implement Salesforce CPQ solutions, design and build quoting flows to meet customer needs, and troubleshoot platform issues. If someone earns this certification, they have proven their ability to build bundle configurations, pricing, output documents, renewals, and amendments.

Salesforce Architect Certifications

Salesforce Architects are responsible for designing and implementing solutions on the Salesforce platform that meet specific organizational needs. This includes managing the technical aspects of Salesforce, such as customizing objects, fields, and validation rules, as well as developing and maintaining integrations with other systems. They are experts in their field and work closely with clients to ensure that their Salesforce systems are optimized for their business needs.

Salesforce Application Architect

A Salesforce Certified Application Architect designs and develops custom solutions for the Salesforce platform. This certification demands a thorough comprehension of Salesforce’s features and functionality, as well as the ability to model a role hierarchy, data model, and appropriate sharing mechanisms. Although there is no cost related to this certification, candidates must complete all four certifications, each of which has its own exam and fee, to earn this credential.

1. Salesforce Certified Data Architect
2. Salesforce Certified Sharing and Visibility Architect
3. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I
4. Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder

Salesforce Data Architect

A Salesforce Certified Data Architect is responsible for designing and managing the data architecture and data integration strategies for a Salesforce implementation. This includes ensuring data quality, security, and integrity to support business requirements and drive effective decision-making. To become certified as a Salesforce Data Architect, candidates must be able to design and implement data solutions within the Salesforce ecosystem, such as data modeling, data integration, and data governance.

Salesforce Sharing and Visibility Architect

As a Salesforce Certified Sharing and Visibility Architect, your main responsibilities include designing and implementing access controls, sharing models, and security settings in Salesforce. This ensures that data is shared appropriately within an organization, while sensitive information remains protected. To earn certification in Salesforce Sharing and Visibility Architecture, you should have knowledge and skills in designing secure, scalable security models. You should also be able to communicate technical solutions effectively to technical stakeholders and ensure quality and success through a structured project delivery framework.

Salesforce System Architect

A Salesforce certified System Architect is responsible for designing custom solutions, data architecture, security, performance, and scalability of a Salesforce implementation. The certification places emphasis on testing, governance, and integration with external systems within an organization’s infrastructure. To earn this credential, candidates must complete all four certifications, each of which includes an exam and a fee. Although there is no cost associated with the certification itself.

1. Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Architect
2. Salesforce Certified Identity and Access Management Architect
3. Salesforce Certified Integration Architecture
4. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I

Salesforce Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer

The role of a Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer is to design and manage the development, testing, and deployment processes for Salesforce projects. This involves applying DevOps, Application Lifecycle Management, and governance to support client requirements. The Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Architect credential is designed for experienced professionals in this field.

Salesforce Identity and Access Management Designer

A Salesforce Certified Identity and Access Management Architect is responsible for designing and implementing security and access controls for a Salesforce implementation. This credential demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities in assessing identity architecture and designing secure, high-performance access management solutions on Customer 360.

Salesforce Integration Architect

A Salesforce Certified Integration Architect is responsible for designing and implementing integration strategies between Salesforce and other systems. Their goal is to ensure seamless data exchange and optimize business processes through the use of APIs, middleware, and other technologies. The Salesforce Integration Architect credentials exam demonstrates a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to technical stakeholders and provide a project delivery framework that ensures quality and success.

Salesforce B2B Solution Architect

As a B2B Solution Architect, your role is to design and implement solutions for businesses operating in a B2B context, using Salesforce to optimize their business processes, improve customer engagement, and drive growth for the organization. In order to qualify for this position, you must first obtain the Salesforce Application Architect certification (as noted above). Once certified, you will need to successfully pass the Salesforce B2B Solution Architect exam. This exam tests your ability to architect and drive multicloud B2B solutions that deliver business value for the customer.

Salesforce B2C Solution Architect

As a Salesforce Certified B2C Solution Architect, your role is to design and implement solutions for businesses that interact with consumers. Your goal is to improve customer relationships, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth by utilizing Salesforce. Candidates are required to complete three prerequisite certifications (as shown in the chart below) before taking the Salesforce B2C Solution Architect exam. This exam evaluates your ability to design and implement multicloud solutions, as well as your understanding of the Salesforce Customer 360 Vision and Platform.

Salesforce B2C Commerce Architect

As a B2C Commerce Architect, your role is to create effective commerce solutions for businesses operating in the B2C (business-to-consumer) realm. This certification is ideal for those who have experience designing global sites that can support multiple brands and channels using standard design patterns and storefront integrations. You should be familiar with the commerce ecosystem and solution architecture, including primary integrations for client business needs and process flows.

Salesforce Heroku Architect

A Salesforce Certified Heroku Architect is responsible for designing and implementing secure, high-performance applications on the Heroku platform that can scale with the organization’s needs. This certification is ideal for a Heroku Consultant or Partner who is knowledgeable in building scalable apps on Heroku, and who can apply best practices within the enterprise. Additionally, they must be adept at integrating Heroku apps with Salesforce via database, API, and event systems.

Salesforce Technical Architect

A Salesforce Certified Technical Architect designs and leads the implementation of complex, enterprise-level Salesforce solutions that align with an organization’s business objectives and technical requirements. Candidates must have hands-on experience as follows before taking the exam:

• Over five years of implementation experience, including development, across the full software development lifecycle
• Over three years of experience in an architect role
• Over two years of experience on the Lightning Platform with at least one of those in a lead architect role, implementing Salesforce applications and technologies

The prerequisite include earning the Salesforce Application Architect (see above) and Salesforce System Architect (see above) certifications both of which are granted after all respective prerequisites for each is completed.

To earn the Salesforce Technical Architect certification (post completion of the prerequisite and experience), the candidate must successfully pass the Architect Review Board Evaluation (step 1) and the Architect Review Board Exam (step 2).

Technical Architect Review Board Evaluation: The candidate must review and solve a hypothetical situation and then present their solution to a panel of evaluators, who lead a question-and-answer session after the presentation.

Technical Architect Review Board Exam:

Salesforce Consultant Certification

Salesforce provides 10 certifications for consultants who work with customers to design and implement solutions in their respective areas of expertise. Additionally, they can also pursue the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant Certification, which is included in the Salesforce Marketing Certifications.

Salesforce Business Analyst

The role of a Salesforce Certified Business Analyst is to connect business requirements with technical solutions, utilizing their expertise in Salesforce to evaluate, design, and suggest solutions that enhance the success of the organization. The Salesforce Business Analyst Certification evaluates a candidate’s capability to gather requirements, cooperate with stakeholders, and aid in the development of solutions that lead to business improvements.

Salesforce Education Cloud Consultant

As a Salesforce Certified Education Cloud Consultant, you will be responsible for designing and implementing solutions for the education industry using Salesforce Education Cloud. This certification validates that you have experience consulting within the education industry and are knowledgeable in Salesforce applications, including the ability to apply several applications in common customer scenarios.

Experience Cloud Consultant

A Salesforce-certified Experience Cloud Consultant is responsible for designing and implementing solutions using Salesforce Experience Cloud. This includes utilizing the platform’s features to enhance customer experiences and improve business processes. The certification is intended for candidates who have experience consulting on Experience Cloud in a customer-facing role and are capable of troubleshooting and resolving platform issues.

Salesforce Field Service Consultant

A Salesforce Field Service Consultant is responsible for implementing and optimizing the Field Service module within the Salesforce Service Cloud. This involves collaborating with clients to design and configure FSL for their field service operations, which includes scheduling, dispatch, and mobile workforce management. The consultant is also responsible for providing continuous support to ensure that Field Service continues to be successful. The Salesforce Field Service Consultant certification is awarded to professionals who design Salesforce solutions for customers and who administer and configure Salesforce applications on customer premises.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Consultant

A Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Consultant has a crucial role in assisting nonprofit organizations with utilizing Salesforce to manage their operations. The position requires consulting with clients to comprehend their requirements, adapting Salesforce to meet those needs, providing training and assistance, and ensuring that the platform is used effectively and efficiently to support organizational goals. Individuals with this credential can effectively design and implement Nonprofit Cloud solutions that contribute to long-term customer success.

OmniStudio Consultant

A Salesforce OmniStudio Consultant is responsible for designing and implementing solutions using Salesforce OmniStudio. They work closely with clients to understand their business needs and customize the platform accordingly. The Salesforce OmniStudio Consultant certification is recommended for individuals with a minimum of one year of Salesforce experience in roles such as Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Solution Architect, Delivery Manager/Director, Project, Product, or Program Manager, or UX Designer.

Salesforce Pardot Consultant

A Salesforce Pardot Consultant assists organizations in getting the most out of their investment in the Salesforce Pardot marketing automation platform. They work with clients to understand their needs and use the platform to optimize lead generation. The Salesforce Pardot Consultant certification is for professionals with experience in implementing Pardot who can explain Salesforce administration concepts that relate to Pardot features.

Salesforce Sales Cloud Consultant

A Salesforce Sales Cloud Consultant assists organizations in utilizing Salesforce Sales Cloud to streamline their sales processes. This involves setting up and personalizing the platform, offering training and support to users, and implementing top practices for sales management. To obtain certification as a Salesforce Sales Cloud Consultant, candidates must be capable of creating and executing Sales Cloud solutions, including designing applications and interfaces, as well as developing analytics for tracking purposes.

Service Cloud Consultant

A Salesforce Service Cloud Consultant is responsible for designing and implementing customer service solutions using Salesforce Service Cloud. They work closely with clients to understand their business requirements and configure the platform to meet their needs. This certification recognizes individuals who design solutions for contact centers and analytics solutions for tracking metrics. Obtaining this credential demonstrates your ability to design, build, and implement Service Cloud functionality in a professional manner.

Saleforce Tableau CRM & Einstein Discovery Consultant

A Salesforce Tableau CRM & Einstein Discovery Consultant assists organizations in utilizing Salesforce CRM, Tableau, and Einstein Discovery tools to handle customer relationships, analyze and visualize data, and make informed business choices. The consultant offers implementation, customization, and integration expertise in these technologies, in addition to providing training and support. The Tableau CRM & Einstein Discovery Consultant credential is designed for individuals with experience in data ingestion processes, security and access implementations, and dashboard creation.

Salesforce Marketing Certification

Salesforce provides certifications specifically designed for marketing professionals, which includes two certifications for Salesforce’s B2B marketing automation platform, Pardot. In addition to the certifications discussed below, Salesforce Marketeers can also consider pursuing Marketing Cloud Developer certifications (covered under Salesforce Developer Certification) and Pardot Consultant certification (covered under Salesforce Consultant Certification). These certifications offer detailed training and knowledge to help professionals succeed in their roles.

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Administrator

As a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Administrator, your role involves managing and configuring the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform to meet your organization’s marketing automation and communication requirements. You will be responsible for tasks such as setting up email templates, managing data, configuring integrations, and monitoring performance. Passing the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Administrator certification demonstrates your ability to carry out administrative functions within Marketing Cloud in accordance with business requirements.

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant

As a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, my goal is to assist organizations in achieving their marketing objectives by identifying their needs, designing and implementing solutions, and providing ongoing support and training. To obtain the Marketing Cloud Consultant certification, candidates are required to have the ability to configure and implement Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email application tools, troubleshoot platform issues, and offer solutions to execute both tactical and strategic email campaigns.

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist

The role of a Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Email Specialist involves designing, executing, and optimizing email marketing campaigns through the use of Salesforce Marketing Cloud. This includes ensuring that messages are targeted and relevant to the intended audience, ultimately driving engagement and improving business outcomes. The certification is ideal for individuals who possess knowledge, skills, and experience in email marketing best practices, including content creation, subscriber and data management, delivery, and analytics within the Marketing Cloud Email application.

Salesforce Pardot Specialist

A Salesforce Pardot Specialist is responsible for overseeing and enhancing a company’s utilization of the Salesforce Pardot marketing automation platform. This involves configuring and personalizing the platform to meet business requirements, developing and initiating marketing campaigns, evaluating and reporting on campaign effectiveness, and guaranteeing that the platform is synchronized with other sales and marketing software. To obtain the Pardot Specialist certification, candidates must be capable of designing and constructing marketing campaigns within Pardot and possess expertise in email marketing, lead generation, and lead qualification.

Salesforce Designer Certification

Salesforce has two certifications available under the Designer credentials. One of these certifications focuses on User Experience and the other on Strategy Designing.

Salesforce User Experience Designer

As a Salesforce User Experience (UX) Designer, your role is to enhance the UI and overall experience of Salesforce. This involves conducting user research, prototyping, testing, and creating user-centered design solutions to meet business requirements. The User Experience (UX) Designer credential is perfect for candidates who possess basic knowledge of problem-solving and design using core UX concepts, and who are capable of utilizing core features.

Salesforce Strategy Designer

Salesforce Strategy Designer is a tool that enables the creation and visualization of sales and customer success strategies within Salesforce. The designer tackles challenges at the system level, maps out ecosystems, aligns stakeholders across organizations, and integrates user insights to drive innovation. The Salesforce Strategy Designer Certification confirms a candidate’s proficiency in designing systems-level solutions that achieve desired business and user outcomes. Credential holders possess the expertise to lead innovation throughout product lifecycles.

Salesforce Developer Certifications

Salesforce developer credentials are designed for professionals who create custom applications on the platform. This path includes the Salesforce Certified Platform Application Builder, which can also be utilized for the Salesforce Administrator path. There are two types of developer certifications available: the two-tiered platform developer credentials and one that focuses on developing ecommerce solutions.

Salesfoce B2C Commerce Developer

As a Salesforce B2C Commerce Developer, your role is to design, build, and maintain the e-commerce platform that businesses use to interact with their customers. You’ll be responsible for creating custom functionality and integrating the platform with other systems to enhance the customer experience and drive sales. We’re looking for experienced full-stack developers who are familiar with Salesforce B2C Commerce Digital. The B2C Commerce Developer certification is designed for those who are skilled in setting up the development environment, working with the digital data model, managing site content, performing site configuration tasks using Salesforce Business Manager, using scripts to extend site business logic, interacting with external applications, optimizing site performance, and troubleshooting issues.

Salesforce Industries CPQ Developer

As a Salesforce Industries CPQ Developer, your role is to tailor and deploy Salesforce CPQ solutions that meet the unique needs of clients in industries like Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Financial Services. You’ll be responsible for optimizing the quoting and proposal process by automating tasks like pricing, discounts, and product bundles, all while making sure that industry regulations are met. To earn the Industries CPQ Developer certification, you’ll need to have experience building configure, price, quote applications for Salesforce Communications, Media, and Energy & Utilities Clouds.

Salesforce JavaScript Developer I

As a Salesforce JavaScript Developer I, your role involves creating and implementing custom JavaScript code within Salesforce to meet specific business needs. You will use a variety of programming languages, such as JavaScript and Apex, to build, test, and deploy custom applications, automations, and integrations. This certification is designed for candidates who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to develop front-end and/or JavaScript applications for the web stack. The certification process consists of two parts: the JavaScript Developer I exam and the Lightning Web Components Specialist Superbadge, which assesses hands-on Lightning Web Component development skills.

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Developer

As a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Developer, your role is to design and implement marketing automation solutions using Salesforce Marketing Cloud. You’ll work with stakeholders to understand business requirements and create effective marketing campaigns. To earn the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Developer certification, you should be able to develop personalized marketing assets such as emails, landing pages, and forms using HTML, CSS, and AMPscript. You’ll also need to be proficient in SQL and have experience using Marketing Cloud APIs.

Salesforce OmniStudio Developer

As a Salesforce OmniStudio Developer, your role involves designing, developing, and maintaining custom applications using Salesforce Lightning, Apex, and Visualforce. Additionally, you create, configure, and customize components in Salesforce OmniStudio. With the Salesforce OmniStudio Developer credential, you can demonstrate your ability to develop cloud applications with OmniStudio’s declarative development tools, such as FlexCards, OmniScripts, Integration Procedures, DataRaptors, Expression Sets, Decision Matrices, and Industry Consoles.

Salesforce Platform Application Builder

A Platform App Builder develops customized applications using tools like Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning components. The Salesforce Platform App Builder certification is intended for individuals who want to demonstrate their abilities in designing, building, and deploying custom applications on the Lightning Platform. This includes tasks such as creating, managing, and updating data models, ensuring application security, implementing business logic, and automating processes.

Salesforce Platform Developer I

As a Platform developer, your role involves creating and deploying business logic and UIs using the programmatic capabilities of Lightning. To earn the Salesforce Platform Developer I credential, you should have experience in building custom applications on Lightning.

Salesforce Platform Developer II

A Salesforce Platform Developer II creates custom solutions using programming languages such as Apex and Visualforce. They are responsible for designing, coding, testing, and deploying complex business requirements to meet organizational needs. To become certified as a Salesforce Platform Developer II, candidates must possess advanced programmatic skills for the platform and data modeling to develop complex business logic and interfaces on the platform. The certification process includes a multiple-choice exam, a programming assignment, and an essay exam. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to design, develop, test, and deploy programmatic solutions that are maintainable, robust, and reusable, following Apex design patterns and object-oriented best practices.

Choose Certspots Salesforce Certification Study Guide For Your Preparation

If you’re looking to advance your career in the Salesforce ecosystem, obtaining a certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and enhance your marketability. However, preparing for a certification exam can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start.

That’s where Certspots Salesforce Certification Study Guide comes in. This comprehensive guide covers all certification paths within the Salesforce ecosystem, from the Service Cloud Consultant to the Salesforce Platform Developer II. The guide is written in easy-to-understand language, with clear explanations of key concepts and terminology.

The guide also provides detailed information on exam format, duration, cost, and prerequisite certifications, allowing you to plan your study schedule effectively. Real-time practice tests and sample questions are included, allowing you to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

In addition to the study material, the guide includes tips and tricks for effective preparation and exam-taking, helping you to maximize your chances of success. And if you need additional guidance or support, the guide provides access to a community of certified professionals who can offer advice and answer your questions.

Overall, the Certspots Salesforce Certification Study Guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to obtain a certification within the Salesforce ecosystem. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this guide can help you prepare for your certification exam and take your career to the next level.