Testing your Salesforce knowledge with the corresponding certification is a possible step to finalize the hours of training and learning the platform. In this article, we'll review the types of certificates, clarify why investing money and resources to get one is beneficial and answer many frequently asked questions about this issue. Plus, we'll provide prep tips and specific sample materials that can help you prepare for the Salesforce certification exams.

Salesforce Certification Path is Beneficial and Here's Why

Opinions differ on the real value of Salesforce certification. Ultimately, the platform has a steep learning curve, and so do the certification standards. So, one of the most frequently asked questions by people who have just asked about the platform is “Is it really worth choosing the Salesforce certification path?”.

Specialists agree that certification is particularly profitable for specialists looking for a job, because this document is considered a huge argument that verifies both knowledge and expertise in Salesforce. 

Moreover, as the platform requires extensive study, learners already have all the necessary knowledge under their belt and it wouldn't hurt to prove it by getting a certificate that will back up the mental energy they have invested in the process.

Other reasons to get certified include the ability to be kept up to date with the latest Salesforce releases and updates through mandatory certificate maintenance.

Types of Certificates in a Salesforce Certification Path and Which to Get First

A total of 32 types of Salesforce certifications can be earned. Some of them are based on previous certifications, some are not.

• Salesforce Certified Administrator
• Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator
• Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder
• Salesforce Certified CPQ Specialist
• Salesforce Certified B2C Commerce Architect
• Salesforce Certified Data Architecture and Management Designer
• Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer
• Salesforce Certified Heroku Architectural Designer
• Certified Salesforce Identity and Access Management Designer, etc.

The answer to the question "Which Salesforce certificate to get first?" depends largely on the individual's level of technical expertise, as well as previous experience and training. Generally speaking, if you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with the first certificate from the aforementioned list as it covers all the basics and is perfect for getting started with the platform.

The next step and the path you choose to follow will greatly depend on the requirements and your considerations. As such, if your goal is, for example, to have the Salesforce Application Architect certificate, you will need to pass the exams to obtain the four prerequisites: Platform App Builder, Sharing and Visibility Designer, Data Architecture and Management Designer, Platform Developer.

What materials can be useful to prepare for Salesforce certification

• Trailhead trails and modules

If you are choosing a Salesforce certification path, you should start by familiarizing yourself with the open-source materials available online. All information is logically divided into small units – modules and trails and the users are provided with everything they need to know. 

Each module is a short, easy-to-use, self-paced tutorial that covers specific topics that a user wants to tackle immediately. Once a module is completed, you earn badges and points that show that you have studied the material well and now have the necessary skills.

• Official Documentation

Of course, reading the official Salesforce documentation is essential for your exam preparation. You'll find lots of how-tos, release notes, tutorials, product announcements, and other useful information there. The topic list and cross-links make it easier to navigate through the pages.

• Specialized blogs

On the web, there are many specialized blogs highlighting Salesforce exam preparation. For example, the blog you're reading right now has a lot of information about passing exams and offers tutorials and practical tips and tricks.

• Quizlets and Flashcards

Many platforms offer study materials and quizzes that can help people get certified in several ways. Some platforms also offer flashcards that will help a learner prepare for and remember Salesforce certification terms. Other than that, you can try to take a test or quiz to check how well you know the platform.

What Does the Future Hold?

According to Gartner, the CRM software market reached $27.5 billion in 2019, up from $23.8 billion in 2017. This represents a 12.3% annual growth rate, with the market expected to reach $36.5 billion by 2022.

Salesforce, on the other hand, is the pinnacle business that has reinvented the CRM sector. We could never have envisaged a CRM application that provided all of its services via the cloud. Salesforce CRM has topped the CRM industry for four years in a row, and its unrivaled offerings are propelling the digital world forward.

Unlike many of its competitors, Salesforce has a huge market share and is competing with some of the world's major suppliers such as Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others.

Adobe, Microsoft, and Salesforce are growing faster than the market, according to one of Forbes' reports from last year. According to a Gartner report from 2019, the Salesforce CRM tool was regarded as the top firm in the CRM industry, with much higher revenue than the IT giants.

Last word

All in all, there's no better way to prepare for the Salesforce certification exams than hard work on the job. By trying to configure and implement various things in Salesforce, you can hone your skills and save your knowledge. 

Salesforce certification path offers its users the opportunity to create an account for free for learning purposes. As such, you can play around with settings and configurations to learn the platform at a faster pace.

Testing your Salesforce knowledge with the corresponding certification is a possible step to finalize the hours of training and learning the platform. In this article, we'll review the types of certificates, clarify why investing money and resources to get one is beneficial and answer many frequently asked questions about this issue. Plus, we'll provide prep tips and specific sample materials that can help you prepare for the Salesforce certification exams.