Before You Apply For A Salesforce Certification

Salesforce is a cloud-based solution that provides businesses with customer relationship management services (CRM) to drive their sales. Salesforce has different modules such as customer service, marketing automation, analytical data, and more helping integrate different business departments. To truly understand the functioning and everything there is to know about Salesforce, it is important to understand what a Cloud-Based customer relationship management system is.

Cloud-based solutions or solutions allow businesses to take their operations online removing inefficiencies and improving communications. Employees can access files and company data for work purposes from anywhere in the world. Cloud-based solutions have allowed businesses to expand without having to invest in IT equipment, helping save companies thousands of dollars.

One of the most renowned cloud-based solutions is Salesforce which has in itself become a whole economy with millions of users using the solution to progress their business. Salesforce is known to provide a holistic 360° customer experience.

How Can Salesforce Help Your Business Drive Sales?

Salesforce is efficient in consolidating customer databases and generating reports. The reports allow the management to make decisions and improve business operations. The solution offers a dashboard where employers have access to real-time business analytics which helps in long-term decision making.

Salesforce is great with contact management. This allows businesses to collect and follow up on leads and convert them into sales. Contact management is a great way to collect data and use it to eliminate any lag in operations, ensure cohesiveness among departments, and provide a holistic customer journey. This all works towards customer retention, creating a brand, and driving sales.

Salesforce has a lot of modules and applications which cater to various needs of a business. It’s highly customizable, allowing developers to create their own modules and integrate them into Salesforce. Salesforce is so vast that it has given rise to new professionals with many taking up the opportunity to learn various aspects of the software by getting certified.

Salesforce And Its Exponential Growth

Salesforce is widely credited to have revolutionized the technology industry. But why are they so successful and popular?

Salesforce CRM was first used for Amazon Cloud Services. Amazon professionals were so enticed by Salesforce’s CRM that they quickly became accustomed to it and promoted it. Due to Amazon, one of the biggest companies in the world using Salesforce’s services, the CRM’s popularity quickly rose to new heights that were never seen before by any other CRM provider at that time.

Salesforce is the only company credited to having launched various app stores back in 2005. This proved to the world how competent, technologically advanced, and superior to the competition Salesforce was; since the very start.

Its constant drive for innovation can be seen in its recruitment process, which includes tests made on current scenarios with questions and case study, that tests the applicant’s aptitude and practical know-how. The tough recruitment process, the drive for innovation, and the need to stay up to date have led Salesforce to rank as the most innovation-friendly company for 4 straight years; An incredible feat.

Salesforce is preferred by employers because it caters to both large-scale and small-scale businesses. Moreover, learning the software, its operations, and functions has been widely regarded as being relatively easier. Salesforce has been extremely effective in its recruitment process. Its aspirants need to go through a rigorously challenging process, and only after they completely prove themselves in their respective fields will they be able to call themselves a Salesforce member. It is through this intensive selection process that Salesforce is able to acquire talented and hardworking individuals who strive to be efficient and make their organization great, which they have successfully done so.

Growth Hike Of Salesforce

We know how popular CRM is nowadays, and in the past as well. It is widely credited that this exponential growth in CRM systems was solely derived from Salesforce as it acted as the driving force in revolutionizing the way business is done by putting customers first. Throughout its history, Salesforce has given its competitors, such as the likes of Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP a challenging time.

Salesforce Certifications

Salesforce’s growth over the last two decades has been staggering, to say the least. It has successfully established a whole ecosystem consisting of admins, users, and consultants. Salesforce has become an industry in its own right, projecting revenues of the Salesforce economy up to $1.2 trillion by 2024.

Salesforce growth and the high amounts of opportunities that are complementary with this growth has been the talk of the town, recently. Salesforce offers the chance of a highly lucrative and successful career for all individuals out there regardless of their backgrounds and prior education. Salesforce certification is an exemplary path to success.

Salesforce occupations range from being a technical expert, which includes creators, architects, and implementation experts to marketing and sales.

Benefits Of A Salesforce Certification

IT has become the future of businesses and this has increased the demand for IT professionals. Those that were previously working in different roles have moved towards IT to climb the corporate ladder. The same is with Salesforce as more and more businesses start to implement Salesforce, the demand for Salesforce professionals will increase.

Here are some of the benefits of getting Salesforce certification training.

• Salesforce certificates will allow you better marketability in an already tight IT job market because you will become an expert in one of its fields which is highly desirable.
• You are your own boss, with tremendous flexibility. It is your choice to complete the Salesforce certification in any timeframe of your liking; from just a single hour to 6 months. You can also choose to weigh yourself with just one certification or multiple certifications.
• A 2019 study conducted by Indeed.com claims that Salesforce developers rank at number 10 in the category of: ‘Best Jobs of 2019” taking with them a mean salary of $112,031, annually. This means higher earning opportunities in your future are at your disposal.

Types Of Certifications

Salesforce offers a vast array of certifications, suiting all likings. These certifications include:

• Certified Administrator
• Certified Advanced Administrator
• Certified Sales Cloud Consultant
• Certified Service Cloud Consultant
• Certified Experience (Community) Cloud Consultant
• Certified Platform App Builder
• Certified Platform Developer 1
• Certified Platform Developer 2
• Certified Technical Architect

All these certifications cost $200 each and consist of an exam that includes 60 multiple choice questions, and the addition of 5 unscored questions. The last certification, however, is the only exception; having a multiple-choice exam with no mention of the number of multiple-choice questions, and a mandatory board review presentation.

Certified Administrator

The Salesforce Administrator certification is created for aspirants who own extensive knowledge of Salesforce and have experience with working on Salesforce. This certification is specially designed for individuals who strive to look for opportunities of assisting their respective companies in getting more benefit from additional functions and potentiality. The exam includes topics such as features accessible to an end-user, the span of different applications, and the organizational and management alternatives available to an administrator covering the sales, services, and collaboration clouds.

There are two certifications inside the Salesforce Certified Administration plan. Firstly, the Salesforce Certified Administrator credential concentrates on the properties and functions which are utilized to regulate and maintain a Salesforce implementation.

The second Salesforce certification is called the Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator. This acquired credential is selected by the Salesforce Certified Administrator who has complete control over Salesforce configuration maintenance, can show a sound understanding of administration practices, and is skilled enough to use the superior features to solve various business-associated issues.

About The Exam

Following are the details regarding the Salesforce Administrator exam.

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 non-scored questions
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• The passing score is 65%.
• Prerequisites: none required.

Certified Sales Cloud Consultant

This exam is created for consultants who possess knowledge and experience in the implementation of Sales Cloud solutions in a customer-facing role. The Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Consultant can successfully create and execute Sales Cloud solutions that fulfill customer business requirements, are maintainable while contributing to a business’s success in the long run.

Successful aspirants of this certificate must be well versed in the following:

• Designing sales and marketing solutions that fulfill business demands.
• Creation and development of applications and interfaces that are designed to increase user efficiency.
• Tracking of important Sales Cloud metrics through managing data and design analytics.

Typical employment opportunities for a Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Consultant are:

• Business Analyst
• Consultant
• Program Manager
• Technical Architect

About The Exam

Following are the details regarding the Sales Cloud Consultant exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 non-scored questions.
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• The passing score is 62%.
• Prerequisites: Salesforce Administrator credential.

Certified Service Cloud Consultant

A Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant creates and sets up solutions that bolster customer business processes and needs through Salesforce applications. Using the cloud functionality, the consultant designs solutions and will implement them inside a customer organization. The consultant will have contact center industry experience, as well as Salesforce applications know-how.

The average Salesforce Certified Consultant has mastered the skills mentioned below:

• Experience in organizing the implementation of projects.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of different Salesforce product assemblies.
• Thorough and complete understanding of internet innovations and cloud computing.

About The Exam

Following are the details regarding the Salesforce Service Cloud Consulting exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 non-scored questions.
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• The passing score is 67%.
• Prerequisites: Salesforce Administrator credential.

Certified Experience (Community) Cloud Consultant

This type of Salesforce consultant has deep knowledge about the usage of the Salesforce Experience applications. They also have the ability to troubleshoot and find solutions to platform problems.

They must have 6 months worth of hands-on experience in administering and creating on the Salesforce Experience Cloud platform.

Common employment opportunities include:

• Consultant
• Solution Architect
• Salesforce Creator

About The Exam

Read further for instructions on the Salesforce Experience Cloud Consulting exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 unscored questions.
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• The passing score is 65%
• Prerequisites: Salesforce Administrator credential.

Certified Platform App Builder

This type of credential is targeted at individuals who have experience and practice in the development of custom-built applications on the Lightning platform. The Salesforce Platform App Builder has, on average, 6 months to 1 year worth of practice developing applications on the Lightning platform.

Successful credential holders are mostly occupied in the field of app development.

About The Exam

Following are the details regarding the Salesforce Platform App Builder exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 unscored questions.
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• Passing score: 63%.
• Prerequisites: None.

Certified Platform Developer 1

This exam is aimed at individuals who know about developing and deploying simple business logic and user interfaces with the aid of the programmatic capabilities of the Lightning platform.

An aspirant should have experience with certain computing languages such as Apex, Java, and Ruby.

About The Exam

Following are the details for the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 unscored questions.
• The time limit is 105 minutes.
• The passing score is 65%.
• Prerequisite: None.

Certified Platform Developer 2

This exam is primarily for aspirants who possess experience developing custom-built applications on the Lightning platform. This type of certificate holder has 2 to 4 years of developing, designing, and implementation experience on the Lightning platform.

About The Exam

Read on for instructions regarding the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 exam:

• Content: 60 multiple choice questions and 5 unscored questions.
• The time limit is 120 minutes.
• The passing score is 70%.
• Prerequisites: Salesforce Platform Developer 1 credential.

How To Study For These Certifications?

Salesforce does provide a study manual for each exam and guidelines on different materials to be familiar with. It is highly recommended to go through the study guide, given its usefulness.

It mentions all those topics that you should know and it also conveys the weightage of the topics so that you have a clear idea of where to devote your efforts, and how to manage in between these weights for effective preparation.

After being well versed with all the topics, it is imperative to sit through practice tests to familiarize yourself with the style of questions asked in the exam.

Process Of Taking The Exams

If you’re wondering how to give exams, we’ve created a step-by-step tutorial for you to follow.

1. On the Salesforce certification page, you will come across a little ‘register’ link that will redirect you to the Webassessor login page. If you do not have a Webassessor account, you will have to make one first to continue. Webassessor is an online testing platform that is used by Salesforce to take their exams.
2.  After logging into your Webassessor account, you can register for one of the Salesforce certification exams.
3. You will be required to choose a testing center and a date and time from the availability list. One important thing, if you have to reschedule, you will have to notify Salesforce 3 days prior.
4. After you have made the payment, you will receive a confirmation email that will mention the date and time of your exam, as well as your payment receipt.
5. You need to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. You should also carry two forms of identification with you. The email will also contain a test take that you have to take with you. It is advised to print the email for your ease.
6. You will get the results instantly after being done with the test. You can always give it another try if your result was not up to the mark.

Is Salesforce Certificate The Right Option For You?

Many professionals are jumping to the opportunity of doing Salesforce to see a career shift. However, very few complete the Salesforce certification as there are several fields and multiple levels. For example, Salesforce administrator certification has many different levels such as Salesforce certified administrator, Salesforce certified advanced administrator, and more.

So before you jump into Salesforce, ask yourself these five questions to help you decide whether Salesforce certification is the right choice for you.

Are You Motivated And Dedicated To Apply Yourself On The Salesforce Platform?

Acquiring a Salesforce certification is a highly excruciating task that entails a lot of time commitment. The process should not be underestimated or taken lightly. It is a big journey, the journey of reaching ‘certified’ status, and the people who have managed to come through have worked tirelessly with great vigor and determination. Among many other things, this process requires a lot of research, trailhead tutorials, revision, and a lot of question paper practice.

You should not be demotivated because although the process is hard, it is highly doable for anyone that puts in the required time and effort. There is a vast ocean of resources out there, both free and paid for, to catalyze your preparation. Also, in addition to these resources, many Salesforce certificate holders are willing and ready to help you; all you need to do is ask.

Will You Trust Yourself?

Salesforce has been providing individuals with amazing careers throughout the years. Ask any Salesforce member and he or she will provide you a positive and motivating response. But, all of these members have had to invest in this process early on. An investment of both time and money is required.

On average, a Salesforce exam costs $200 and training fees if you are willing to undergo training to prepare. In addition to this, preparing for these Salesforce certification exams also requires a lot of time, effort, and commitment. It would be wise to weigh up all your options, analyze your current situation before making a decision.

Are You Willing And Prepared To Keep Updated On The Latest Knowledge?

It is necessary to educate yourself and learn a great deal about the contents of your exam. In addition to this, it would be wise and it is also recommended to keep a dynamic approach to gaining your knowledge; not halting at any place or time.

Moreover, due to the Salesforce platform being dynamic and constantly changing, you will have to keep up to date with the latest knowledge changes and improvements as well, even after getting your hands-on certification to maintain your Salesforce certification.

Salesforce keeps tabs on your current knowledge by taking maintenance exams. These are taken three times a year and include testing material on Salesforce product releases during spring, summer, winter, and fall. This is done for you to keep up to date with new happenings surrounding Salesforce, as well as for you to be able to pass on this knowledge to your members to ensure employees do not succumb to the alienation of the latest happenings and products.

 Are You Able To Consider Real-Life Scenarios?

Real-life scenarios are given high emphasis at Salesforce. The process of keeping up to date, and well versed in real-life scenarios is ongoing as a Salesforce member is also tested on them to keep him or her sharp and indulged with what is happening in the world.

Coupled with members, people who aspire to be a part of Salesforce by taking the entry-level exams also have kept the importance of real-life scenarios in their minds because the entry-level exams are laden with practical scenarios and applications.

For example, in the entry-level exam, they will provide you with a case study for you to choose the right solution from Salesforce’s perspective. It is advised to take on Salesforce training that provides you with a hands-on approach to prepare effectively for the exam.

Are You Opting For The Right Salesforce Certification?

Through research, it has been found that the two most popular Salesforce certifications being taken by new entrants are the Certified Administrator Exam and the Platform App Builder. The administrator exam primarily focuses on maintaining the entire Salesforce infrastructure, whereas the platform app builder is required to extend the Salesforce platform with custom-built applications.

Before opting for which exam to give, and starting your Salesforce journey, weigh up all of your interests, strengths, and weaknesses to make a sound and accurate decision. It is highly recommended for you to choose a field that interests you as an individual because doing otherwise will cause you problems all along the way.

Salesforce is not slowing down and there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming future. Many individuals who want a career transition can look towards getting a Salesforce certification, however, it is important to do the right research into each category of certification before applying.