Gaining the necessary Salesforce credentials and programs is crucial for individuals looking to progress in their careers. These credentials enhance your resume and emphasize your skills, allowing you to demonstrate your practical experience with Salesforce and gain a competitive advantage that can lead to fresh prospects. When it comes to Salesforce certifications, two popular paths to consider are the Salesforce Associate and Salesforce Administrator certifications. Both certifications hold value and can contribute to your professional growth. However, selecting between the two can be a difficult decision, particularly for those who are new to the Salesforce platform.

Salesforce Associate Credential

The Salesforce Certified Associate exam is intended for individuals who are new to the Salesforce ecosystem and are interested in understanding and utilizing the Salesforce Customer 360 Platform. Salesforce Certified Associate candidates have a desire to learn about the Salesforce platform and its common business use cases. They are interested in gaining hands-on experience with Salesforce and may be considering a career in Salesforce or working towards becoming a Salesforce Certified Professional.

When preparing for the Salesforce Associate credential, candidates should:

• have a basic understanding of how an integrated CRM platform addresses the challenge of connecting departments and customer data.
• be familiar with Salesforce as a user or a learner and have an interest in assisting with fundamental functionalities in the current version of Salesforce.
• be benefit of having a foundational level of knowledge in reporting, user administration, data sharing, customization, and data management.

How to earn the Salesforce Associate Credential?

Salesforce Certified Associate candidates should have up to 6 months of experience using Salesforce. Additionally, they should possess a foundational understanding of Salesforce's core capabilities and be proficient in navigating the platform. The Salesforce Certified Associate exam is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate knowledge, skills, or experience in the following areas:

• Understanding how the CRM platform addresses the challenge of connecting departments and customer data
• Identifying the types of business challenges that can be solved using Salesforce Customer 360
• Familiarity with key terms and concepts related to the Salesforce platform
• Proficiency in fundamental functionality of the current version of Salesforce, including requirements gathering, reporting, security, data sharing, customization, and data management.

While no prerequisites are required, it is highly recommended for candidates to take the Trailhead Virtual Bootcamp for Salesforce Associates (TVB101) class. Passing the Salesforce Certified Associate exam is necessary to obtain the Salesforce Certified Associate credential.

Key Information about the Salesforce Certified Associate Exam:

1. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions.
2. Candidates have 70 minutes to complete the exam.
3. The passing score is 62%.
4. The exam fee is $75, and retakes are free of charge.
5. The exam can be taken either online or at a testing center.

The Salesforce Associate certification is highly recommended for individuals who are exploring a potential career in the Salesforce ecosystem or are already dedicated to pursuing a Salesforce career, especially if they are just starting out. It is also a suitable choice for those who have experience as end-users or super-users and are looking to transition into the role of a Salesforce Administrator.

Salesforce Administrator Credential

A Salesforce Administrator is responsible for collaborating with stakeholders to establish requirements, personalize the platform, and empower users to maximize the benefits of Salesforce. The Salesforce Administrator certification is designed for individuals who have hands-on experience with Salesforce and constantly seek opportunities to optimize their organizations' utilization of the platform's extensive features and capabilities. The exam encompasses a wide range of applications, the functionalities accessible to end users, and the configuration and management choices available to administrators in the Sales, Service, and Collaboration Clouds.

How to complete the Salesforce Certified Administrator credential?

Salesforce Certified Administrator candidates are expected to possess a broad understanding of the functionalities accessible to end users and the choices for configuration available to a Salesforce Administrator. They should be capable of managing a Salesforce organization, addressing typical business needs, and executing administrative tasks using the latest Salesforce features. Moreover, candidates should have at least six months of experience working as a Salesforce Administrator and demonstrate proficiency in completing the tasks outlined in the exam objectives.

To take the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam, there are no requirements, but it is required for many other exams. It is highly advised to participate in the following courses in order to complete the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam:

1. Preparing for Your Salesforce Administrator Certification (CRT101)
2. Administrative Essentials for New Admins in Lightning Experience (ADX201)
3. Trailhead Virtual Bootcamp for New Admins (TVB201)

Key Information about the Salesforce Certified Administrator Exam:

1. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
2. You will have 105 minutes to complete the exam.
3. The passing score is 65%.
4. The exam costs $200 to take and retakes are $100.
5. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center.

The Salesforce Administrator certification is highly recommended for individuals seeking to enter the Salesforce world, especially those who already have a strong grasp of the Salesforce product suite and ecosystem. It is also ideal for accidental admins who want to validate their expertise or for existing Salesforce Admins who have not yet obtained certification.

Salesforce Associate vs Salesforce Administrator: Choosing the Right Certification

When deciding which certification to pursue, consider your career goals and the specific role you want to excel in. If you are new to Salesforce and want to establish a solid understanding of the platform, the Salesforce Associate certification is a great starting point. It will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively within the Salesforce ecosystem.

However, if you have experience with Salesforce and aim to specialize in system administration and configuration, the Salesforce Administrator certification is a logical next step. This certification will further enhance your expertise and open doors to advanced opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Ultimately, the choice between the Salesforce Associate and Salesforce Administrator certifications depends on your career aspirations and the path you want to pursue within the Salesforce ecosystem. Both certifications offer unique benefits and can contribute to your professional growth. Whichever path you choose, remember that continuous learning and staying updated with the latest Salesforce releases are key to maintaining your credibility and relevance in the industry.