Salesforce certification is a globally recognized credential that qualifies individuals to implement Salesforce best practices on behalf of their organizations. There are close to 40 different Salesforce certifications available, and each one serves as a step along a clearly defined career path. Some certifications cover tools such as Visualforce or Salesforce Lightning, while others focus more on using the service or on data management. The certifications give learners the knowledge, experience, and skills they need for a specific job.
Salesforce certifications are useful for individuals looking for a Salesforce role, either as a Salesforce customer or a Salesforce partner. Even the entry-level Salesforce certifications are in high demand, and they are a great way for an employer to verify both an individuals baseline skillset and their appetite to learn.
There are several career benefits to getting certified, including increased job opportunities and a competitive edge in the job market. Salesforce software is customizable to meet the needs of many types of businesses, and employers across a variety of industries are looking for candidates with Salesforce skills.
To earn a Salesforce certification, individuals should follow these five steps:
- Research and select a certification that best fits their desired role, career goals, and the skills they want to build.
- Prepare for the exam by taking Salesforce courses through other programs, such as Coursera’s Salesforce Sales Operations Professional Certificate.
- Schedule the exam, either onsite at a test center or online.
- Arrive well-rested and prepared to take the exam.
- Maintain the certification by completing one maintenance module per year.
Salesforce certifications are useful for individuals looking to advance their careers and demonstrate their skills in specific areas of Salesforce. They are also a way to organize learning efforts and provide an objective and target for study.