6 Salesforce Developer Certifications To Pursue (With Benefits)

Updated 8 April 2023

A Salesforce developer designs, builds and maintains customised Salesforce applications that meet the specific needs of business organisations. These developers use a range of programming languages, including Apex and Visualforce, to create new functions and enhance existing features within the Salesforce platform. If you want to pursue this role, reviewing a list of certifications for Salesforce developers may help you choose one that can advance your career. In this article, we examine what Salesforce developer certifications are, share a list of useful ones and explore the benefits of pursuing these credentials.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Salesforce Developer Certification?

A Salesforce developer certification is a credential from Salesforce that validates an individual's expertise in developing and customising applications on this platform. These certifications demonstrate the developer understands the system's fundamentals, such as Apex, Visualforce, basic data modelling and management and also uses them efficiently. A certificate may also show a developer's ability to design and create applications on the Salesforce Commerce Cloud platform. These credentials validate a developer's knowledge of products like Journey Builder, Email Studio and Automation Studio.

Earning these certifications involves passing rigorous exams that test the candidate's knowledge and skills in Salesforce development. In addition, candidates typically have varying amounts of hands-on experience with the Salesforce platform and its extensive functionality. These certifications hold value in multiple industries, and they help developers advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers.

6 Salesforce Developer Certifications

Here is a list of six certifications for Salesforce developers you can consider to advance your career:

1. Salesforce Certified Administrator

The Salesforce Administrator Certification programme targets individuals who have experience with the platform and are looking for ways to enhance their understanding of its features and capabilities. The programme consists of two certifications, the Salesforce Certified Administrator and the Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator. The first certification focuses on implementing and maintaining the platform. It covers all applications and features available to end users. The second certification targets individuals who already achieved the first administrator credential and can demonstrate mastery over Salesforce configuration, maintenance, best practices and advanced features to solve complex business problems.

2. Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator

The Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator programme is for experienced administrators. The programme covers a wide range of applications, features and functions available to end-users, such as advanced configuration, management and application extension options. To qualify for the advanced programme, candidates generally demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all the application's capabilities, features and functions across the Salesforce platform.

Candidates may also require performing advanced administration functions using the full set of Salesforce features covered in the exam syllabus. Individuals who pass this exam typically use the platform's advanced administration capabilities to solve complex business challenges and automate intricate business processes. They are also proficient at recommending configuration enhancements and using best practices to optimise an organisation's use of Salesforce. This proficiency necessitates a proactive approach towards discovering and evaluating new functions as they become available and identifying the potential benefits they bring to businesses.

3. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I

The Salesforce Platform Developer I credential is appropriate for individuals with expertise in developing custom applications with the Lightning Platform. This credential assesses a candidate's fundamental programming capabilities to see how well they use Salesforce with Apex, Visualforce and basic Lightning Components. To obtain this credential, candidates pass the Salesforce Platform Developer I exam, which is a prerequisite for the Salesforce Platform Developer II multiple choice exam.

The Salesforce Platform Developer I exam is suitable for individuals with experience in developing and deploying basic business logic and user interfaces using the Lightning Platform's capabilities. Candidates apply these solution-oriented development skills and concepts to the exam objectives. Typically, Salesforce Platform Developer I candidates have one to two years of experience as a developer, with at least six months of experience specifically working on the Lightning Platform. Additionally, it is beneficial for candidates to invest time in studying the resources that are part of the exam guide.

4. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II

The Salesforce Platform Developer II programme aims to certify individuals with advanced skills and knowledge in data modelling algorithms, complex business logic and interfaces using the Lightning Platform. Candidates with the Salesforce Platform Developer I credential can sign up for this certification. It comprises a proctored multiple-choice exam and three Superbadges that you can earn in any order. Successful completion of these requirements results in this certification.

To participate in this programme, candidates typically need experience developing custom applications on the Lightning Platform, including the practical ability to use the skills and concepts the exam objectives cover. Candidates usually possess two to four years of experience as a developer, with at least one year of experience in designing, implementing and deploying applications on the Lightning platform.

5. Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Consultant

The Salesforce Certified Sales Cloud Consultant certification is ideal for consultants with experience implementing Sales Cloud solutions in a customer-facing role. Successful candidates typically possess the ability to design and implement solutions that fulfil customers' business requirements. They are also proficient at developing scalable and maintainable solutions to contribute to their customer's long-term success.

Salesforce consultants usually have knowledge of various concepts, such as designing sales and marketing solutions, creating integrations and applications to maximise user productivity and managing data and analytics to monitor key Sales Cloud metrics. They may also lead the implementation of these solutions for a customer's organisation, leveraging their industry experience and Salesforce expertise. Additionally, consultants often know how to implement multiple applications for common customer scenarios.

6. Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant

The Salesforce Certified Service Cloud Consultant programme targets individuals with experience implementing Salesforce Service Cloud solutions in a customer-facing role. The programme's intended audience includes individuals with expertise in administering and configuring Salesforce applications and who have a verified Salesforce Certified Administrator certification. This cloud certification enables them to effectively design and implement Service Cloud solutions that align with their customer's business requirements and promote long-term success.

A typical Salesforce service cloud consultant is proficient in designing and deploying solutions that cater to the customer's business processes and requirements using Salesforce applications. Certified professionals in this domain typically have expertise in leveraging cloud functionality in design solutions. They can also lead its implementation independently at a customer's business. Many consultants also have experience with the contact centre industry and the knowledge to implement a wide variety of Salesforce applications to address diverse business requirements.

The Benefits Of Earning Salesforce Certifications

Earning a Salesforce developer certification can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

Demonstrates expertise: By earning a Salesforce certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in Salesforce development, which may enhance their credibility and reputation as an expert in the field.
Career advancement: Salesforce developer certifications can help individuals advance their careers by presenting new job opportunities, increasing their earning potential and providing an advantage in the job market.
Staying current with the industry: These certifications require individuals to stay current with the latest Salesforce technologies, tools and best practices, which can help them stay up-to-date in their field and improve their ability to deliver effective solutions to clients and employers.
Improving job performance: Earning Salesforce certifications can improve job performance by providing developers with the skills and knowledge to design and implement effective technology solutions for business operations.
Access to resources: Salesforce offers a variety of resources, including training, events and a community of experts that are available exclusively for certified professionals.