“If you’re intimidated by technology, don’t let that stop you… It’s possible. And failure is normal. I was rejected multiple times before I landed my job at Google, and I didn’t pass all my certifications the first time around. It’s all part of the process.” — David Liu, Lead Salesforce Technical Architect, Google
Technology jobs are known for three things: high salaries, complex work, and what many people call a “low barrier to entry.” In reality, it’s rarely that simple. While someone with exceptional skills might land a senior developer role with an outstanding GitHub portfolio and strong experience, competition for most tech jobs is intense. Earning Salesforce developer certifications helps you stand out and shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge they are looking for.
Running the Numbers: Why Get Salesforce Certified?
While many people know that a Salesforce certification is not required to work with or develop on the platform, there are several strong reasons to earn one. Demand for Salesforce-certified developers remains high and is expected to keep growing through at least 2028. If you’re looking for a stable career with long-term growth, Salesforce is a reliable platform, and its certifications are among the most future-ready credentials you can earn.
Another major benefit is salary potential. Technology careers often offer higher pay than many other professions, and Salesforce-certified developers are no exception, with average salaries around $100,000 USD. In addition, about 77% of Salesforce professionals who earn an official certification receive a salary increase of 20–40%. That’s a strong return on your investment.
The Salesforce Certification Landscape in 2023
Now that you know the value of Salesforce certifications, the next step is deciding which one to pursue. Salesforce offers more than 40 certifications, from Associate to Certified Technical Architect. While some advanced certifications require prerequisites, many follow a self-paced path. Choosing the right certification and preparing for the correct exam is essential.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam up to three times. However, you’ll need to wait a required period between attempts and pay a retake fee, which is typically 50% of the original exam cost. While that’s manageable for the Associate exam, a Certified Technical Architect retake costs $3,000—half of the original $6,000 exam fee. To improve your chances of passing, use flashcards, study guides, and the official learning resources available on Salesforce Trailhead.
Basic Salesforce Certification Suggestions for Developers
With so many Salesforce certifications available, choosing the right one for your career can be challenging. To simplify the process, Salesforce organizes its certifications into clear levels, with prerequisites for more advanced exams. For this guide, we’ll assume you’re an experienced developer with Salesforce knowledge but no official certifications yet.
Two certifications provide a strong foundation: Salesforce Administrator and Salesforce Platform App Builder. Neither requires a previous Salesforce certification, making them great starting points. If you already have Salesforce development experience, either certification is a solid first step toward becoming Salesforce certified.
Salesforce Admin vs Salesforce Platform App Builder
What’s the difference between the two? The Salesforce Administrator certification focuses on managing and maintaining a Salesforce organization, while the Salesforce Platform App Builder certification emphasizes building and enhancing applications using Salesforce’s declarative tools. Depending on your career goals, either can be the right choice. However, many developers begin with the Administrator certification before moving on to more advanced credentials.
Whichever certification you choose, passing the exam opens the door to several developer-focused Salesforce certifications. Popular options include Salesforce Platform Developer I, Platform Developer II, JavaScript Developer I, Salesforce Industries CPQ Developer, and OmniStudio Developer. These entry- to mid-level certifications are priced at $200 each at the time of writing. If you’re more interested in the business side of Salesforce, the Salesforce Business Analyst certification is another excellent option.
More Advanced Salesforce Certifications for Developers
As your Salesforce experience grows, more advanced certifications become realistic goals. One example is the Salesforce Data Architect certification. While it doesn’t require any previous Salesforce certification, it is not an entry-level exam. Candidates should have strong knowledge of data architecture, sandbox management, and extensive hands-on Salesforce experience. Although it’s possible to earn this certification without other Salesforce credentials, it’s uncommon.
At the top of the certification path is the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) certification. Considered the highest Salesforce credential, it requires deep technical expertise, years of hands-on experience, and a thorough understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem. You’ll also need to earn all seven required prerequisite certifications before taking the CTA exam. With only around 400 certified professionals worldwide, this credential is highly respected and can lead to greater career opportunities and higher earning potential.
Read More: Exploring the New Salesforce Data Cloud: A Game-Changer in Data Management
A View Ahead
While no platform stays on top forever, Salesforce has consistently shown long-term growth and stability, making its certifications a valuable investment for developers. If you choose the right certification, prepare thoroughly, and align it with your career goals, earning a Salesforce credential can open the door to long-term career success. With the right preparation, you’ll be well positioned to take the next step in your Salesforce journey.
