Top 5 Salesforce Certifications for Beginners

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Top 5 Salesforce Certifications for Beginners

Jenna Trott | January 03, 2025 | 6 Minute Read

If you’re thinking about a career in Salesforce, you’re not alone!

Salesforce continues to dominate as one of the most sought-after skill sets globally, with over 72,000 employees worldwide and millions more throughout the Salesforce ecosystem.

Serving as the engine of innovation, AI is projected to drive Salesforce to record-breaking heights in the coming years. An IDC research report reveals that job growth is at an all-time high with the projection that over 11.6 million will be created during the 2022-2028 period; a growth rate that has exceeded earlier projections. And with the recent release of Agentforce 2.0, Salesforce has revealed plans to hire over 1,000 new team members in the very near future. This strategic expansion aims to meet the surging demand for Agentforce’s deployment and seamless integration, solidifying its position as a transformative force in the market.

As the demand for Salesforce professionals increases, the time has never been better to join this thriving ecosystem. With diverse career paths available for those who love to click or code, Salesforce certifications offer a gateway to some of the most dynamic opportunities in tech. Let’s explore the top five Salesforce certifications for beginners in 2025 and beyond.

1. Salesforce Certified Associate Certification

The Salesforce Certified Associate certification is perfect for newcomers. It provides foundational knowledge of Salesforce’s Customer 360 Platform and introduces how a CRM platform connects customer data across departments.

Prerequisite Knowledge: None
Exam Content: 40 multiple-choice questions and up to five non-scored questions
Time Allotment: 70 minutes
Passing Score: 62%
Registration Fee: $75.00 USD (plus applicable taxes as required per local law)
Fees for Repeating Exam: Free!

The exam will focus on the following areas of knowledge:

Salesforce Ecosystem: 32%
Navigation: 28%
Data Model: 25%
Reports & Dashboards: 15%

Salesforce recommends utilizing the following self-study materials:

Trailmix: Prepare for Your Salesforce Associate Credential
Module: Salesforce Associate Certification Prep

For further preparation, check out the Trailblazer Community to find a study buddy and/or mentor!

2. Salesforce AI Associate Certification

The Salesforce AI Associate Certification is tailored for individuals with varying levels of experience in artificial intelligence (AI), from beginners to those with more advanced knowledge. This exam validates foundational expertise in applying ethical and responsible data practices to AI within CRM systems.

Prerequisite Knowledge: None
Exam Content: 40 multiple-choice questions
Time Allotment: 70 minutes
Passing Score: 65%
Registration Fee: Free!
Fees for Repeating Exam: $50.00 USD (plus applicable taxes as required per local law)

The exam will focus on the following areas of knowledge:

AI Fundamentals: 17%
AI Capabilities in CRM: 8%
Ethical Considerations of AI: 39%
Data for AI: 36%

Salesforce recommends utilizing the following self-study materials:

Trailmix: Prepare for Your Salesforce AI Associate Credential
Module: Salesforce AI Associate Certification Prep

For further preparation, check out the Trailhead Academy for expert-led courses.

3. Administrator Certification

Within the Salesforce ecosystem, Administrators – fondly dubbed “Awesome Admins” by the community–serve as the vital bridge between technology and business needs. These professionals are the architects of efficiency, working closely with stakeholders to shape and customize the platform to meet specific organizational requirements.

Prerequisite Knowledge: None; course attendance is highly recommended
Exam Content: 60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions and 5 non-scored questions
Time Allotment: 105 minutes
Passing Score: 65%
Registration Fee: $200.00 USD
Fees for Repeating Exam: $100.00 USD

The exam will focus on the following areas of knowledge:

Configuration and Setup: 20%
Object Manager and Lightning App Builder: 20%
Sales and Marketing Applications: 12%
Service and Support Applications: 11%
Productivity and Collaboration: 7%
Data and Analytics Management: 14%
Workflow/Process Automation: 16%

Salesforce recommends utilizing the following self-study materials:

Trailmix: Prepare for Your Salesforce Administrator Credential
Trail: Study for the Administrator Certification Exam
Practice Test: Administrator Practice Test
Superbadge: Lightning Experience Reports & Dashboards Specialist
Superbadge: Business Administration Specialist
Superbadge: Security Specialist

For further preparation, be sure to check out the following expert-led course:

4. Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification

Wait! Don’t let the name “Platform App Builder” intimidate you; it’s more accessible than you might think! Salesforce’s Platform App Builder Certification is valuable as this credential demonstrates your ability to create custom applications using intuitive point-and-click tools.

You’ll learn to design data models, implement security measures, and automate business processes using the Lightning Platform’s visual interface, all without writing a single line of code. It’s perfect for professionals who want to showcase their ability to build practical business solutions using declarative development.

Prerequisite Knowledge: None; course attendance highly recommended
Exam Content: 60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions and up to 5 non-scored questions
Time Allotment: 105 minutes
Passing Score: 63%
Registration Fee: $200.00 USD, plus applicable taxes as required per local law
Fees for Repeating Exam: $100.00 USD, plus applicable taxes as required per local law

The exam will focus on the following areas of knowledge:

Salesforce Fundamentals: 23%
Data Modeling and Management: 22%
Business Logic and Process Automation: 28%
User Interface: 17%
App Deployment: 10%

Salesforce recommends utilizing the following self-study materials:

Trailmix: Prepare for Your Salesforce Platform App Builder Credential
Superbadge: Security Specialist
Superbadge: Process Automation Specialist
Superbadge: Data Quality Specialist
Superbadge: Data Model Optimization Specialist

For further preparation, be sure to check out the following expert-led courses:

5. Salesforce Advanced Administrator Certification

Ready to elevate your Salesforce expertise? The Advanced Administrator certification is the ultimate proving ground for experienced Admins looking to stand out. This credential highlights your skill in managing complex configurations, leveraging advanced platform features, and delivering impactful solutions across the Salesforce ecosystem.

Prerequisite Knowledge: Salesforce Certified Administrator credential
Exam Content: 60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions and 5 non-scored questions
Time Allotment: 105 minutes
Passing Score: 65%
Registration Fee: $200.00 USD, plus applicable taxes as required per local law
Fees for Repeating Exam: $100.00 USD, plus applicable taxes as required per local law

The exam will focus on the following areas of knowledge:

Security and Access: 20%
Objects and Applications: 19%
Auditing and Monitoring: 10%
Cloud Applications: 11%
Data and Analytics Management: 13%
Environment Management and Deployment: 7%
Process Automation: 20%

Salesforce recommends utilizing the following self-study materials:

Trailmix: Prepare for Your Salesforce Advanced Administrator Credential
Superbadge: Process Automation Specialist
Superbadge: Lightning Experience Reports & Dashboards Specialist
Superbadge: Business Administration Specialist

For further preparation, be sure to check out the following expert-led courses:

Starting your Salesforce certification journey might feel daunting, but remember: every certified professional started exactly where you are now. The beauty of the Salesforce ecosystem lies in its incredible support system – the Trailblazer community is always there to help, guide, and encourage you along the way.

The best part? All you need is a computer and internet connection to begin building your Salesforce expertise. Salesforce has democratized learning, making professional development accessible to anyone with the drive to succeed.

Keep in mind that while we’ve outlined some popular certification paths, your journey should align with your unique career aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to the technical side of development or passionate about administration, these certifications provide a solid foundation that you can build upon. Think of them as building blocks – mix and match them to create your own perfect career path.

Need more guidance? Check out our additional resources and guides to help you along your path to Salesforce success.