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In today’s evolving business landscape, professional certifications serve as definitive markers of expertise and proficiency. Among these, Salesforce certifications stand tall, reflecting in-depth knowledge and prowess across various facets of the platform. From the basics of Salesforce admin certification to the complexities of Salesforce data architect certification, these accolades are pivotal in determining the caliber of professionals.
But why is there a renewed emphasis on the importance of Salesforce certification in 2023?
Ⓒ Khero Witey,
Salesforce Recruiter at ThirdRepublic.com
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S.,
In September-October 2023, the renowned SF Staffing Agency undertook an ambitious endeavor: a comprehensive survey spanning a diverse group of recruiters and developers entrenched in the Salesforce ecosystem. The primary drive behind this initiative was to gauge the sentiments, beliefs, and attitudes toward Salesforce certification, dissecting its nuances from both a recruitment and developmental standpoint.
Was this certification equally revered by those who hire and those who code? Did it hold the same weight in the recruitment room as it did in the development lab? These were among the pivotal questions the survey aimed to answer. By aligning the perspectives of two integral stakeholders in the Salesforce job market, this research sought to draw a holistic picture. It not only aimed to shed light on the current status quo of Salesforce certification but also intended to forecast its potential implications for the future of Salesforce professionals and the industry at large.
The preliminary findings and subsequent revelations from this exploration promise to shape discussions, decisions, and strategies for organizations, job seekers, and training institutions in the months and years to come.
Salaries, too, paint an interesting picture. Our in-depth examination of the Salesforce-certified administrator and Salesforce-certified technical architect salary reveals that there’s a significant premium attached to being certified. On average, the annual salary of certified Salesforce specialists is 14.24% higher than the payout of non-certified professionals.
As we delve deeper, this article will provide insights and perspectives from recruiters, business owners, and developers, offering a comprehensive view of the state of Salesforce certification in 2023 and its undeniable significance.
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S.,
Recent Salesforce research underscores a significant trend. There’s an evident shift in recruiters’ preferences toward candidates with formal certifications. Whether it’s the foundational Salesforce admin certification or the specialized Salesforce data architect certification, possessing such credentials signals an in-depth understanding of the platform and its intricacies.
From Salesforce-certified developer roles to positions requiring proficiency in the Salesforce marketing cloud, certification appears to be a common denominator in job descriptions. It’s more than a testament to an individual’s knowledge; it’s often a differentiating factor in the recruitment process.
My own story is very similar to the success story of people who benefit from being certified. I started my career path as a Salesforce admin, passed the first required certifications and that allowed me to transition from Admin role to Developer, which opened me absolutely new career opportunities.
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S.,
Ⓒ Kashif Naqshbandi
Ⓒ Kashif N.,
Businesses understand the depth of training, expertise, and hands-on experience that certifications bring. As a result, certified professionals are often viewed as assets capable of driving immediate value.
For recruiters, certifications act as benchmarks. In a vast pool of applicants, those with certifications like Salesforce consultant certification or Salesforce admin certification naturally stand out, simplifying the shortlisting process.
Ⓒ Ben McCarthy
Ⓒ Ben McCarthy
Upon examining job postings across major global job boards, it becomes evident that the predominant demand in Salesforce certifications revolves around the Architect (48.34%), Admin (35.36%), Developer (26.76%), and Consultant (26.65%) roles within the international employment arena. These roles also significantly influence Salesforce certification preferences within the US market.
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Simultaneously, 90% of surveyed Salesforce recruiters confirm that usually Certified Salesforce Developers do not get higher salary offers than non-certified ones.
Job openings that require a Salesforce certification with less than 5 years of professional experience account for 13.34%. Roles demanding a Salesforce certification, coupled with an experience exceeding 5 years, represent 15.14% of the total vacancies.
The UK job market presents a more pronounced inclination towards less-experienced certified professionals, with 30.05% of vacancies requiring a Salesforce certification and less than 5 years of experience.
Contrastingly, job roles that stipulate both a Salesforce certification and a seasoned experience of over 5 years form 18.42% of the listings.
The data not only offers a snapshot of the current employment landscape but also provides an analytical foundation for understanding regional disparities. While the global and US markets seem to balance the weight between certification and experience, the UK distinctly leans towards fresher certified talent.
This bifurcation hints at possible regional strategies or local market dynamics, such as a burgeoning Salesforce sector in the UK that necessitates rapid onboarding of certified professionals, irrespective of their tenure in the industry.
Furthermore, the tangible salary benefits associated with certification indicate an industry-wide acknowledgment of the structured learning and rigorous evaluation these credentials represent. Organizations, it seems, view certified individuals not just as skilled assets, but also as professionals dedicated to continuous learning and mastery in their domain.
The rapid evolution of the business landscape has necessitated a robust and dynamic CRM platform, and Salesforce, undeniably, continues to dominate this sphere. The multifaceted nature of Salesforce has led to a broad spectrum of certifications, each catering to specific roles and functionalities within the platform. Given the nuanced requirements of businesses and the corresponding roles within the Salesforce ecosystem, it becomes imperative to understand the popularity and demand for these certifications across different regions in 2023.
Certification is a nice and easy way to present that you’re knowledgeable about something, that you took the time to invest and study. I align this to almost getting a college degree that says that you have the requirements that ultimately made these objectives at hand. Certification really helps to understand what are the great features of Salesforce, how to actually use it to integrate it with other systems, and how to best leverage Salesforce to maximize its CRM capabilities
Ⓒ Kevin Michie,
Ⓒ Kevin M.,
Developer Certification:
Topping the list with a substantial margin, the Developer certification is undeniably the most favored, capturing the attention of 66.7% of specialists.
Commerce Certification:
Following suit, the Commerce certification is the choice of 33.3% of professionals, indicating its crucial role in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
Admin Certification:
With 16.7% of specialists opting for it, the Admin certification continues to be essential, reflecting the importance of administrative tasks in the Salesforce environment.
Associate Certification:
The Associate certification holds its ground with 16.7% of professionals choosing to pursue it, emphasizing the popularity of this certification type among Salesforce specialists.
Currently, I hold the following certifications:
• Salesforce Certified Administrator (SCA) (Issued in August 2022), which was the most challenging for me. This certification is quite well-rounded and covers many aspects, which were new to me.
• Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder Certification (Issued in October 2022)
• Salesforce Certified Associate (Issued in April 2023)
• Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (Issued in May 2023)
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S,.
Ⓒ Meagan Humphrey
Ⓒ Meagan H..
VP of sales and recruitingenablement at IT recruiting and staffing business at Mondo
At the same time, 58% of Salesforce specialists think that having a Salesforce certification is not a must-have to get further job promotions. Approximately 50% of surveyed professionals didn’t get any salary review after they got certified.
A staggering 98% of recruiters emphasize that the most recent Salesforce certification isn’t a primary requisite for potential candidates. This suggests a broader perspective on experience and practical application, rather than just theoretical or recent updates.
However, when it comes to remuneration, 90% of recruiters opine that candidates holding a Salesforce certification typically do not command a higher starting salary. This challenges the notion that certification alone can be a ticket to greater earnings.
But where the value of Salesforce certification truly shines is in its representation of expertise. An unequivocal 100% of the surveyed recruiters believe that a Salesforce certification genuinely mirrors a candidate’s prowess with the platform.
Adding to this, 100% of recruiters have also confirmed that candidates fortified with Salesforce certification inherently possess a competitive edge in the recruitment process over those who lack such credentials. This assertion underscores the certification’s weightage in differentiating potential hires.
Delving deeper into recruitment criteria, an overwhelming 98% of recruiters specifically seek candidates with a Salesforce certification when considering them for roles.
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Globally:
On the international front, the demand and significance of certifications like the Salesforce developer certification, Salesforce admin certification, and others are palpable. Around 26.18% of applicants globally possess some form of Salesforce certification. This not only attests to the global appeal of Salesforce but also highlights the platform’s far-reaching impact across diverse industries.
USA:
Known for its competitive job market and technological advancements, the USA stands slightly ahead in this trend. With 28.98% of applicants being Salesforce certified, certifications like Salesforce consultant certification and Salesforce marketing cloud certification might be particularly appealing. Such certifications potentially empower professionals to navigate the nuances of Salesforce applications and solutions better, especially in dynamic business environments typical of American enterprises.
UK:
The UK presents a different narrative. While the overall percentage of Salesforce-certified professionals sits at 23.37%, it’s worth noting that certifications like Salesforce designer certification and Salesforce business analyst certification could be gaining traction. The UK’s focus might lean more towards design-driven solutions and business-centric applications of Salesforce.
Additionally, discussions around the Salesforce-certified administrator salary and the Salesforce-certified developer salary have also gained momentum in recruitment circles, suggesting that while certification might not guarantee a higher starting pay, it could play a role in salary negotiations and advancements in the long run.
In summation, while Salesforce certifications are undeniably valuable, the nuances in their demand and distribution across different regions underline the importance of understanding localized trends and requirements.
Ⓒ Nabila Salem,
Ⓒ Nabila S.,
Complexity and Expansion of Salesforce:
As Salesforce diversifies its offerings, delving deeper into AI, cloud computing, and other advanced domains, the requirement for specialized knowledge will grow. Certifications, in this context, will serve as tangible evidence of expertise in these nuanced areas.
Competitive Edge in the Job Market:
With the saturation of many job markets, having a certification could be the differentiating factor for many candidates. As businesses vie for the best talent, a Salesforce certification might become a more common ‘preferred’ if not ‘essential’ criterion in hiring.
Continuous Learning Paradigm:
The tech world is in a state of perpetual evolution. Certifications will likely be viewed not just as a testament to one’s current knowledge but also as evidence of a professional’s commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry changes.
Salesforce certifications are the simplest way for an employer to verify both your baseline skillset and your appetite to learn. Understanding how the core technology works and the nuts and bolts of the operating system is very important. I view some certifications as the foundation for a journey of continual learning. Having that starting point and showing your desire to improve is incredibly desirable.
Ⓒ Daljit Bamford,
Ⓒ Daljit B.,
Chief Customer Officer at Bento Tech
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S,.
SFApps.info Lead Author and Certified Salesforce Developer
Broader Skill Set:
With Salesforce encompassing various domains – from salesforce marketing certification areas to salesforce data architect certification facets – professionals might pursue multiple certifications to diversify their skill set and be more versatile in their roles.
Keeping:
Pace with Industry Standards: As Salesforce introduces new features or updates its platform, certifications will serve as a means for professionals to demonstrate their up-to-date knowledge and alignment with industry standards.
Ⓒ Lacy Mazalon,
Ⓒ Lacy M.,
Heads of Operations at Salesforceben.com, founder of The DRIP
Finding the perfect Salesforce specialist can be daunting. Don't navigate the complexities alone. Partner with SF Staffing Agency and hire with confidence.
In the dynamic realm of CRM platforms, Salesforce has solidified its presence as a market leader, driving businesses toward digital transformation. But what about the professionals behind these innovations? How does Salesforce certification weigh in the balance of recruitment and career advancement? Let’s recap our observations and chart the road ahead.
A significant proportion of recruiters (98%) place value on Salesforce certification, even if they don’t prioritize the most recent ones. Interestingly, while certification might not guarantee a heftier starting pay, 100% of recruiters agree that it reflects genuine expertise.
Regional disparities exist in the prevalence of certifications among applicants, with figures being 26.18% globally, 28.98% in the USA, and 23.37% in the UK.
However, when juxtaposed with the percentage of job roles demanding certification — 14.24% globally, 11.31% in the USA, and a higher 23.62% in the UK — we observe an interesting dynamic. While many professionals are arming themselves with certifications, not all job roles mandate it. This underscores the opportunity for certified professionals to leverage their credentials as a competitive advantage.
Ⓒ Daljit Bamford,
Ⓒ Daljit B.,
Chief Customer Officer at Bento Tech
Evaluate and Prepare:
Salesforce specialists have indicated that achieving certification isn’t a walk in the park, rating its difficulty at an average of 7 out of 10. Dive deep into preparatory resources, including Salesforce’s official training platform, Trailhead.
You will need to start with preparing for and obtaining the Associate certification. You need to understand one simple thing: getting certified and passing the matrix of competence will have a significant impact on your career. Sometimes, you may need to earn specific certifications for unique products, such as CPQ Specialist. However, all of these steps contribute to your career advancement. The knowledge and experience you gain will stay with you.
And don’t forget that continuous learning and self-improvement are the keys to success!
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S,.
Positioning in the Job Market:
Certification can be your trump card in a competitive job market. But remember, it complements, not replaces, experience and soft skills. Showcase how your certification is applied in real-world scenarios, be it in project management, problem-solving, or collaboration.
Stay Updated:
Salesforce’s landscape is ever-evolving. Regularly update your certification and stay abreast of the latest trends and functionalities
Every year you should maintain all your certifications, and you will be notified by email from Salesforce. Certification maintenance means learning about new updates and passing the quiz or hands-on challenge.
With each Salesforce release (3 times a year) they update their certifications with new questions, but not fully, just a part of the certification questions. There is no direct impact on the already certified user, but in any case, you’ll need to pass maintenance once per year.
Ⓒ Dorian Sabitov,
Ⓒ Dorian S,.
Ⓒ Nicolas Kadis,
Ⓒ Nicolas K.,
Technical Consultant at BrightGen
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