Salesforce Associate Certification: Everything You Need To Know

If you only have 0-6 months of experience, then you can still enter the Salesforce ecosystem. The brand-new entry-level Salesforce Associate Certification is a great option for beginners in the Salesforce industry. It is designed to provide people with foundational knowledge along with some hands-on experience with Salesforce. Earning the Associate certification could be an excellent starting point for you as it allows you to enter the industry. You can build your expertise and get credibility on your skills with this certification. 

In this blog, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on Associate Certification. So read along to find out all the essential details you need to know

What Is Salesforce Associate Certification?

Salesforce Associate Certification is designed for individuals who are new to the Salesforce platform and wish to establish themselves as proficient users. While the credential has no set criteria or path to follow post-exam, it opens up the doors to various Salesforce Profiles. It is also a suitable option for people who are not yet ready to take the Salesforce Administrator Certification. After the Salesforce Associate certification exam, you can proceed to take on the following career paths:

• Salesforce Administrator
• Salesforce Developer
• Salesforce Business Analyst 
• Salesforce Marketing Specialist
• Salesforce Consultant

Why You Should Take The Associate Certification?

There are multiple reasons that you should pursue Associate Certification. Some of them are discussed here to help you understand its possibilities:

• The Salesforce Associate certification opens up doors to various career paths in the Salesforce ecosystem. You can take the first step towards Salesforce Admin, Developer, Consultant or Analyst by clearing this examination.
• As compared to other Salesforce certifications, the Associate certification is relatively affordable and requires less preparation. This makes it perfect for beginners.
• You do not need to have any prior work experience or extensive knowledge of the Salesforce ecosystem. If you’re new to Salesforce, this certification provides an accessible entry point to understand the platform and its potential.
• The major focus of this certification is on foundational knowledge, including Salesforce’s features, capabilities, and basic navigation. Earning it will prove to your potential employers that you have a solid understanding of the platform, even if you’re just starting your career.

Highlights of Salesforce Associate Certification

Before we dive into the topics covered in this exam, there are some important details of the Salesforce Associate Certification exam that you must know.

• This certification exam has 40 multiple-choice questions.
• The passing score required is 62% on the exam.
• The time allotted to complete the exam is around 70 minutes for each candidate.
• The cost of the exam is $75 for one attempt and retake is free of cost.
• It can be taken online or in one of the testing centres.
• There are no other prerequisites to take this exam.

Now that you know about the exam structure and other little details, we will discuss the syllabus. A good learner knows to check out the important topics before proceeding with the preparation. 

Topics Covered In Salesforce Associate Certification

The associate credential covers the foundational topics of the Salesforce platform. It tests the user’s knowledge of the basics and their ability to comprehend the questions. The exam is split into four topics as follows:

Salesforce ecosystem (32%)

The first section covered is all about your knowledge of various resources available to learn and apply in-demand Salesforce skills. There will be scenario-based questions to test you on the use cases of the Salesforce Customer 360 product and the difference between various job roles and career paths in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Navigation (28%)

The navigation section is all about scenario-based questions on how you can locate and access necessary information. You will also be asked to identify where Salesforce customization takes place.

Data Model (25%)

Data Modeling is a crucial part of Salesforce, and to complete this section, you should be aware of the relationship between the core standard objects (Account, contact, lead, opportunity, case). The questions will also test your ability to determine which feature to use to ensure data visibility and which tool to use to ensure data integrity.

Reports & Dashboards (15%)

The final but most important part of Salesforce covered in the Salesforce Associate Certification Exam is the knowledge of reports and dashboards. Prepare how they are used to get all the answers correctly in this section.

Let’s explore these tips in preparation to make you more confident about becoming a Salesforce Certified associate.

Tips For Preparation

Considering that it is a new certification in Salesforce, we have included some preparatory steps for you. So, go ahead and sharpen your skills to get fruitful results on your first attempt.

1. Review the official Salesforce exam guides for your certification. These guides provide valuable information on the exam structure and topics.
2. Salesforce’s Trailhead platform offers interactive learning modules, trails, and projects tailored for certification preparation.
3. Consider enrolling in online Salesforce courses specifically designed for Associate Certification. Many e-learning platforms offer comprehensive training.
4. Practical experience is essential. Create a free Salesforce Developer Edition account to explore and experiment with the platform. You can also take practice exams to assess your readiness.
5. Join or create study groups with fellow certification candidates. Collaborative learning can enhance your understanding of the material. It will also make up for the deficit in your early preparation.
6. Salesforce regularly updates its features and best practices. Stay informed about these changes through newsletters, blogs, and webinars.

If you have taken note of all the above steps and followed them thoroughly, then there is a high chance of clearing the certification exam. An additional benefit of this will be the development of your ability to advise businesses on Salesforce.

Conclusion

Earning your Salesforce Associate Certification is a significant step towards building a successful career in the Salesforce ecosystem. Whether you choose the path of a certified administrator or sales cloud consultant, this certification will serve as a strong foundation for your future endeavours. With thorough preparation, hands-on experience, and a commitment to staying updated, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in your certification journey. Best of luck!