There are essentially 3 different certification routes:
- Administrator –> Advanced Administrator
- Developer –> Advanced Developer
- Administrator –> Consultant
I’ve outlined the basics below; make sure to check out the official info.
| Name | Official Course | Exam Cost | Prereq | Official Guide | Passing Req | Prep Materials |
| Certified Administrator | ADM201 | $200 | None | Link | Multiple Choice Exam (67%) | Study Guide Practice Exam |
| Certified Advanced Administrator | ADM301 | $200 | Certified Admin | Link | Multiple Choice Exam (67%) | Keep posted! |
| Certified Developer | DEV401 | $200 | None | Link | Multiple Choice Exam (68%) | Study Guide Video Podcast |
| Certified Advanced Developer | DEV501 | $400 | Certified Developer | Link | Multiple Choice Exam (73%), App & Essay Submission | Video Podcast |
| Certified Consultant | PRN201 & CON201 | $200 | None | Link | Multiple Choice Exam (73%) | Keep Posted! |
Salesforce.com Certified Administrator [First 500 Certified]
Covers out of the box functionality without much depth. Most basic exam.
Salesforce.com Certified Advanced Administrator [Passed It!]
Tests specific knowledge of advanced features of the platform. Does not require code knowledge but will require an understanding of when VF and Apex are used.
Salesforce.com Certified Developer [Passed It!]
Tests understanding of how to design and build an application on force.com. Emphasis on data layouts and user interfaces. Focuses on out of the box functionality, but requires an understanding of when VF and Apex are used.
Salesforce.com Certified Advanced Developer [Not Attempted]
Builds on the developer certification; requires knowledge of VF and apex code. Includes code and essay submission.
Salesforce.com Certified Consultant [Passed It!]
Focuses on implementation strategy, data migration, business strategy, and aligning business processes to Salesforce.com.
wicked
// Mar 1, 2010 at 12:45 am
Hi,
This website is great! Thanks for the study guide John. It looks like it helps many people.
I’m planning to take the admin cert but like vijay just posted, I’m also worried about where to find info about
- Spring 09
- Winter 10
- Spring 10
There are not so many resources available out there so I would appreciate if someone could give me a hand to find out the info.
Thanks a lot.
Wicked
Vrajesh
// Mar 9, 2010 at 7:13 am
@Wicked,
You can find it on Salesforce user manual. The manual has provided link for each release. Just download it from “Help & training” link on Salesforce.com login.Hope it will helps
Kavita
// Jul 11, 2010 at 5:37 am
Hi the CON 201 LINK does not work, would appreciate if some one could pass on the appropriate link
John Coppedge
// Jul 12, 2010 at 6:24 am
That’s because there isn’t a CON guide written yet… one of these days maybe
JZ
// Aug 2, 2010 at 7:28 am
Is it possible to just take the certification exams without paying for the full sfdc class?
John Coppedge
// Aug 2, 2010 at 9:16 am
Yep! They run $200/per exam.