Which Salesforce Certifications Should You Get?

[@georgebalan3695]

I go back to this every year. Feel so grateful. Never forget where you came from

[@ayushkhanna1996]

This video is literally so helpful, Keep posting more videos. It help us to grow and understand things in better manner. Thanks David.

[@harshitsharma6771]

Many people nowadays are teaching salesforce but you are the one unique who is addressing some real confusions for the newbies in ohana. you are an inspiration for many sir

[@BrittonBigbyPhotography]

Ooh I hit all the marks of those conditions, I'm not scared to be all in, and I'm 49 years looking to have some fun at the end - very interested in hybriding a Salesforce System Admin *And* Development after your encouragement. You said all the most inspiring things being later in career and making a change. Thank you!

[@Metroid1890]

Hey David, I've just began one week ago in SalesForce, your video really makes me excited to see what's going on ahead! Hope to see more of your content

[@wisdom-for-life]

Good stuff man, thanks! Currently studying for my first cert... :)

[@dvdkliu]

Good luck!

[@ram67087]

R,r,r,,r,,,

[@ram67087]

,,,,r

[@ram67087]

Rr

[@ram67087]

R,,,r,r,r,,r

[@DanielOLeary]

You are still the best SFDC admin I've ever worked with. Love you DLO! Listen to this man!!

[@dvdkliu]

Lol thx bro I often think of you when I need a good example of colleagues with great attitudes lol. Cheers buddy!

[@luciousshabazz]

You're awesome! I love your style and flair! Thank you for the education! 👊🏾

[@fchau04]

When Charmander evoles into Charizard has to be the most relatable analogy I've heard yet.

[@andrewrichter2231]

Charmander evolves into Charmeleon first. It doesn't go directly into Charizard.

[@jiyaadnaeem4802]

@@andrewrichter2231 Unless Charmander gets it's PD2, then it goes straight to Charizard :)

[@brandonbeast1774]

Thank you so much for this, David. I have been trying to figure out which direction to go in when it comes to which certification, and you could not have posted this video at a better time! Greatly appreciate your insight. Looking forward to more videos about this!

[@naturaltiph]

ok David Liu + Focusonforce voucher ?? I already love this video :p I'm so thankful for your blog. I found it 3 years ago, while I was in the middle of a carreer change, and I'm now a 8X certified Salesforce developer (even platform II even though I NEVER thought I would call myself a developer one day) ! Your blog (and now your youtube channel) are a great souce of motivation and advice ! Thanks so much for all that you do !

[@nirikshasandeshdalal5787]

Thank you so much David! It really gave me a direction and now I know what to aim for next.

[@megalodonny]

Your channel is a gold mine! Thanks so much for everything!!

[@dvdkliu]

Thx Chilly!

[@megalodonny]

@@dvdkliu I'm currently following the trailmix you created, but I'm unsure where to begin taking notes. I'd like to write down notes on things that will be on the exam, but I'm not sure what all modules are included in it.

[@vanik6639]

Thanks man!! Great info. I was super lost on which cert path to take with my experience in SFMC.

[@orlybriceno]

David you should make a video about the ton of (new?) Vlocity/Omnistudio, Solution arch certs

[@Mr_How_Well]

I really enjoy your videos and often refer back to this one. I am a veteran so HAVE to get my Admin cert before I get any more vouchers, but was wondering if you might consider updating this list annually? I'm curious about the projected growth of CPQ and Field Service Lightning specifically. Thanks, and yes, I did hit the "Subscribe" button.

[@dvdkliu]

That is a great idea! Refresh the tiers every year. I'm adding this idea to my video list thank you for the idea! P.S always happy to help a vet reach out if you ever need tips

[@brandonwang6848]

Great video. I'm glad I have few certifications are in A and B level 🤓 Working on getting developer I and your Apex academy videos are sooooo helpful and fun! You definitely have the voice to get me stay engaged!!!

[@alexanderalraheb]

thank you David ,this video really helped me with setting my goals 2023 Tier please !

[@stephanie2927]

I want to trade SalesForces certs like collector cards. Those classic FU cert cards.

[@ganeshm6295]

PD2 with all the super badge requirements is much longer and time consuming to obtain than the exam conducted earlier. The exam only had one scenario but the badges require a lot of effort, even for someone to use code from elsewhere, it takes time. You will truly be exposed to a very large number of features and areas in Salesforce without a doubt. Personally I feel PD2 is more valuable now than earlier, the previous one was a much simpler means to pass.

[@coriculp]

Excellent info. Very helpful. My employer wants me to get the Administrator cert for a promotion. Once I get that, I'll work on the advanced admin. I was hoping to stay at my current employer, so that's why I would get the one they recommend instead of what you recommend. Really appreciate your channel!

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks Cori!! Go get that promotion!!

[@ceciliawong1670]

I drew the chart down and posted it on my office wall.

[@mrunalpatil7867]

send a snap shot of the office wall @cecila

[@islamayoub2221]

David, can we have an updated version of this video? New certs came out, and certs have been updated and the market as well.

[@igorandrosov9172]

David thank you for this insightful video, agree with all your cert-chart S,A,B,C except one point, reality we face today getting a real paying job is difficult even if DEV II or CTA and numbers of certs 10-16-20 help some but not as much as it may be marketed.

[@dvdkliu]

It may be more an issue if how you are marketing yourself with those achievements! CTAs are hire on site by pretty much any consultancy!

[@edquitos]

Love the Pokemon reference! And I am seriously considering focusonforce because of your recommendation. :)

[@ronaldagorsah7954]

Get your cta man i would love to see you succeed

[@kelvinhall1394]

Another helpful resource video. Thanks David! But question, I was laid off due to COVID and making that career pivot. I will soon be taking the Administrator exam. Soon after if/when I pass, I want to pursue the Marketing certs. I find the SF Marketing Cloud career path very interesting. Even though you said it's very niche and probably not as lucrative as the path you recommend, are there many opportunities with Marketing certs?

[@dvdkliu]

I used to be an email spammer in this industry and I hated it so I'm biased. Best way to know is to search for jobs in your area and see what has the most hits!

[@chrisplimmer9227]

David, thank you for making these videos. You really are providing us with so much value.

[@chrisplimmer9227]

@@dvdkliu Thanks for the reply, that was super fast! I was wondering if you could answer a question for me. I'm planning on going back to school to do a Master's next year but for the time being I'm trying to find a job that I enjoy that also pays decently well. How long will it take to go from having zero experience to landing a job with Salesforce? Is it even worth perusing if I'll only be doing it for a year?

[@chrisplimmer9227]

@@dvdkliu Fair enough. In that case, is there anything else you might recommend? I did very well in university but it seems like the only jobs I really qualify for are in customer service and sales. I'd much rather do something more practical- which will ultimately be the end result of my education once I earn a Master's, but for the time being it's like I'm in limbo. I love learning and am willing to take any certificates or courses as long as they'll lead to a more interesting job within the year. I know Salesforce is your thing but you seem to have a lot of experience and any advice will be appreciated.

[@FreedomforAfricans]

Amazing Video!! Can you do an update for 2023?

[@osoriodanny]

Could you please come back to make more content for this channel? 😢

[@libbysworld7649]

Thanks for the honesty. I feel a bit deflated, but I'll be ok.

[@desigamee.2014]

Thanks for explaining. Been waiting for these kind of videos.

[@RVAraghav]

Wow David. You never cease to amaze us. This was extremely helpful. Keep it up!

[@ramyabalaji906]

This video is really helpful. Thanks for posting and please do post the order of certifications as well.

[@IoriBernstein]

David, what about the Omnistudio/Vlocity certifications (Developer and Consultant), which tier would you put them? It would be great if you make a video talking about Omnistudio/Vlocity.

[@dvdkliu]

Not too familiar with these honestly but the market there is growing. Not bad if you want to go the non technical route and need a strong niche.

[@IoriBernstein]

@@dvdkliu So would you put them in "niche value"?

[@getsimplesalesforce]

Solid Advice - Loved the charting to get a feel for what certs you see as valuable 💪🏼

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks!

[@Hmh2783]

I think you should make an update... Cloud marketing has become one of the most attractive field of expertise with covid19

[@overatourhouse4026]

Brand new just entering back in the workforce after mom break for decades! Is there a synopsis anywhere of these different certifications? Thanks for sharing your KZbin video!

[@dvdkliu]

Welcome back! Check this page out: trailhead.salesforce.com/en/credentials/administratoroverview/

[@eh1853]

Hey David, great video!! My question to you is do you think this ranking still applies more than 2 years later, or do you think some of these certs have moved up in rank?

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks! It's largely the same, and likely will be even 2 years from today. I might give the niche certs slightly more weight now as the core stuff is more saturated

[@sucharitamondal2058]

Great video as always. Really looking forward for the order of taking Certifications video ✌️

[@jaistow6090]

Awesome thank you - and fun - fu certified love it

[@riccardobeltrami2783]

Great video In my experience working on Salesforce in Italy I have faced B2B Commerce a lot of times, I don't know if it's a peculiar characteristic of the Italian market

[@dvdkliu]

Could be! I haven't sent that much in the states!

[@carlamendes7242]

Indeed, my company is getting so many projects in B2B that they are asking people to take this certification :)

[@avinash4560]

Thanks a lot David for this useful information...

[@zzfoxxxy3656]

I only work in marketing cloud/sales cloud with limited access to admin access :(

[@manumittal6369]

Awesome content David, looking forward to your next video about the order of certifications to get. Actually I was confused if I should opt for advanced admin or not, well now I have 30 days target for that. Thank you

[@JamR0ck]

I am in commercial banking and use salesforce as our CRM. I want to shift careers and learned html and css this year. Thinking of switching over to salesforce admin then up to developer role. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@cookitketo3592]

I am a solutions consultant working on integrating our CRM to many platforms and architecting solutions from both within and out of our software. I got my SFCA last year to learn more about CRM fundamentals and to help me become a better consultant. What should i get next? Platform app builder, sales cloud consultant, or advanced admin? 🧐

[@dvdkliu]

Check out my "How many certs should I get?" vid I answer this one there!

[@LBE-Vanguard]

Man I appreciate the useful info but you're killing my dreams of switching careers lol. I had put a lot of hope into getting the admin cert

[@dvdkliu]

Get it and keep going! I know plenty of people who got 6 certs in 6 months brand new

[@speedster4459]

Hi David. Great Video. Do you think there is enough change in salesforce ecosystem that requires a new video?

[@kishorkumar12]

Pls make a similar chart for Tableau n Mulesoft hierarchy too

[@kandalapallavi7422]

Thank you for the valuable information David 🎉🎉

[@iManiac7]

Funny, nowadays Dev II is one of the easiest certs, it was tough only when required panel pass with real development and QA from SF. Now its just super badge on trailhead + 60 questions routine. But overall I agree with this table. I recently passed Nonprofit and I feel its useless for me, waste of time.

[@SANKEET1]

This was a really very helpful video !!😀 Thanks David !

[@MistressRaynne]

Hi David! With so many certifications, how do you find the time to do the maintenance on them? Thank for the video! Very helpful.

[@dvdkliu]

One maintenance test covers like 5 certs so it's not that bad 😋

[@rinshankar1529]

Nice video David. I want to kick off a career in Salesforce. Do I need to do the Administrator cert and then take the Salesforce UX design course? Is UX design course in demand?

[@dvdkliu]

UX design cert has very little demand!

[@tinujoseph2659]

Thanks David, that’s really helpful

[@motorheadbanger90]

Damn..it took me four tries to get my PD1 cert, and see you value it pretty high makes me feel validated, ngl. My employers really want me to get system administrator too. They argue its the best one to have so they would disagree with your estimation of it i'm sure. I'll take your word over theirs tho! Update: I have acquired my Platform Developer I, System Administrator and Platform App Builder certifications.

[@dvdkliu]

Well done Philip!!!

[@motorheadbanger90]

@@dvdkliu Thank you :)

[@rahulthaware9117]

Mark Benioff is your fav person... And David liu is my fav person!!!

[@dinstar-as3228]

I'm not even in an industry that uses Salesforce and I enjoyed your video =)

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks !!!

[@IndianOftenTraveller]

Planning PD1 and Admin1

[@thecurtismorgan]

Hey David, how many certs do we need to cross the FU threshold?? Great vid by the way.

[@Hamyhamster24]

Thank you for this. I have never thought of making saleforce into a profession on its own. I am already using saleforce daily in my own company and these videos just opened my eyes to new opportunities.

[@k8lbby88]

This is awesome! Does this kind of ranking also work for super badges?

[@kunalkatyal9859]

Hi David great video.. a small question . For someone who is just starting their sales force journey .. why certification is best to get into an entry level job. I have a project management background and want to get into the tech sector

[@dvdkliu]

Is the information in this video but helpful for this? 😁

[@JCbeatProductions]

6:15 - you just crushed all the new sfdc folks lol

[@DaveRider719]

Lol yeah and then: Don't give up on your dreams :-D

[@captivesojourner]

😭

[@samanthapeck8395]

Me. I'm the SFDC kid.

[@buenolobo]

David, I only just discovered your channel (literally this morning) and am already enjoying the content. I may even need to look you up on LI because you just seem like a cool guy to get to know. Anyway, I really like what you did here but I have one disagreement with it and one question. The disagreement is regarding the Non-Profit Consultant. Now this isn't just because I have it, but also because SF has been making a rather large push into the Non-Profit world. I don't see this (or any of the Consultant certs) as D-tier. At worse, I think you should have them in C-Tier because at the very least it is a niche market. I am not even working in non-profit any longer (work for a SF partner now) but I still stand by this defense. My question ... Tiermaker?? I've never heard of it, but now I want to go mess with it (later). What other cool (dare I say nerdy) tools do you like to use that guys like us would probably enjoy but don't necessarily know exist? :-) Oh, and I agree with Fong Chau below ... the Charmander evolution comment was both hilarious and brilliant.

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks!! You are probably right about the nonprofit stuff, I don't have a lot of exposure into that industry aside from a small sample size of people who despise it. As for tools - this kinda stuff is pretty popular in the gaming world so I'm just copying them lol

[@Sang_c]

narration game is on point 🦾

[@atforgie]

Great content!!

[@dvdkliu]

Thank you!

[@137Furon]

I think that putting Admin cert in the Niche tier is incorrect, Its a mandatory cert to even attempt some of the others and for those starting in the industry is a good benchmark to prove yourself as some employers won't even let you in the door until you have it. from experience I find that the most overrated cert is the advanced admin as it doesn't really cover flows in much depth and when you want a good admin, you will want them to be able to create flows I have known many admins that have this cert and they are really not very good. agreed with all the other rankings ... love the channel

[@MyronZhao]

Disagree with the Advanced Admin one, I rarely see employers ask for this cert. In fact, if you have over 3 or 4 certs and work experience, you're pretty much considered an experienced admin aka advanced admin lol. Nonprofit Cloud I would probably move it up to C tier as well, although I don't have this cert personally, nonprofit companies have quite a presence in the job market

[@LatinChickWithMedley]

I'm Salesforce Admin certified but I still can't decide what path to learn towards. Can you make a video explaining the different path? I know part of the info is on Trailhead but think of it has "trailpath for dummies"

[@dvdkliu]

Yup check out my Salesforce Personality Quiz video!

[@LatinChickWithMedley]

@@dvdkliu just did it. I was really surprised by the results. I came out as a admin/developer hybrid when I wasn't even considering becoming a developer

[@alexiaribeiro3482]

Thanks for the video :) I have Admin certification only and App Builder already scheduled, also, I have a voucher for Platform Developer I, and finally, I have another voucher and I need scheduled because of the expiration date, I think about Service Consultant but now I working with Sales, so I'm more in doubt between Java Script Developer I and Sharing and Visibility Design. What do you think is the best with this background? Because bouth are in the A level

[@dvdkliu]

JavaScript dev 1 will be better on the resume, especially if you're going for technical jobs!

[@alexiaribeiro3482]

@@dvdkliu Thank u so much for the response :)

[@soomjeetsahoo8710]

@David, If you are watching this comment, Can you please create a new video on this one? I guess its 2yr old and might be outdated in some terms 😅

[@davewoodyatt6590]

Thanks for continuing to put this content out mate. I'm still working through your trailmix (85% done). when I get through this, I was planning on doing the Mike Wheeler Udemmy course, do you think I would be in a good position to take the Admin exam after that?

[@davewoodyatt6590]

@@dvdkliu From your experience, do you think it's worth me already taking the exam as a learning experience? that way I can get a greater feel for the areas that I should focus more time on rather than broader training?

[@Ltoxic31]

Hello David, Thank you for the quality content that you propose on your channel! I'm a student in an international BBA (in Paris) and my major is marketing (4th and last year). I will do a 6 months internship at the end of the year and obtain my degree. If I get a good internship I will maybe continue working in the same company for 2 or 3 years, then go for a prestigious MBA. I have two questions for you. Do you think it's really relevant to get those certifications regarding the path that I want to take? Do you think that the knowledges that I could get thanks to those certifications would be useful if I don't want to go for a career in the Salesforce ecosystem? I would like to get those certifications to increase my employability for internships and first jobs but I'm scared to block my career by doing this. I'm great at leading projects, business dev., marketing in general and maybe crossing those skills with salesforce's certifications could be a plus? Hope I'm clear, I would be so grateful to get feedback from you about my situation. Keep going for your amazing content :) Lucas

[@dvdkliu]

Hey Lucas! To be honest I generally wouldn't recommend an ambitious new grad like you to choose Salesforce. It's too limited a role to scope yourself to this early in your career and I don't think the upside is there. It would be more a last resort I'd choose than a first option.

[@Ltoxic31]

@@dvdkliu Thanks a lot David, good continuation :)

[@coriculp]

One other question. I recently subscribed to Focus on Force to increase my SFDC knowledge before I attempt the exam, but you also mention in a video that memorizing the test questions is also a good learning tool. Are you referring to the practice exam on SFDC or some other question bank?

[@dvdkliu]

The Salesforce ones ✌️😁✌️

[@yeisonddelarosa6792]

@@dvdkliu I have failed my SF Adm exam. Any advice for me, will be welcomed !

[@dvdkliu]

Memorize the questions you got wrong and study them!

[@kenv2667]

what about for someone who's been a mapping developer, wanting to switch to developer jobs in salesforce?

[@dvdkliu]

If you already know how to code you may have great opportunities already. Salesforce will be an opportunity that puts you closer to the business. Up to you!

[@kenv2667]

@@dvdkliu yes I do. Im just wondering where to start. I guess I will still follow the how to learn to code in salesforce guide that you made. 😊

[@dvdkliu]

Best place to start 😁

[@sujibean]

If I am a complete beginner and I want to get the A tier, what certs do I need to focus on in order to have the knowledge to get those?

[@dvdkliu]

Video on this coming soon!

[@sujibean]

@@dvdkliu Thank you!!

[@kaorcar]

@@dvdkliu Is the video published?

[@dvdkliu]

Yup! "How many certs..."

[@brioquery]

I agree with David with regards to the classification of the SCA; most employers just expect you to have it. The number of LinkedIn connections and job interests I received when I gained my PD1 was well worth the time invested. One tit-bit for you guys is that I got to sit my PD1 for free as I'd gained my first Salesforce certification in the final quarter of 2021. I plan to sit the Platform App Builder and Sharing and Visibility certs later in 2022, then want to tackle PD2 sometime in 2023.

[@ShondaD_]

I’m learning to become a Market Research Analyst. Any Salesforce cert you recommend I’d look into?😊

[@bradleyweller3906]

I have been hearing a lot about Tableau. I know the names of some certifications have recently changed. Is an equivalent to "Tableau CRM & Einstein Discovery Consultant" represented in the tier list? If not, where would you rank it?

[@jgposner]

He says that in a future video he will tell us how may salesforce certifications to get and what order to get them in. That is what I was expecting in this video based on it's title.

[@Hackerzdotnet]

Hi David, Great and informative videos. Just subscribed! I recently just bought a Udemy course regarding "Salesforce Certified Administrator (aka 201) 2020" to prepare for the admin certification test. Is this a good idea or is it better to do badges on trailhead?

[@purplesalt152]

CPQ specialist should place alot higher than what you placed it. Why? It's very hot in the market. The cert is around more demanding than some architect certs, around 10 times harder than the admin cert. In a market that everyone has admin, app builder, and sales consultant and every job has 100 applicants you better get general certs, and certs that will make you stand out. cpq consultants in the US earn 300usd for one hour..

[@howto8531]

If somebody needs Salesforce certification and he/she try to pass and he/she can't so I'm passing the Salesforce exams Contact me?

[@anubhavshakya7087]

I was about to start learning about TABLEAU CRM and then i saw Einstein Analytics and Discovery Consultant in D Tier 😐 Talk about boost to the morale 😬😛

[@krishna_kj]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@dominique422]

Great video! You are also hilarious

[@dvdkliu]

Thanks!!!

[@moviesfan5513]

This dude is most funny KZbinr.

[@AA-pu5qj]

My background and work experience are all in marketing. Which salesforce certificate would complement my background and where do I get the certificate? Thank you sir.

[@dvdkliu]

Marketing cloud for sure!! Paired with general admin knowledge and you should be good

[@AA-pu5qj]

@@dvdkliu thank u for the quick reply! Do I need to get the marketing cloud admin certificate first? Or can I jump to do the consultant certificate? Secondly, any recommendations on where/which platforms should I use to prepare myself for the exams? Thank u!

[@dvdkliu]

To be honest I don't know the marketing cloud path well enough to make specific recommendations for you!

[@rahulthaware9117]

Love from India 🇮🇳

[@dvdkliu]

Thank you!

[@zubinbhatt4692]

David I have just competed my PGDM recently. Is every Salesforce certification needed if I dream of becoming a Salesforce BDA?

[@lohit3640]

Hey David, while doing modules in trailhead , is it enough to just read what is present in trailhead or down in every module there is resources section and it provide some links which would lead to salesforce help docs. Do we need to also read salesforce help docs as well? . I am new to salesforce , sorry if i asked naive question.

[@theagilestoic3325]

Video is a little dated what tier do you rank UX Designer?

[@dvdkliu]

That one's basically worthless 🤣 it's also probably my next cert

[@amehgaga]

Would you recommend getting the admin done before the advanced admin? Or can that be considered as skipping steps?

[@dvdkliu]

Admin is a prereq for adv admin, can't even attempt it without the prereq

[@dougamolina]

Ótimo vídeo.. confirmou coisas que eu já pensava parecido, e destacou outras que não estava tão atento. Obrigado!

[@rgasta7765]

Hi ). I am an English teacher seeking a career change. I want to study to get an IT job but I discovered I dislike coding 😔 . What can I study to be able to find a job in IT that is not coding-related? Thanks a lot.

[@dvdkliu]

Admin / consultant path in Salesforce is perfect for you! Got a few vids on it, especially the career personality test

[@rgasta7765]

@@dvdkliu great tip. Thanks. 🙂

[@949surferdude]

I'm a Avaya contact center that designs call flows with no experience in Salesforce. Which entry certs should I start with?

[@dvdkliu]

Service cloud up there!

[@defguy319]

Hey David, do you have a recommended list of certs we should get and which order? Thanks for the great videos!

[@dvdkliu]

This is the vid you want! I don't say the order here but a future video will

[@defguy319]

@@dvdkliu Thanks David also passed my admin exam yesterday thank you for all your advice! Looks like Advanced admin or some of the consultant certs might be good next step

[@dvdkliu]

Yes!! Congrats!!!

[@Robertking1996]

I want to be a developer in the ecosystem, would Developer 1 be enough to get started? Or Developer 1 & 2 to get a job first?

[@dvdkliu]

Realistically you never stop looking for jobs, keep applying! Never ready

[@Vikram_J_Singh01]

Just last night I purchased a course from Focus on Force .. I wish I knew about the coupon code 😕