So you want to be Salesforce Certified? There are a few things I recommend doing to set yourself up for success:
1. Determine your certification goals. The first main distinction to make is if you want to focus on administration or development. Administrators typically are more user-facing and utilize point-and-click functionality, whereas developers are typically less user-facing and utilize more coding in their work. All paths start with the Admin 201 certification, but they branch off from there. Use this guide to help you determine your own certification goals. Then give yourself time to study and book your exam.
2. Give yourself enough time to study. Even if you are an experienced administrator, you may still need to spend some time studying. I recommend taking a practice exam (see options below) to see how you perform, then choose your study strategy from there. As with all exams, you want to study consistently over time rather than cram at the last minute. There is a wide variety of content on the exam, and you will not be able to retain it all if you rush.
3. Use practice exam questions. As I mentioned in a previous post, the certification is an exam just like the SAT or other formal assessments that you may have taken. Administration experience is helpful, but will not be enough on its own. You can use the free website sfdcstudy.org, or I highly recommend paying $19 for the practice exam packs at focusonforce.com.
4. You get what you pay for. Be careful when selecting study materials. There are many reliable sources of cheap or free content, but be aware that sometimes these resources are not updated or can be inaccurate. I recommend the two mentioned above, and we also run a certification training program at LM Consulting. We’d be happy to welcome you as a participant.
5. Create accountability mechanisms. Find a study buddy or coach who can keep you on top of your schedule. Pick a date and book the exam so you have something to work toward. Set specific goals and track your progress. And don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet those goals!
I hope these tips help you as you prepare for your certification. Do you have your own tips to share? Comment below!
I am always upfront with my situation; be it the latest skill out there or some complex job description. I let you know my level and also say 'i can learn/brush up my skills in 48 hours' etc. Your body language will always expose your mind. So keep it 100.