Table of Contents

1. What Does a Salesforce Administrator Do?
2. Key Responsibilities
3. How to Start a Career as a Salesforce Administrator
4. How Long Does It Take to Become a Salesforce Administrator?
5. Which Salesforce Certification Is Right for You?
6. What to Expect from the Salesforce Administrator Exam
7. Stay Current with Salesforce
8. Become a Salesforce Administrator with Pathstream

What Does a Salesforce Administrator Do?

A Salesforce Administrator manages and optimizes the Salesforce CRM platform within an organization. They work across sales, marketing, and customer support teams to configure the system, manage user access, and ensure that Salesforce meets the company’s needs. In smaller organizations, a Salesforce Admin might handle multiple roles, including project management and business analysis, while larger organizations often have dedicated Salesforce teams.

Key Responsibilities of a Salesforce Admin:

• Managing users, data, and security settings
• Configuring custom objects and workflows
• Creating reports and dashboards to track business metrics
• Implementing system updates and ensuring proper use of Salesforce functionalities

How to Start a Career as a Salesforce Administrator

Starting your journey as a Salesforce Admin is straightforward. You don’t need prior Salesforce experience, though familiarity with CRM systems or business processes can be helpful. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Sign Up for Salesforce Trailhead: Trailhead is Salesforce’s free, self-paced learning platform, offering modules that cover everything from the basics of Salesforce administration to more advanced functionalities. It’s the perfect starting point for beginners.
2. Enroll in a Certification Program: While Trailhead offers excellent foundational knowledge, enrolling in a structured Salesforce Administrator Career Certificate program can give you a competitive edge. These programs include interactive projects, career support, and personalized feedback to prepare you for the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Salesforce Administrator?

You can become a certified Salesforce Administrator in as little as 18 weeks. The program usually requires a commitment of 10-15 hours per week and is structured into three courses:

Course 1: CRM Fundamentals and Salesforce Basics

This course covers the fundamentals of CRM systems and introduces Salesforce’s core functionalities, such as user management and dashboard configuration. Hands-on labs help reinforce key concepts.

Course 2: Intermediate Salesforce Administration

This course explores Salesforce administration in more depth, covering topics such as data security, creating custom applications, and mastering reporting tools.

Course 3: Advanced Salesforce Features

The final course focuses on advanced topics like process automation, data management, and customizing the Salesforce interface. Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared for the certification exam.

Which Salesforce Certification Is Right for You?

There are two primary certifications for Salesforce Administrators:

• Salesforce Certified Administrator: This is the entry-level certification, ideal for those new to Salesforce. It covers platform basics such as user management, security, and workflow automation.
• Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator: This certification is for more experienced admins and covers advanced topics like managing complex dashboards, automating workflows, and optimizing system performance.

What to Expect from the Salesforce Administrator Exam

The Salesforce Certified Administrator exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 105 minutes, with a passing score of 65%. The exam covers topics such as:

You can take the exam in person or online through a proctored environment. The exam fee is $200, with a reduced retake fee of $100.

Stay Current with Salesforce

Salesforce updates its platform three times per year, introducing new features and functionalities. Staying current with these updates and earning continuing education credits is essential to maintaining your certification and remaining competitive in the job market.

Become a Salesforce Administrator with Pathstream

Pathstream offers a comprehensive, 100% online Salesforce Administrator Career Certificate program designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in this high-demand field. With expert guidance and hands-on training, you’ll be fully prepared to pass the Salesforce certification exam and launch your career.

Check if your employer partners with Pathstream to cover the program’s cost, and take the first step toward becoming a Salesforce Certified Administrator today!