Certifications always seem to be a hot topic in the Salesforce ecosystem. Should or should you not get certifications?
Salesforce certification is a recognized credential that demonstrates a person’s expertise in using Salesforce to meet business objectives. Obtaining a Salesforce certification can offer several benefits, including career advancement, higher salaries, and increased job opportunities. In this blog I want to highlight why you SHOULD get certifications, but there is a time and place for them.
- Enhance Your Salesforce Skills
Salesforce certifications are designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the Salesforce platform. The certification process requires candidates to have a deep understanding of Salesforce features, functionalities, and best practices. By obtaining a Salesforce certification, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the platform, including its capabilities, limitations, and integrations.
The certification process involves studying for and passing a series of exams that cover different aspects of Salesforce. This process requires a significant investment of time and effort, but it is worth it. Through the certification process, you will gain a thorough understanding of Salesforce, allowing you to leverage its potential to its fullest.
Certifications should be taken once you have some experience in the given field. You need to have hands on system experience to understand the workings of the system. I see certifications as the theoretical part of an exam, solidifying the pratical experience once has through working with the system. You cannot do one without the other.
- Increase Your Employability
Salesforce is used by businesses of all sizes and industries. As a result, there is an ever-increasing demand for Salesforce professionals who can help organizations implement and manage the platform. Salesforce certification can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
Salesforce certifications are recognized globally, and they demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work with the platform. Employers are always looking for qualified candidates who can help them achieve their business objectives, and a Salesforce certification can help you meet that requirement.
This doesn’t mean that more certifications means you are better employable. Yes for some jobs you will need a load of certifications (for example Architect level) but for many other jobs, you can stay with a handful of selected certifications. Specialisation can be better in some instances.
- Boost Your Earning Potential
Salesforce professionals are in high demand, and as a result, they command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Salesforce certifications can help you increase your earning potential by demonstrating your expertise in the platform. As certifications should be seen as proof of hands on experience, earning will increase because you know your stuff.
- Expand Your Career Opportunities
Salesforce certification can open up a world of career opportunities for you. Salesforce is used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, and technology. As a result, there are many different career paths you can pursue with a Salesforce certification.
Certifications can help you steering your career towards what you want to do. My philosophy is always think about what you want to do for the next 5 to 10 years in your career.
Certifications should help laying that foundation and guiding you on your career path.
- Advance Your Career
Salesforce certification can help you advance your career by providing you with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles. As a certified Salesforce professional, you will have the expertise to lead Salesforce implementation projects, manage teams of Salesforce professionals, and develop strategies to improve business processes.
Marking out where and when you want to get certifications should be part of your career progression. Yes, it is very possible to have a well grounded career in Salesforce without certifications. Having a history of hands on experience, should in my eyes, still outweigh having many certifications.
But there is also a balance.
Unfortunately the market is as such that many employers are looking for people with certifications in addition to experience. So if you have a lot of experience but no certifications, I would think about maybe getting a couple of certifications that solidify your experience. Obtaining a Salesforce certification requires significant time and effort and up to a point investment, but it is worth it. It demonstrates your expertise in the Salesforce platform and sets you apart from the competition.
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