Salesforce Admin Certification Path (Winter '26)

ADM-201 is the foundation of the admin track and the most widely held Salesforce credential. It tests every core admin function: security model, automation (Flow Builder), data management, reports and dashboards, and the sales/service application setup. Almost every Salesforce admin role lists this as a requirement — it is the starting point for any admin career path.

App Builder validates your ability to design and build custom Salesforce applications using declarative tools. It builds directly on ADM-201 fundamentals and adds data modelling depth, complex app design patterns, and Lightning app configuration. Many admin roles expect both ADM-201 and App Builder — together they show full declarative build capability.

The Advanced Administrator cert goes deeper on every topic from ADM-201: complex automation (advanced Flow patterns, approval processes with conditional logic), advanced security configurations (delegated administration, custom sharing rules, Apex-managed sharing), and advanced reporting (cross-object formulas, joined reports, custom report types). Target this for senior admin roles or before moving to Consultant certs.

Once you have ADM-201 and App Builder, Consultant certifications let you specialise by business domain. Sales Cloud Consultant focuses on CRM implementation — lead-to-opportunity-to-close process, forecasting, and territory management. Service Cloud Consultant focuses on case management, Omni-Channel, entitlements, and Knowledge. Choose the one that matches your current client work or job market target.