Certification Paths
From foundational to advanced—see all possible paths and scenarios for every role. Choose a track and follow the steps. Use this page to plan your next exam.
Written & verified by Krishna Mohan
5× Salesforce Certified · 12+ years in data engineering & Salesforce · Updated for Summer '26
How to Choose the Right Salesforce Certification Path
The best Salesforce certification path depends on the work you want to do next, not only on exam difficulty. Administrators should build platform fundamentals first, developers should validate Apex and Lightning skills, consultants should specialize by cloud, and architects should sequence credentials around real enterprise project experience.
Use this page as the map, then open the role-specific path pages for a tighter plan. Each path links into individual certification pages with exam weightage, format, difficulty guidance, official source references, and practice questions so your next step is based on role fit and readiness rather than guesswork.
Administrator Path
Start with ADM-201, then choose App Builder, Advanced Administrator, or a consultant track.
Developer Path
Start with PD1, then move toward JavaScript Developer I, PD2, and Integration Architect.
Consultant Path
Choose Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Revenue Cloud, or Field Service.
Architect Path
Build toward Application Architect, System Architect, and eventually CTA readiness.
Stage types
Recommended Starting Points
New to Salesforce? Start with Platform Foundations or ADM-201. Already coding? Start with PD1. Already implementing clouds for clients? Choose the consultant exam that matches your project work.
Compare Certifications
Ready to start? Pick a certification and use our practice questions and exam weightage.
Browse all certifications