What is the first Salesforce certification for an administrator?

The Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) is the recommended first certification for anyone on the admin track. It covers the full platform — security model, automation, data management, reports, and dashboards. All other admin certifications (Advanced Administrator, App Builder) build on ADM-201 knowledge.

How long does it take to get the Salesforce Administrator certification?

Most candidates with no prior Salesforce experience pass ADM-201 in 8–12 weeks of part-time study. Candidates with existing CRM or Salesforce user experience often pass in 4–6 weeks. The exam is 60 questions, 105 minutes, and requires a 65% score.

What admin certifications come after ADM-201?

After ADM-201, the most common next certifications are Platform App Builder (declarative customisation), Advanced Administrator (advanced security and automation), and Salesforce Business Analyst. Admins who want to move into consulting typically take Sales Cloud Consultant or Service Cloud Consultant.

All certifications

Written and reviewed by Krishna Mohan — ADM-201, PD1, PD2, App Builder & Consultant certified. Updated for Winter '26. Methodology · Contact

Administrator Certifications

9 certifications in this role. Pick one for practice questions and study materials.

Each certification has its own study guide, exam weightage, and practice questions. Start with the one that matches your goal. Each cert page has exam weightage and practice questions.

Salesforce Certified Platform Administrator

Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator

Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder

Salesforce Certified Agentforce Specialist

Salesforce Certified Business Analyst

Salesforce Certified CPQ Administrator

Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Engagement Admin

Salesforce Certified Slack Administrator

Salesforce Certified Platform Administrator Practice Test

Salesforce Administrator Career Overview

Entry Salary

$65,000–$95,000

Senior Salary

$90,000–$130,000

Time to First Cert

3–6 months

Typical Career Path

ADM-201 → Advanced Administrator or App Builder → Sales/Service Cloud Consultant → Senior Admin or Functional Consultant

Top Skills Required

Flow BuilderSecurity model (OWD/profiles/roles)Reports & DashboardsData managementStakeholder communication

What Does a Salesforce Administrator Do Day-to-Day?

1Managing user accounts, profiles, permission sets, and login access
2Building and maintaining automation (Record-Triggered Flows, approval processes)
3Creating reports and dashboards for business stakeholders
4Data quality management: imports, deduplication, and validation rules
5Troubleshooting user issues and managing change requests

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first Salesforce certification for an administrator?: The Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) is the recommended first certification for anyone on the admin track. It covers the full platform — security model, automation, data management, reports, and dashboards. All other admin certifications (Advanced Administrator, App Builder) build on ADM-201 knowledge.
How long does it take to get the Salesforce Administrator certification?: Most candidates with no prior Salesforce experience pass ADM-201 in 8–12 weeks of part-time study. Candidates with existing CRM or Salesforce user experience often pass in 4–6 weeks. The exam is 60 questions, 105 minutes, and requires a 65% score.
What admin certifications come after ADM-201?: After ADM-201, the most common next certifications are Platform App Builder (declarative customisation), Advanced Administrator (advanced security and automation), and Salesforce Business Analyst. Admins who want to move into consulting typically take Sales Cloud Consultant or Service Cloud Consultant.

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