Salesforce Certification Passing Score by Tier (Winter '26)

Passing Scores by Certification Tier

How to Use This When Studying

1. Target 75%+ on practice exams. This gives you a buffer above the typical ~65% threshold for most professional exams.
2. Do not rely on "just passing." Exam difficulty varies by sitting; a 66% on one practice run may not translate to a pass on the real exam.
3. Take multiple full mock exams. Consistently hitting 75%+ across 2–3 full mocks is a strong readiness indicator.
4. Review every wrong answer. Understanding why you missed questions matters more than the raw percentage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for Salesforce Administrator exam?

Salesforce does not publish official passing scores, but industry consensus and candidate feedback indicate the Administrator (ADM-201) exam requires approximately 65–68% to pass. This varies slightly by exam version. Aim for 75%+ on practice exams before sitting the real exam to build a safety margin.

Do all Salesforce exams have the same passing score?

No. Associate-level exams ($75) typically require around 70%. Specialist and Professional exams ($200) generally require 62–68% depending on the exam. Architect exams ($400) often require around 67%. Salesforce does not disclose exact thresholds — these figures come from candidate reports and study guide publishers.

How is the Salesforce exam score calculated?

Salesforce uses a scaled scoring model. Your raw score (correct answers) is converted to a scaled score, typically reported as a percentage. Some questions may be weighted differently. You receive a pass/fail result; exact numerical scores are not shown for failed attempts. For passed exams, you may see a score on your certification transcript.

What score should I aim for on practice exams?

Aim for 75%+ on multiple full-length timed practice exams before booking the real exam. This provides a safety margin — if the passing threshold is ~65%, scoring 75% on practice gives you buffer for exam-day variability, harder questions, or nerves. Consistently scoring below 70% on practice suggests more study is needed.

Does the Technical Architect (CTA) exam have a passing score?

The CTA is not a multiple-choice exam. It is a live Board Review where you present a hypothetical architecture to a panel of CTAs. There is no numerical passing score — the board evaluates you on six criteria (architecture, design, security, scalability, etc.) and makes a pass/fail decision. Preparation focuses on presentation skills and architecture storytelling, not a percentage threshold.