What is a Salesforce Certified Associate?

As the number of businesses relying on Salesforce grows, so does the demand for certified Salesforce professionals. With this explosive growth of Salesforce in recent years, being a certified professional has become increasingly valuable. It demonstrates utmost proficiency in Salesforce and signifies to employers that the certification holder is constantly keeping up with the latest Salesforce developments and feature updates.

Nowadays, becoming a Salesforce Certified Associate is a necessary first step if you want to work in the Salesforce industry. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Salesforce Certified Associate certification, including the benefits, exam outline, and how to prepare for the exam.

What is a Salesforce Certified Associate?

The Salesforce Certified Associate is a brand-new certification from Salesforce that is designed to help novice candidates enter the Salesforce ecosystem. The certification covers the basics of Salesforce and is intended to help candidates get the hands-on, real-world experience they need to ace the Salesforce Administrator exam.

Why is Salesforce Certification Worth Pursuing?

Salesforce Certified Associate is a title given to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in using Salesforce CRM. This certification is typically obtained by passing an exam administered by Salesforce. Once an individual has obtained this certification, they can use it to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise to potential employers or clients.

Salesforce certification can be a valuable asset for those seeking a career in the Salesforce industry. When applying for jobs or bidding on projects, this credential can help individuals stand out. Additionally, Salesforce-certified associates typically make more money than non-certified peers. Explore a complete list of Salesforce certifications and all the necessary details here.

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Below are the advantages of becoming a Salesforce Certified Associate:

• When applying for jobs, you’ll be a preferred candidate.
• You’ll be able to connect with a global community of Salesforce experts.
• You’ll be aware of all the latest and greatest offerings from Salesforce and possess the knowledge to put them to use
• You will be able to better serve your company or clients.
• You will be able to negotiate handsome remuneration when applying for jobs or get value and recognition in current job performance appraisals.

Eligibility Requirements For Salesforce Certified Associate Examination

Candidates must have a minimum of 6 months of experience using the Salesforce platform. Furthermore, a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and functionalities of the Salesforce platforms is required. You can complete the exam and earn your certification with this basic knowledge.

Examination overview and Syllabus For Salesforce Certified Associate 

The Salesforce Certified Associate examination is a proctored, multiple-choice exam that can be taken online from the comfort of your home or at a testing center near you. The exam consists of 40 questions, and the duration is 70 minutes. To earn the Salesforce Certified Associate certification, candidates must score at least 62%. Webassessor, an independent online testing platform, administers the examination. Candidates will receive their results immediately after finishing the exam.

The examination involves the essential parts of Salesforce, including the data model, security model, user interface, and process automation.

The exam questions are divided into four sections:

• Salesforce Ecosystem – 32%
• Navigation – 28%
• Data Model – 25%
• Reports & Dashboards – 15%

Refer to the Salesforce Associate Exam Guide for the detailed exam outline and exam overview. 

How to Study for Salesforce Associate Certification?

One way to study for Salesforce Associate Certification is through online training at your pace. Online training can come in many different formats, such as boot camps, online courses, or self-paced learning methods. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each method carefully before making a final decision. Let’s shed some light on each of the methods to help you choose better.

Bootcamps

Bootcamps are great for people who learn best in a structured environment and need the accountability of attending live, online classes. However, they can be a little expensive, but worth the money. Get started with Salesforce Associate Certification with our free bootcamp training program.

Online Courses

Online courses are a more flexible option, but there are chances for you to lose focus in between. They also require more upfront knowledge than Bootcamps, as you’ll need to be comfortable navigating the Salesforce interface independently. It would be best to choose courses that provide 1:1 mentorship sessions in such cases. Try our Salesforce Associate Certification online course.

Self-paced Learning

Although self-paced learning allows for maximum adaptability, it is challenging to proceed further without sound support from experienced professionals. There are a lot of resources out there, but it can take time to know where to start or how to make sure you’re covering everything you need to know.

All three options have their merits, and choosing the one that will work best for you and your learning style is essential.

Exam Preparation Strategies for the Salesforce Certified Associate Exam

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam:

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1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format

The exam is a multiple-choice exam with four possible answers for each question. There is only one correct answer for each question. The questions can be tricky, and attempting many practice tests before the actual exam would be really beneficial.

2. Refer to the Exam Guide

Get acquainted with the ins and outs of the exam by reading the Salesforce Certified Associate Study Guide. Before attempting the exam, understand the format, pattern, weightage of the sections, etc.

3. Play around with Salesforce

In addition to understanding the concepts, you must know how to use and navigate around Salesforce. Experiment with different features to learn the features and functionalities of each concept. Basically, get some hands-on experience.

4. Take Practice Tests

Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will be on the exam by taking mock tests. This will help you gauge your understanding of the material and identify any areas you need to focus on.

5. Relax, and Don’t Forget to Breathe

On exam day, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Arriving well-rested and calm will help you do your best.

Summing Up

Salesforce Associate certification is worth pursuing if you are seeking a career in the Salesforce industry. This certification can help you stand out, negotiate for a higher salary, give you a foundational knowledge of the Salesforce platform, and gain access to a global community of Salesforce experts. Now is the best time to begin your certification preparation. Sign up with saasguru now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Salesforce Certified Associate?

Becoming a Salesforce Certified Associate offers several benefits: 

• Increased employment Opportunities: Getting certified will make you stand out in the job market and expand your employment options for Salesforce administration. 
• Validation of Skills: Certification demonstrates your proficiency in Salesforce technologies, processes, and best practices, providing employers with tangible evidence of your abilities. 
• Credibility: Being certified by Salesforce lends credibility to your expertise and can increase your value as an employee or consultant. 
• Access to Community and Resources: Certified individuals often gain access to exclusive online communities, events, and resources where they can connect with other professionals and stay updated on the latest developments in the Salesforce ecosystem. 
• Skill Improvement: The preparation process for certification typically involves deepening your knowledge of Salesforce tools, which can lead to improved job performance. 
• Higher Earning Potential: Due to the increasing demand for certified professionals and their demonstrated skills, certification might result in higher earning potential. 

2. What are the requirements to become a Salesforce Certified Associate?

The requirements for becoming a Salesforce Certified Associate can vary based on the specific certification you are pursuing. These certifications are typically intended for people who are new to Salesforce or have little prior experience. There are no formal prerequisites, but having a basic understanding of Salesforce concepts and functionalities is recommended. 

3. How do I become a Salesforce Certified Associate?

To become a Salesforce Certified Associate, you need to follow these general steps:

• Prepare: Study the relevant Salesforce documentation, study guides, and other recommended resources for the certification exam. 
• Register: Register for the exam by creating an account on the Salesforce Certification website. Normally, there is a price involved with taking the exam. 
• Attempt the test: Depending on the alternatives available, schedule and take the certification exam in an authorized testing facility or via a remote proctoring service. 
• Pass the Exam: Successfully pass the exam by achieving the required passing score. Depending on the certification, a certain score is required to pass. 
• Receive Certification: Upon passing the exam, you’ll receive an official Salesforce Certified Associate certification badge and credentials that you can use to showcase your achievement. 

4. What are the resources available to help me prepare for the Salesforce Associate Certification exam?

Salesforce offers a number of resources to assist with certification exam preparation. These may consist of: 

• Official Study Guides: Salesforce offers official study manuals that outline the certification exam subjects. 
• Trailhead: To help you get ready for certification tests, Salesforce’s free online learning platform offers modules and trails. Salesforce offers thorough documentation for all of its features and products, which can be a helpful tool for exam study. 
• Webinars and Workshops: Look for webinars, workshops, and training sessions conducted by Salesforce or authorized training partners. 
• Practice tests: A few certifications provide legitimate practice examinations that closely resemble the structure and subject matter of the real exam. 

5. Are there any practice sets or questions available for the Salesforce Associate Certification?

Yes, Salesforce often provides official practice exams and sample questions for their certifications. You can evaluate your exam readiness using these resources and better understand the questions you’ll see on the test. You can find these resources on the Salesforce Certification website, in study guides, or as part of training materials provided by Salesforce or authorized training partners.