What’s Next After Salesforce Platform Developer-I Certification?

Achieving the Salesforce Platform Developer-I certification is an incredible feat, and you should be immensely proud of yourself for obtaining it. This certification is a testament to your skills and expertise in building custom applications using the Salesforce Platform, which is a significant accomplishment in and of itself. As you move forward in your Salesforce career, it is only natural to wonder what the next steps are.

Within this article, we shall investigate two possibilities that can propel your Salesforce career toward new heights. Prepare yourself for a captivating journey as we embark on your next exciting endeavor!

What is Salesforce Platform Developer-I Certification? 

Before diving into your next steps, it’s important to understand what the Salesforce Platform Developer-I certification entails. This certification officially confirms your expertise and abilities in crafting customized applications using the Salesforce Platform. It encompasses various subjects, including Apex, Visualforce, and the Salesforce Lightning Platform, among other essential topics.

Obtaining this certification is a significant achievement and can help you stand out among other candidates in the job market. However, it’s important to remember that this certification is only the beginning of your journey as a Salesforce developer.

There are several paths you can take to advance your career after earning your Platform Developer-I certification. 

Here are two options to consider:

Option 1: Pursue Advanced Salesforce Certifications

Obtaining an advanced Salesforce certification is a great way to increase your knowledge and expertise in specific areas of the Salesforce Platform. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you have a deep understanding of the platform and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.

Salesforce Platform Developer-II Certification

As a Salesforce Platform Developer-I certified professional, pursuing the Platform Developer-II certification is a logical next step to advance your career. This certification builds on the foundational knowledge you gained from the Platform Developer-I certification and takes it to the next level. With this certification, you will gain expertise in advanced topics such as Apex design patterns, Visualforce development, and testing methodologies.

You will demonstrate your advanced skills and knowledge in Salesforce Platform Development by obtaining the Platform Developer-II certification. Obtaining this certification boosts your credibility and makes you more competitive when applying for jobs. It sets you apart from others and gives you an edge in the job market. It’s an opportunity to showcase your commitment to your profession and your willingness to invest in your own personal and professional development. 

Here are the key details of this certification:

Topics covered:

• Apex programming and design patterns
• Lightning Component Framework
• Salesforce data model and management
• Integration with external systems
• Security and access controls
• Testing and debugging

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Advanced Apex programming and design skills
• Expertise in Lightning Component Framework
• Mastery of Salesforce data model and management
• Proficiency in integration with external systems
• Knowledge of security and access controls
• Ability to test and debug Salesforce applications

Prerequisites:

• You must have earned your Salesforce Platform Developer-I Certification.
• You should have at least two years of experience as a Salesforce developer

2. Explore Other Salesforce Certifications 

Salesforce offers various certifications for developers, administrators, architects, and consultants. You may want to consider pursuing other certifications depending on your career goals and interests. These certifications will give you a broader understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem and make you a valuable asset to your organization.

Salesforce Certified Integration Architecture Designer

The Salesforce Certified Integration Architecture Designer certification is for professionals proficient in designing and implementing complex integrations between Salesforce and external systems. 

Here are the key details of this certification.

Topics covered:

• Integration patterns
• Middleware technologies
• API development
• Security and access controls

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Expertise in designing and implementing complex integrations
• Advanced knowledge of middleware technologies
• Expertise in API development and design
• Understanding of security and access controls

Prerequisites:

• You should have at least two years of experience in designing and implementing integrations
• You must hold a current Salesforce Certified Application Architect or System Architect credential

Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator:

The Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator certification is for professionals proficient in advanced topics in Salesforce administration, including automation, data management, and security. Here are the key details of this certification:

Topics covered:

• Advanced automation techniques
• Advanced data management
• Advanced security and access controls
• Advanced reporting and dashboards

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Expertise in advanced Salesforce administration techniques
• Mastery of data management and security
• Understanding of reporting and dashboards

Prerequisites:

• You must hold a current Salesforce Certified Administrator credential
• You should have at least two years of experience as a Salesforce administrator

Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Developer:

The Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Developer certification is for professionals proficient in developing custom solutions using the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform. Here are the key details of this certification:

Topics covered:

• Email and mobile marketing
• Automation
• Data management
• Personalization and segmentation

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Expertise in developing custom solutions using the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform
• Mastery of email and mobile marketing techniques
• Understanding of automation and data management
• Ability to personalize and segment marketing communications

Prerequisites:

• You must hold a current Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Email Specialist credential
• You should have at least six months of experience developing marketing solutions

Salesforce Certified Heroku Architecture Designer:

The Salesforce Certified Heroku Architecture Designer certification is for professionals proficient in designing and implementing solutions using the Heroku platform. Here are the key details of this certification:

Topics covered:

• Heroku application architecture
• Heroku data management
• Heroku security and access controls

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Expertise in designing and implementing solutions using the Heroku platform
• Mastery of Heroku application architecture and data management
• Understanding of Heroku security and access controls

Prerequisites:

• You should have at least two years of experience in designing and implementing solutions using the Heroku platform
• You must hold a current Salesforce Certified Application Architect or Salesforce Certified System Architect credential

Salesforce Certified Commerce Cloud Developer:

The Salesforce Certified Commerce Cloud Developer certification is for professionals proficient in developing custom solutions using the Salesforce Commerce Cloud platform. Here are the key details of this certification:

Topics covered:

• Site development
• Data management
• Integration with external systems
• Security and access controls

Skills you’ll need to demonstrate:

• Expertise in developing custom solutions using the Salesforce Commerce Cloud platform
• Mastery of site development and data management
• Proficiency in integration with external systems and security and access controls

Prerequisites:

• You must hold a current Salesforce Certified Commerce Cloud Digital Developer credential
• You should have at least six months of experience developing Commerce Cloud solutions

Also read on Salesforce Consultant Career Path

Option 2: Apply for a Salesforce Job

If you are looking to advance your career in the Salesforce ecosystem, applying for a Salesforce job is a great option. Here are seven steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a job in this field:

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Resume: Your LinkedIn profile and resume are important tools for showcasing your skills and experience to potential employers. Make sure they are up-to-date and highlight your relevant experience and achievements.
2. Network with Other Salesforce Professionals: Building a network of connections with fellow Salesforce professionals can be highly beneficial. It offers opportunities to discover job openings and establish meaningful connections within the industry. You can engage in networking by participating in Salesforce user groups and events, as well as connecting with individuals through platforms like LinkedIn and other social media channels.
3. Complete Salesforce Trailhead Modules: Salesforce Trailhead is a free online training platform that offers a variety of modules to help you improve your skills and increase your knowledge of the Salesforce platform. Completing these modules can help you stand out to potential employers.
4. Consider Volunteering or Interning: If you’re just starting your Salesforce career, consider volunteering or interning with a nonprofit or other organization using Salesforce. This can give you valuable hands-on experience and help you build your resume.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Before an interview, research the company and position you are applying for, and be prepared to answer common interview questions about your experience and skills. Engaging in these activities will help you differentiate yourself from other candidates in the eyes of potential employers. Check out our Salesforce Interview Preparation platform.
6. Get Certified: Acquiring Salesforce certifications is a significant way to showcase your proficiency and dedication to the platform. Pursuing certifications that align with the specific position you seek is advisable, as this demonstrates your relevance and competence in the field.
7. Apply for Jobs: Once you have completed the above steps, apply for Salesforce jobs matching your skills and experience. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to each position you apply for is crucial. This customization showcases your attention to detail and genuine interest in the role. You can propel your Salesforce career to new heights by investing in dedication and hard work. You can seize exciting opportunities and achieve remarkable success in your Salesforce journey with perseverance and commitment.

Strategies for Continuous Skill Development

In an ever-evolving field like Salesforce, continuous skill development is paramount. Maintaining your relevance and competitiveness in this dynamic industry necessitates ongoing knowledge and skill enrichment. Here are some tactics that can facilitate this continuous learning process.

1. Join Salesforce Developer Communities

Salesforce has a vibrant and active community of developers and professionals who are always ready to help and share knowledge. By joining these communities, you can engage in meaningful conversations, participate in problem-solving discussions, and learn from the experiences of others.

Salesforce Developer Forums

The Salesforce Developer Forums are an excellent place to get your questions answered, learn about new features, and solve tricky problems. They are also a great source for useful tips and tricks. The community consists of both new and experienced developers, so you can always find someone who has faced and overcome the challenges you might be encountering.

Salesforce Developer Groups

Salesforce Developer Groups bring together developers from a particular region or city. These groups often organize meetups, webinars, and seminars, providing opportunities to learn, network, and share experiences. You can find your local developer group through the Salesforce website.

2. Pursuing Further Learning

Salesforce Events and Webinars

Salesforce hosts numerous events and webinars throughout the year. These events cover various topics from technical deep dives to updates on the latest features. By attending these events, you can learn directly from Salesforce experts and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Trailhead

Salesforce’s online learning platform, Trailhead, offers a plethora of learning resources. You can find modules, projects, superbadges, and even career paths specific to different roles within the Salesforce ecosystem. Learning through Trailhead is interactive, engaging, and it allows you to earn badges that showcase your skills and accomplishments.

3. Continuous Practice

Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to learning. Regularly experimenting with new features and trying out different things on the Salesforce platform can drastically improve your skills and understanding.

4. Reading Salesforce Blogs and Documentation

Salesforce releases documentation and blogs that detail new features and updates. By consistently reading these, you can stay informed about the latest innovations and understand how to use them effectively.

5. Getting Involved in Open Source Projects

Getting involved in Salesforce open-source projects can provide invaluable real-world experience. It offers an opportunity to tackle intricate challenges, gain insight into industry best practices, and engage in fruitful collaborations with fellow developers.

Remember, the journey of continuous learning is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about consistent effort and an insatiable curiosity to know more. As long as you keep learning and practicing, you’ll find that your skills and understanding of Salesforce will continually grow.

Summing Up

Becoming certified as a Salesforce Platform Developer-I is a great accomplishment, but it’s only the first step towards a successful career in the Salesforce world. 

If you are yet to be PD 1 certified, check out our Salesforce Platform Developer 1 certification course – get personalized study plans, free mock exams, quizzes, flashcards and much more.

Fast-track your Salesforce developer certification goal with our intensive Platform Developer 1 training program with a capstone project.

With many advanced certifications to pursue and endless job opportunities to explore, the sky’s the limit for those looking to grow and develop in this exciting field. 

Whether you are an experienced professional or a newcomer to the field, the Salesforce journey offers many challenges and rewards. Embrace the opportunity and leap into this exciting realm to explore the vast potential of your skills. The possibilities are boundless, so why not embark on this adventure and discover where your Salesforce expertise can lead you!