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Get Familiar with Salesforce Credentials on Trailhead

Learning Objectives 

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain what Salesforce credentials are and where to find them on Trailhead.
  • Explain what superbadges are.
  • Explain what certifications are.

Salesforce Credentials

According to a 2020 study from Burning Glass Technologies and a 2021 white paper from the IDC, respectively, the past several years have shown a substantial and increasing demand for Salesforce skills. More than 9 million new Salesforce jobs are expected by 2026!

Salesforce credentials validate your knowledge and experience with specific Salesforce products and job roles to prove that you have these in-demand skills. There’s no better time than now to earn a Salesforce credential and showcase these achievements on your resume!

These resume-worthy Salesforce credentials are found on the Credentials tab on Trailhead, and are grouped as Superbadges (hands-on assessments completed within Trailhead) and Certifications (exams completed in a proctored environment).

Superbadges

So, those 9 million new jobs we mentioned… How can a Trailblazer demonstrate their capabilities and required skills to hiring managers? Superbadges to the rescue! Superbadges are hands-on, challenge-based technical assessments with a narrative use case and requirements. Trailblazers demonstrate their capabilities on a given topic by reviewing the requirements, identifying a solution, and implementing the solution in a Salesforce org.

Trailhead Superbadge

Superbadges come in a few different forms: super sets, superbadges, and superbadge units. Super sets are groupings of superbadges that align to a specific role. Super sets include Admin Super Set, App Builder Super Set, Billing Specialist Super Set, and Developer Super Set. Some superbadges are groupings of superbadge units (just like super sets are groupings of superbadges) and some superbadges are long-format. Superbadge units, introduced in 2022, can generally be completed in about an hour by Trailblazers who have completed the prerequisite learning content and are confident in their skills for that topic. 

Superbadges can help you take your career to the next level, and completing them is a big achievement. Since you demonstrate your Salesforce skills through real-world business scenarios, superbadges are increasingly recognized as relevant skill assessments. In fact, many Trailblazers proudly share their superbadge super-accomplishments on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and social media posts. Here are some key points about superbadges.

  • Superbadges are credentials designed to assess your Salesforce skills and abilities.
  • Superbadges take time to complete—Trailblazers may spread the work over several sessions.
  • Every superbadge has a Help article with links and resources for completing every challenge.
  • Superbadges are Salesforce credentials, so the Salesforce Credential and Certification Program Agreement and Code of Conduct applies to superbadges.

For more information about credential program security, check out the Superbadge Program Security: Quick Look Trailhead module.

Trailblazers completing superbadges should:

  • Prepare for superbadges and superbadge units by completing the prerequisite content and carefully review the Superbadge Challenge Help article to locate the specific Help article related to each superbadge.
  • Search Salesforce Help for resources regarding specific Einstein 1 product functionality.
  • Submit a case to the Credential Security team if you see any activity that undermines credential security.

Trailblazers completing superbadges are prohibited from:

  • Sharing, using, or requesting step-by-step guidance configured solutions, elements of solutions, metadata, or packages to solve any superbadge challenge
  • Attempting to share or transfer any Salesforce credential
  • Earning a superbadge on another individual's behalf
  • Referring to content that spells out solutions for superbadge challenge checks or troubleshoots for specific error messages
  • Sharing login credentials to a superbadge solution configured Salesforce org

Protecting the security of Salesforce credentials is up to all of us and Salesforce has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct related to certification exams and superbadges. As a participant in the Salesforce Credentialing Program, you’re required to accept the terms of the Salesforce Credential and Certification Program Agreement, and abide by the Code of Conduct.

Certifications

To accompany these super, hands-on superbadge credentials, Salesforce also offers certification credentials that focus on the various coveted Salesforce job roles. 

  • Administrator
  • Architect
  • Consultant
  • Designer
  • Developer
  • Marketer
  • Sales Professional

Salesforce also offers associate certifications, designed for Trailblazers looking to validate foundational knowledge and start their certification journey. So no matter your role, Salesforce has a path for you.

Earning certifications is a great way for Trailblazers to demonstrate their capabilities. Certifications center around the core skills that are needed to effectively perform in the Salesforce job roles above. Earning a certification demonstrates that you’ve surpassed the requirements to practice in the job role. Remember to highlight your certifications on your resume and social profiles to communicate your abilities to companies and hiring managers.

Professional Certifications

Most certifications are earned by passing one or more proctored, multiple-choice exams. Some certifications combine both multiple-choice exams and superbadges as the requirements. Check out the Certification website for details on each job role, associated certifications, requirements, and any prerequisites.

Here are some additional facts regarding Salesforce Certification exams.

  • Every exam has an in-depth exam guide that covers the associated domain objectives and details.
  • The proctored exams can be taken in-person at a testing center or online through remote proctoring.
  • There is a fee associated with each exam.
  • No hard-copy or online materials can be referenced during an exam.
  • Certification exams use pass/fail scoring to determine if a Trailblazer meets the baseline qualifications for the job role.
  • To maintain Trust as the #1 value at Salesforce, each exam participant is required to abide by the Salesforce Credential and Certification Program Agreement and Code of Conduct.

For more information about how to earn or maintain a certification, visit the Certification Help Portal.

Are you ready to learn more and begin your credentialing journey? Explore the Credentials tab on Trailhead or the other resources below to get started.

Resources 

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