The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is best suited for experienced project managers seeking globally recognized validation and career advancement, while the Salesforce Certified Administrator certification is ideal for entry-level Salesforce professionals aiming to demonstrate foundational platform knowledge and enhance their career prospects within the Salesforce ecosystem.
| Attribute | Project Management Professional (PMP) | Salesforce Certified Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | — | Entry-level Salesforce professionals, 'accidental admins,' those in administrative roles in a Salesforce setup, and individuals with a foundational understanding of Salesforce. Suitable for those looking to demonstrate knowledge of the core Salesforce platform. |
| Prerequisites | — | No formal prerequisites. Salesforce recommends 6-12 months of hands-on experience as a Salesforce Administrator. General knowledge of features available to end-users and configuration options for administrators is expected. |
| Exam Difficulty | — | Varies based on familiarity with Salesforce. Some specialists rated the difficulty as 7 out of 10. Consistent study and hands-on practice are key to passing, even with limited experience. |
| Exam Cost | — | $200, with retakes costing $100. |
| Renewal Requirements | — | Required to take three maintenance exams per year to keep their certification valid and current. These are online, open-book exams that take approximately 30 minutes to complete and typically consist of 5-10 questions related to the current release. |
| Salary Expectations | — | Average salary in the USA ranges from $92,250 to $114,500 annually. Entry-level salaries typically range from $60,000 to $70,000, while senior-level salaries can exceed $110,000. Salaries can also vary based on location, skill set, and the ability to address complex business problems. |
| Industry Recognition | — | Highly valued and considered a baseline credential for any Salesforce professional. It is an expectation of nearly every employer and demonstrates the ability to successfully maintain and customize Salesforce. |
| Job Role Relevance | — | Demonstrates knowledge of Salesforce features and best practices, proving the ability to keep the platform running smoothly and customize it to suit business needs. Potential job roles include Salesforce Administrator, CRM Administrator, and Business Analyst. Responsibilities include managing users, ensuring security, customizing objects, handling data, and automation. |
| Study Resources Availability | — | Official Salesforce Certified Admin Exam Guide, Trailhead modules and trails, study guides such as the "Salesforce Certified Administrator Study Guide", practice tests, Focus on Force. |
| Time Commitment | — | Candidates typically spend 4-6 weeks preparing for the exam, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to study. Preparation time varies based on existing Salesforce experience and familiarity with CRM concepts. |
| Career Advancement Opportunities | — | Opens many career paths. It can lead to roles such as Senior Salesforce Administrator or Business Systems Analyst. Certified Salesforce Admins generally earn more than non-certified admins. |
| Community Support | — | Online communities and forums are available to connect with other certified professionals for support and guidance. |