The choice between the Salesforce Certified Administrator and the CISSP depends on your career goals and experience level. If you are new to the Salesforce ecosystem, the Salesforce Certified Administrator is a good starting point. If you are an experienced security professional looking to advance your career, the CISSP is a more suitable option.
| Attribute | Salesforce Certified Administrator | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Individuals looking to enter the Salesforce world, "accidental admins," or current Salesforce Admins without certification. It's considered a baseline credential for any Salesforce professional. | Experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives seeking to demonstrate their knowledge across various security practices and principles. Positions include Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director of Security, IT Director/Manager, Security Systems Engineer, Security Analyst, Security Manager, Security Auditor, Security Architect, Security Consultant, and Network Architect. |
| Prerequisites | There are no formal prerequisites, but Salesforce recommends 6-12 months of hands-on experience as a Salesforce Administrator. Basic computer skills, database concepts, and CRM concepts can be helpful. | A minimum of five years of cumulative, full-time work experience in at least two of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). One year of required experience can be satisfied by earning a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Alternatively, up to one year of qualifying experience can be gained by obtaining another credential from the ISC2's approved list. |
| Exam Difficulty | The difficulty varies based on your Salesforce familiarity. Some specialists have rated the difficulty as 7 out of 10. Consistent study and hands-on practice are key. | Considered one of the more challenging cybersecurity certifications due to the wide range of topics, the need to think like a security manager, and the adaptive testing format. |
| Exam Cost | $200, with retakes costing $100. | Approximately $749 in the U.S.. Additional costs may include training and study materials. |
| Job Role Alignment | This certification prepares you to administer, maintain, and extend the Salesforce platform. | Aligns with roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Security Manager, Security Consultant, Cybersecurity Engineer, and Security Analyst. |
| Industry Recognition | It's considered the baseline credential and demonstrates knowledge of Salesforce features and best practices. It validates your skills and boosts career opportunities. | Recognized worldwide as a badge of excellence for cybersecurity professionals. It is the most requested certification in U.S. job listings. |
| Study Materials Availability | Salesforce's official training platform, Trailhead, offers a specific course path. There are also study guides, practice exams, and courses available from various sources. | Study materials include official study guides, training courses, practice tests, and online resources. The Official CISSP Study Guide from Sybex costs around $60. Training course fees vary. |
| Renewal Requirements | Salesforce Certified Administrators are required to take 3 maintenance exams per year to keep their certification valid. These are online, open-book exams related to the current release. | Certification is valid for three years. Requires earning 120 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits every three years. A minimum of 40 CPEs every year is recommended. Payment of an annual maintenance fee (AMF) to ISC2. The fee is $135 per year. |
| Salary Expectations | As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a Salesforce Certified Administrator in the United States is $98,862. The majority of salaries range between $75,500 to $119,000, with top earners making $140,000 annually. Entry-level salaries can range from $70,000 to $80,000. | The average base salary among all CISSP holders is $134,202. The typical CISSP holder in the US earns a median annual salary of $120,360. Salaries range from $95,000 to $138,000, with top earners making $160,000 annually. |
| Career Advancement Opportunities | The certification can lead to roles such as Senior Salesforce Administrator, Business Systems Analyst, Salesforce Developer, Consultant, or Business Analyst. | Opens doors to diverse career paths, from technical roles to leadership positions like CISO. |
| Community Support | Trailhead offers community support. Networking can also open doors to mentorship opportunities. | Membership in one of the largest associations of cybersecurity professionals. Access to industry conferences and resources. |
| Exam Format | The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions (plus five non-scored questions). You have 105 minutes to complete the exam, and the passing score is 65%. | The exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). Consists of 100 to 150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions. The exam is 3 hours long. A passing score of 700 out of 1000 points is required. |
| Price | Not available | $749 |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |