Salesforce Program Developer I Certification

Introduction:

Following my freshman year at the University of Utah as a student pursuing a degree in the David Eccles School of business, I took courses over the summer to progress me towards obtaining a minor in information systems. I have been heightening my understanding of the inner workings of a business while studying database fundamentals, networking and servers, and web-based applications, to name a few. With that, I pursued a class that allows me to work towards earning an IT certification of my choice from an approved list. I decided to pursue the path of a Salesforce Certified Developer I certification.

Certificate Intro:

This certification ensures that the user is able to integrate advanced analysis and design custom applications on top of the existing Salesforce platform. I was first drawn to this path because of my prior experience using Salesforce applications like Trailhead, which I found to be a user-friendly and practical application of traditional business tools. 

The Developer I certificate is designed to elevate SF’s (Salesforce) cloud-based consumer relationship management system by writing and reevaluating existing code. A SF-certified developer can facilitate an efficient relationship between a software company, partners of Salesforce, or end clients by building on business processes’ using VisualSource code. This position is of course subjective to the given project, company, and client. However, it is not uncommon for SF Developers to be working with other engineers and developers in the process. 

Some other functionalities that SF developers may undertake include: expanding on or creating CRM workflows, integrating business processes with data and metadata, working in collaboration with other developers, and producing technical plans for a given company.

Steps to Obtain:

In preparation for obtaining this certificate, the most common paths fall along the utilization of an accredited training organization(ATO) for exam preparation. The preparation is done independently through the resources that users choose to pay for and use. 

I chose to prepare for this exam using the ATO Pluralsight program. Using Pluralsight, I did over 10 hours of interactive studying under their Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I certification prep path. This included the introductory level application of Salesforce programs like Trailhead, interactive use of Salesforce DX, VisualForce coding, Apex programming, SF Developer Console, and more. I have access to over 25 hours of exam preparation videos and I have been actively using VS coding and APEX programming to remain engaged in the material I am watching. I code alongside the virtual instructor and test my programming with real-life business application settings. 

Moreover, I learned the importance of trigger notation, workflow rules, visual flow, and process builders. I became familiar with writing and running code using the Salesforce Developer Console. I wrote several basic APEX triggers from his prompts, tested out creating a trigger loop and then resolving it, and I deduplicated lead triggers that the instructor wrote. The exam has no specific eligibility requirements, though it is thoroughly advised to train using an ATO.

Despite outsourcing of learning materials, the exam itself is strictly conducted through www.salesforce.com. SF publishes exam study guides, additional resources, and recommended ATOs free to your disposal. As for exam specifications, the cost is $200 and it contains 60 multiple choice questions with a time limit of 110 minutes. In order to pass and receive the certification, users must pass with at least 65%. Salesforce prides itself on the intensive nature of the exam and has made it possible for test-takers to retake after their first try with a lesser fee of $100. This certification does not expire, though it must be utilized with ethics and professionalism in mind. From there, users may decide to obtain the SF Developer II exam. 

Benefits to you and your Future Career:

This certification is a lucrative advancement to the business career path that I am pursuing as it provides both flexibility and specialty in a growing market. The path to taking the exam can be catered to any individual, as it is a reflection of your own time and resources dedicated to the certificate; there is no specific path to follow to get this certificate. With that in mind, users have the ability to work at their own pace, their own hours, and within their price range prior to taking the exam. 

By the same token, Salesforce CRM holds a substantial market share in the growing CRM space. Obtaining this certificate allows you to compete in the tight IT job market by facilitating a specialized subject matter. With just the SF developer I certificate, you have the opportunity to build upon your already marketable SF knowledge. Nonetheless, SF CRM certifications do not limit you to one job. Roles within the SF ecosystem can range from sales and marketing to technical aspects of a company. 

It is important to note the profitability of these certifications for anyone seeking out a career in IT. In a salary report conducted on July 28th, 2022, Salesforce Developer’s average base salary came out to $108,332 (via indeed.com). Not only that, but this provides a career path with projected continual growth– technology continues to evolve and requires updates and revisions on any scale. 

Challenges you may Face:

Throughout my research and experience learning hands-on tools for becoming a Salesforce Developer, I have come across some challenges. Many of my instructors on Pluralsight are ecstatic to be working within the SF ecosystem, and most of them have a long list of credentials that make them specialists in SF. However, it is important to note the competitive nature of this sector and the potential difficult decisions that come with it.

As I mentioned before, SF has many different programs which vary in price range, skill level, and time. In my freshman year at university I was able to become accustomed to SF Trailhead, one of their many tools for familiarizing beginner developers with Salesforce coding platforms. Likewise in my classes, I have heard testimonials from professors, current SF employees, and student interns who have all had extensive experience in SF environments. One thing that is consistent among all of these people is their varied credentials. For example, one of my Pluralsight professors has received more than 10 Salesforce certifications, others focus primarily on receiving Trailhead “badges” that demonstrate their familiarity with the program. 

There are various different ways to quantify your experience with Salesforce, but when it boils down it becomes difficult to weed out which qualifications are more valuable. When working in such a competitive sector as IT, students and employees alike have to be careful with where they dedicate their time and resources. Throughout my studies, I have questioned whether or not I would be eager to pursue more SF certifications, practice on Trailhead, or rather obtain IT certifications that are not specific to SF programs. 

Future Plans/Conclusion:

I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had this summer to research IT certifications and pursue the Salesforce Program Developer I; a path that I had not previously considered. With regards to my sentiments surrounding this certification, I am confident in my choice to continue to prepare for this exam and take the final steps to seek out this certification. 

I am a strong advocate for participating in the ever-changing environment of IT and business analytics and I am eager to contribute my unique skill set with the help of Salesforce. Regardless of my career path in the David Eccles School of Business, I will continue to cultivate a growth mindset by taking on new challenges and becoming a well-qualified business student.