What is Salesforce Admin? How to Get Certified? [Updated 2025]

Table of Contents

• What is Salesforce Admin?
• How to Get Certified?
• Admin Certification Exam
• Topics Weightage
• Configuration and Setup
• Object Manager and Lightning App Builder
• Sales and Marketing Applications
• Service and Support Applications
• Productivity and Collaboration
• Data and Analytics Management
• Analytics – Report and Dashboards

Salesforce has become one of the most popular and powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms in the world, helping businesses of all sizes streamline operations, manage customer data, and improve their sales processes. For professionals looking to break into the Salesforce ecosystem, becoming a Salesforce Admin is an excellent entry point. With the increasing demand for Salesforce experts, pursuing a career as a Salesforce Admin not only provides numerous job opportunities but also offers the chance to be at the forefront of digital transformation in business.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to be a Salesforce Admin and how to get certified. Whether you’re new to the platform or looking to enhance your skills, becoming certified opens doors to better job prospects, higher salaries, and recognition as a professional with expertise in one of the most sought-after platforms in the tech industry. Let’s dive into what Salesforce Admins do and how you can become certified to take your career to the next level.

See also: What are Page layouts in Salesforce and how to create Page layouts?

What is Salesforce Admin?

A Salesforce Admin is responsible for managing and maintaining a company’s Salesforce environment, ensuring that it operates smoothly and efficiently. Their key duties include managing user accounts, setting up security permissions, customizing the Salesforce platform to fit the organization’s needs, and optimizing workflows to improve business processes. Salesforce Admins act as the bridge between the technical side of the Salesforce platform and the business users who rely on it for data management, sales tracking, and customer relationship management. They ensure that the platform meets the business’s goals while maintaining data integrity and security.

See also: Validation rules in salesforce.

How to Get Certified?

Getting certified as a Salesforce Admin is a valuable step for professionals looking to enhance their careers in Salesforce. The first step toward certification is to become familiar with the platform by completing training on Trailhead, Salesforce’s free online learning platform. Trailhead provides hands-on learning modules to understand the core concepts and functionalities of Salesforce. After completing the necessary training, candidates can register for the Salesforce Certified Administrator Exam, which tests their knowledge of managing users, customizing the platform, automating processes, and ensuring data security. Upon passing the exam, individuals earn their certification, which validates their expertise and opens up new opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Read more about custom page layouts in Salesforce.

Getting certified as a Salesforce Admin is an important step for anyone wanting to pursue a career in Salesforce. Here are a few simple steps to guide you through the certification process:

1. Start Learning on Trailhead: Begin by exploring Trailhead, Salesforce’s free learning platform. It offers interactive modules, hands-on projects, and trails that are designed to teach you the basics of Salesforce. Start with the Admin Beginner and Admin Intermediate trails to build a solid foundation.
2. Practice in a Salesforce Playground: Use the Salesforce Playground (a free developer org) to practice what you’ve learned. This will give you hands-on experience with setting up users, managing data, customizing objects, and automating processes.
3. Prepare for the Exam: Once you’re comfortable with the platform, move on to study resources like Salesforce Administrator Exam Guide and practice tests. You can also attend instructor-led training or join a study group to reinforce your knowledge.
4. Schedule and Take the Exam: When you feel confident, register for the Salesforce Certified Administrator Exam. The exam is multiple-choice and covers topics like user management, data security, workflow automation, and app customization.
5. Get Certified: After passing the exam, you’ll receive your Salesforce Admin Certification, a recognized credential that demonstrates your expertise and opens the door to new job opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem.

See also: Salesforce QA Interview Questions And Answers

For example, the tasks of a Salesforce Administrator look like 

• Set up dashboards for Sales Users.
• Setup Email Alerts when a specific condition is met.
• Scheduling the reports for users.
• Maintaining users.
• Freezing / Resetting user passwords.

In short, they are taking care of the Salesforce sandbox as a whole so that, for example (The sales Team / Service Team ) can do their work without worrying.

Salesforce Admin Certification Exam : 

• Content: There are 60 Questions in the exam.
• Time: The user is given 105 minutes to complete the exam, after which the exam automatically submits.
• Passing Score: You need to provide at least 65 % correct answers to be able to give.
• Costing: The Salesforce Administrator exam costs 200$. If you fail the first attempt, re-attempt costs 100 $ each going forward.
• Maintenance: After clearing the examination, you have to complete the Salesforce Administrator Certification Maintenance module on trailhead once a year to maintain the certification; on failing to do so, your certification will expire.

Asa beginner you need hand-on, instructor led training. If you are looking for an instructor led Salesforce training, you can join our orientation class.

Certification Topics wise Weightage

S No.	Topic	Weightage
1	Configuration and Setup	20%
2	Object Manager and Lightning App Builder	20%
3	Sales and Marketing Applications	12%
4	Service and Support Applications	11%
5	Productivity and Collaboration	7%
6	Data and Analytics Management	14%
7	Analytics – Report and Dashboards	16%
	Total	100%

1. Configuration and Setup:

Configuration and Setup is a crucial section of the Salesforce Admin Certification, focusing on the foundational settings that enable admins to tailor the platform to their organization’s needs. This involves managing company settings, defining user profiles, and setting up organizational security measures like IP ranges and login hours. Admins must also know how to manage permissions and access control, as well as configure essential features like multi-factor authentication and the user interface. Understanding these topics is key to ensuring the efficient setup and smooth operation of Salesforce for all users.

Here is best tutorial on Salesforce Testing for you for free, with all the concepts.

Sample Questions : 

1. What is the purpose of setting login hours for a profile in Salesforce?

Login hours allow an administrator to define the specific timeframes during which users with a certain profile can access Salesforce. This ensures that users can only log in during the allowed hours, enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access outside of business hours.

2. How do you define a trusted IP range, and what happens if a user attempts to log in from outside of it?

A trusted IP range is defined in Setup under Network Access, where you can specify the range of IP addresses from which users can log in without needing additional verification. If a user attempts to log in from outside the trusted IP range, Salesforce will prompt for identity verification, such as entering a code sent to their email or phone.

See also: sandbox in Salesforce

3. What are the differences between profiles and permission sets in controlling user access?

Profiles define the base level of access and permissions for users, such as what objects, fields, and apps they can access. Every user must be assigned one profile. Permission sets, on the other hand, provide additional permissions that can be assigned to individual users without changing their profile. Permission sets are used to give users extra access on top of what their profile allows, offering more flexibility.

4. How can an administrator enable multi-factor authentication for users in Salesforce?

To enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), the administrator can navigate to Setup > Session Settings, and then configure MFA for user profiles by requiring them to log in with a second form of authentication, such as a code from a mobile app. Salesforce also provides an option to enforce MFA across the entire organization for added security.

5. Which settings in the company profile must be configured during the initial Salesforce setup?

During the initial Salesforce setup, administrators must configure key settings in the Company Information section. These settings include the default locale, default language, default time zone, corporate currency (for multi-currency orgs), fiscal year settings, and defining business hours. This ensures that the system is tailored to the organization’s geographical and operational needs.

Read more: SOQL Query in Salesforce

2. Object Manager and Lightning App Builder

Object Manager and Lightning App Builder are essential tools covered in the Salesforce Admin certification exam. The Object Manager allows administrators to manage standard and custom objects, configure fields, and set up relationships between objects. It also helps define page layouts, record types, and validation rules. The Lightning App Builder enables admins to create custom Lightning pages, such as Home Pages and Record Pages, using drag-and-drop components, empowering them to build dynamic and tailored user experiences without needing any coding.

Sample Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Object Manager in Salesforce, and how can it be used to manage standard and custom objects?

The Object Manager is a central hub in Salesforce where administrators can manage both standard and custom objects. It allows admins to configure fields, manage page layouts, and define relationships between objects. The Object Manager also enables the creation of custom objects to store data specific to business processes and provides control over object-level security and access.

2. How can an administrator create relationships between objects in the Object Manager, and what types of relationships are available?

Administrators can create relationships between objects by adding relationship fields in the Object Manager. The two main types of relationships are Lookup Relationships and Master-Detail Relationships. A Lookup Relationship links two objects without a strict dependency between them, while a Master-Detail Relationship creates a parent-child relationship where the child object is strongly tied to the parent object.

3. What are Record Types, and how can they be configured in the Object Manager to manage different business processes?

Record Types allow administrators to offer different page layouts and picklist values to different users, depending on the business process. In the Object Manager, admins can create multiple Record Types for an object, each with its own set of configurations, such as different page layouts or business processes. This is particularly useful for managing variations in products, sales processes, or services within the same object.

4. How does the Lightning App Builder enable administrators to customize Home Pages and Record Pages, and what components can be added?

The Lightning App Builder is a drag-and-drop tool that lets administrators create and customize pages in Salesforce, such as Home Pages, Record Pages, and App Pages. It allows admins to add various components like reports, dashboards, custom fields, related lists, and even third-party components from the AppExchange. This enables admins to build tailored user experiences without needing to write code.

5. What is the difference between a Page Layout and a Lightning Record Page, and how are they managed in Salesforce?

A Page Layout controls the organization and visibility of fields, related lists, and buttons on a record’s detail page. It determines what information users see and how they interact with it. A Lightning Record Page, on the other hand, is a customizable page created with the Lightning App Builder, which provides a more flexible and dynamic layout using drag-and-drop components. While Page Layouts manage the structure within the classic view, Lightning Record Pages offer advanced customization for users in Lightning Experience. Both can be managed via the Object Manager and Lightning App Builder.

3. Sales and Marketing Applications

Sales and Marketing Applications in the Salesforce Admin certification exam focus on how Salesforce tools can be leveraged to manage and optimize sales and marketing processes. This chapter covers key features like Leads, Opportunities, Campaigns, and Sales Path, which help track customer interactions, streamline lead generation, and manage sales pipelines. It also includes tools for creating reports and dashboards to analyze sales performance and marketing campaign effectiveness. Understanding these applications is crucial for driving business growth and improving customer relationships.

Sample Questions : 

1. What is the purpose of the Object Manager in Salesforce, and how can it be used to manage standard and custom objects?

The Object Manager is a central hub in Salesforce where administrators manage both standard and custom objects. It allows admins to configure fields, manage page layouts, and define relationships between objects. The Object Manager also enables the creation of custom objects to store data specific to business processes and provides control over object-level security and access.

2. How can an administrator create relationships between objects in the Object Manager, and what types of relationships are available?

Administrators can create relationships between objects by adding relationship fields in the Object Manager. The two main types of relationships are Lookup Relationships and Master-Detail Relationships. A Lookup Relationship links two objects without a strict dependency between them, while a Master-Detail Relationship creates a parent-child relationship where the child object is strongly tied to the parent object.

3. What are Record Types, and how can they be configured in the Object Manager to manage different business processes?

Record Types allow administrators to offer different page layouts and picklist values to different users, depending on the business process. In the Object Manager, admins can create multiple Record Types for an object, each with its own set of configurations, such as different page layouts or business processes. This is especially useful for managing variations in products, sales processes, or services within the same object.

4. How does the Lightning App Builder enable administrators to customize Home Pages and Record Pages, and what components can be added?

The Lightning App Builder is a drag-and-drop tool that lets administrators create and customize pages in Salesforce, such as Home Pages, Record Pages, and App Pages. It allows admins to add various components like reports, dashboards, custom fields, related lists, and even third-party components from the AppExchange. This empowers admins to build tailored user experiences without needing to write code.

5. What is the difference between a Page Layout and a Lightning Record Page, and how are they managed in Salesforce?

Page Layouts control the organization and visibility of fields, related lists, and buttons on a record’s detail page. It determines what information users see and how they interact with it. A Lightning Record Page, on the other hand, is a customizable page created with the Lightning App Builder, which provides a more flexible and dynamic layout using drag-and-drop components. While Page Layouts manage the structure within the classic view, Lightning Record Pages offer advanced customization for users in Lightning Experience. Both can be managed via the Object Manager and Lightning App Builder.

4. Service and Support Applications

Service and Support Applications in the Salesforce Admin certification exam focus on how to effectively manage customer service processes within Salesforce. This chapter covers essential tools like Cases, Queues, Omni-Channel, and Service Console to ensure timely and efficient customer support. It also explores features like Knowledge, Entitlements, and Milestones to help teams manage and resolve customer issues. Mastering these applications ensures that service agents have the right tools to deliver exceptional customer support and maintain customer satisfaction.

Sample Questions 

1. What are Cases in Salesforce, and how are they used in customer support?

Cases in Salesforce represent customer issues or inquiries and are used to track, manage, and resolve these issues within the platform. A case can be created manually by users, automatically through emails or web forms, or from other communication channels. Cases can be assigned to agents based on skill sets or workloads using features like Queues and Omni-Channel to ensure they are handled efficiently. They also help organizations keep track of customer issues, providing a centralized view for quick resolution and tracking.

2. How do Queues help manage customer service requests in Salesforce?

Queues in Salesforce help manage and prioritize service requests by grouping cases or tasks that need to be handled by a team of users. Queues assign cases to a pool of agents, allowing the first available or most appropriate agent to take ownership of a case. This ensures that requests are distributed evenly and that no case is left unattended. Queues are commonly used in customer service scenarios where multiple users are responsible for managing different types of inquiries or service requests.

3. What is Omni-Channel, and how does it enhance customer service efficiency?

Omni-Channel is a powerful feature in Salesforce that intelligently routes cases, leads, or other work items to agents based on their availability, skills, and workload. It ensures that the right case gets to the right agent at the right time. Omni-Channel balances work distribution by preventing agents from being overloaded while making sure that no cases fall through the cracks. This feature is essential in providing a smooth customer experience by reducing response times and ensuring that support cases are resolved efficiently.

4. What role does the Service Console play in the customer support process?

The Service Console is a key tool for support agents, providing a unified workspace that displays customer details, case histories, and all the necessary tools for resolving issues. With a single view, agents can quickly assess customer needs and take the necessary actions, such as responding to inquiries or escalating issues to higher levels of support. The Service Console streamlines the workflow, allowing agents to handle multiple cases efficiently and improve customer satisfaction by delivering faster solutions.

5. How do Knowledge and Entitlements improve customer service in Salesforce?

Knowledge in Salesforce allows support teams to create, manage, and share articles with both agents and customers. These articles provide valuable information that can help resolve common issues faster, reducing case resolution times. Entitlements, on the other hand, define the terms of service or support that a customer is entitled to, such as response or resolution times. These features help agents track whether customers are receiving the appropriate level of service and ensure compliance with service-level agreements (SLAs).

5. Productivity and Collaboration

Productivity and Collaboration in the Salesforce Admin certification exam covers tools that enhance user efficiency and teamwork within the platform. This chapter focuses on features like Activities, Chatter, Calendars, and Email Integration that help users manage tasks, communicate, and collaborate effectively. These tools improve workflow, ensure timely communication, and promote a collaborative environment, enabling teams to work seamlessly and stay productive.

Sample Questions: 

1. What are Activities in Salesforce, and how do they help users stay organized?

Activities in Salesforce include tasks, events, and logged calls, which help users keep track of their interactions and to-do lists. Activities allow users to manage their daily schedules, follow up with leads or customers, and ensure that important tasks are completed on time. By organizing tasks and events in one place, Salesforce helps users stay on top of their responsibilities, contributing to higher productivity and better management of customer relationships.

2. How does Chatter enhance collaboration in Salesforce?

Chatter is Salesforce’s social collaboration tool that enables users to communicate and share information in real time. Users can post updates, share files, ask questions, and collaborate on projects directly within Salesforce. Chatter groups can be created for specific teams or projects, fostering collaboration and enabling team members to stay informed. By using Chatter, organizations can improve internal communication and ensure that everyone is aligned on important tasks and initiatives.

3. How do Salesforce Calendars help manage scheduling and appointments?

Salesforce Calendars allow users to schedule events, meetings, and appointments, ensuring that they stay organized and on top of their commitments. Calendars can be shared among team members to provide visibility into each other’s availability, making it easier to coordinate meetings and collaborate effectively. Integrating Salesforce Calendars with tasks and events ensures that scheduling is streamlined, helping users manage their time more efficiently.

4. How does Salesforce’s email integration improve user productivity?

Salesforce offers email integration features that allow users to send and receive emails directly from within the platform. By integrating with email services like Gmail or Outlook, users can track emails, log them to specific records (such as leads or contacts), and create follow-up tasks. This integration eliminates the need to switch between email and Salesforce, streamlining communication and ensuring that important interactions are documented within the CRM, leading to improved productivity.

5. What is the role of Reports and Dashboards in improving collaboration in Salesforce?

Reports and Dashboards in Salesforce provide real-time insights into key metrics, allowing teams to collaborate based on data-driven decisions. Dashboards display visual summaries of performance, which can be shared with team members or executives. By accessing the same reports, teams can stay aligned on goals, track progress, and identify areas for improvement, leading to more effective collaboration and better business outcomes.

6. Data and Analytics Management

Data and Analytics Management in the Salesforce Admin certification exam focuses on managing and analyzing data within the Salesforce platform. This chapter covers essential topics like data import and export, data quality management, and reporting. It also includes dashboards and analytics tools that help organizations track performance and make informed decisions. Understanding these concepts ensures that Salesforce admins can maintain accurate data and generate meaningful insights to drive business success.

Sample Questions 

1. What tools are available for importing and exporting data in Salesforce?

Salesforce provides several tools for importing and exporting data, including Data Import Wizard and Data Loader. The Data Import Wizard is user-friendly and allows admins to import data for standard objects like accounts and contacts, as well as custom objects. For more complex data tasks, the Data Loader is a powerful tool that can handle larger volumes of data and allows both imports and exports. These tools are essential for managing data flow into and out of Salesforce, ensuring that the system is up-to-date with critical information.

2. How can data quality be maintained in Salesforce?

Maintaining data quality in Salesforce involves using features like validation rules, duplicate management, and data cleansing tools. Validation rules ensure that the data entered meets specific criteria before being saved, helping prevent errors. Duplicate management helps admins identify and merge duplicate records, ensuring data consistency. Additionally, periodic data cleansing efforts are necessary to remove outdated or incorrect data, ensuring that Salesforce remains a reliable source of accurate information.

3. How do reports help in tracking business performance in Salesforce?

Reports in Salesforce allow users to analyze data and track key performance metrics. Reports are customizable and can be tailored to specific business needs by filtering data, grouping records, and summarizing information. Salesforce reports help organizations understand their sales pipelines, service performance, and other critical business areas. By using real-time data, reports provide actionable insights that can be used for decision-making and performance improvement.

4. What are dashboards, and how do they enhance data visualization in Salesforce?

Dashboards in Salesforce are visual representations of reports that display data in easy-to-understand charts and graphs. Each dashboard component is linked to a report, providing a real-time view of the key metrics an organization is tracking. Dashboards help teams and executives quickly assess performance and spot trends, making data more accessible and easier to analyze. With dashboards, businesses can track goals and performance at a glance, improving strategic planning and execution.

5. What role do analytics tools play in Salesforce, and how do they support business decisions?

Salesforce offers various analytics tools, such as Salesforce Reports and Dashboards and Einstein Analytics, that help organizations analyze data at deeper levels. These tools allow for advanced data exploration, predictive analytics, and visualizations that offer insights beyond standard reporting. By leveraging analytics tools, businesses can identify trends, forecast outcomes, and make data-driven decisions that support long-term growth and operational efficiency. These tools are crucial for transforming raw data into valuable insights that inform strategy and improve business performance.

7. Analytics – Report and Dashboards

Analytics – Reports and Dashboards in the Salesforce Admin certification exam focuses on tools that help analyze, visualize, and track business data. This chapter covers how to create and customize Reports, design Dashboards, and use different chart types to represent key metrics. Understanding these features allows admins to generate actionable insights, helping organizations monitor performance and make data-driven decisions.

1. What is the purpose of Reports in Salesforce, and how do they help in data analysis?

Reports in Salesforce are used to analyze and present data in a structured format. They help users track key performance metrics by summarizing data from objects like Leads, Opportunities, and Cases. Reports can be customized using filters, groupings, and summaries to meet specific business requirements. These reports are critical for making informed decisions based on real-time data, as they offer insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and operational performance.

2. What are Dashboards, and how do they complement Reports in Salesforce?

Dashboards are visual representations of reports in Salesforce, designed to provide at-a-glance summaries of important data. Each dashboard component is based on a specific report, and it displays data through visual elements like charts, graphs, and tables. Dashboards make it easier for users to understand and interpret data, especially for non-technical stakeholders. They help teams monitor progress toward goals and quickly assess business performance through clear, visual insights.

3. How can an administrator create a custom Report in Salesforce?

An administrator can create a custom report by navigating to the Reports tab in Salesforce and selecting “New Report.” From there, they can choose the type of report (based on the object, such as Accounts, Opportunities, or Leads), set filters to narrow down the data, and select fields to include in the report. They can also group records, create summary fields, and apply filters to customize the report further. This enables businesses to generate reports that align with their specific analytical needs.

4. What are the different types of Reports available in Salesforce, and when should each be used?

Salesforce offers four main types of reports: Tabular, Summary, Matrix, and Joined.

• Tabular Reports are simple lists of records and are best for exporting or listing data without any grouping.
• Summary Reports allow grouping of data and are ideal for seeing subtotals or trends across categories.
• Matrix Reports can group data by rows and columns, providing cross-tabular analysis.
• Joined Reports allow combining data from multiple report types into one view, useful for comparing different datasets.
  Each report type serves different business needs based on the complexity of the data.

5. How do Report Filters and Groupings improve the usefulness of a report in Salesforce?

Report Filters allow users to narrow down data based on specific criteria, such as date ranges, record types, or status. This ensures that only relevant data is displayed, making the report more focused and actionable. Groupings, on the other hand, enable the report to categorize data by fields, such as Account Owner or Opportunity Stage, allowing users to see patterns and trends. By combining filters and groupings, reports can provide deeper insights into business performance, helping teams focus on the most critical areas for decision-making.