Salesforce Marketing Cloud Certification Guide

On August 2, 2021, Posted by CRS Info Solutions , In Salesforce Tutorial, With Comments Off

Exam guide
Study the exam outline
Hit the trail
Go live
Take a webinar
Learn from experts
Take the practice test
Email Marketing Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different Salesforce Marketing Cloud certifications available?
What topics are covered in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam?

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist Certification helps a candidate to develop knowledge, experience, and skills in email marketing. The candidate can practice message design, inbox delivery, subscriber and data management, tracking and reporting the metrics in the marketing cloud email application, and email automation. Another advantage of salesforce certification is that it helps those candidates who want to build a career in analytics, email campaigns, and email marketing.

There are many strategies you can follow to take the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist Certification. although the resources have different teaching styles. These include on-demand from Trailhead Live, self-led Trailhead, expert-led classes, and much more.

Furthermore, Marketing continues to be a highly valued skill in the marketplace. If you want to get the Marketing Cloud Email Specialist Certification, we are here to guide you. By following our recommendations, you can certainly pass your exam and get your certificate.

Enroll in our Salesforce Marketing Cloud Course at CRS Info Solutions for an engaging, live instructor-led experience. Get hands-on training with real-time projects, focusing on practical skills. Learn essential tools like Email Studio, Journey Builder, and Social Studio. This course offers a fully immersive experience to boost your Marketing Cloud expertise. Gain practical knowledge and advance your career today!!

Exam guide

You cannot start a journey without a map. Exam guides prove helpful for knowing the topics to be considered. The exam guide contains all the information you need. This information helps you to study and prepare for the exam. Through this exam guide, you can learn about:

Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist Certification
Audience description
Purpose of the exam guide
About the exam
Recommended training and references
Exam outline
Maintaining your certificate

Study the exam outline

Before you start your preparation for the exam, you must know the exam breakdown. The categories are not valued equally. Knowing how to scores are weighted will enable you to prioritize your studies if your preparation time is limited. Below is the percentage of questions per topic area on the test:

Email marketing best practices: 15%
Email message design: 13%
Content creation and delivery: 18%
Marketing automation: 19%
Subscriber and data management: 28%
Tracking and reporting: 7%

Hit the trail

Start your work by learning and practicing. There is plenty of content relevant to salesforce marketing cloud email specialists. Search the relevant topics you want to know more about and get knowledge according to your requirement. In this regard, you can also search:

Email deliverability concepts
Create and send a message in journey builder

See also: Marketing Cloud Mobile Studio

Go live

You can also get help from Trailhead Live. You can explore certain topics of interest. Trailhead Live is an online platform where sales experts host live sessions and cover the most in-demand skills and topics across the salesforce products. Access to content is free and easy. You can watch these sessions live or later in a content library.

This is a great place to go if you want to review the course concepts that are not clear to you. Some important sessions that can be helpful for you are:

Marketing cloud—roles and permissions
Preparing for your marketing cloud consultant certification—data designer and attribute groups

Take a webinar

Webinars can also help you to extend your learning of the marketing cloud in the salesforce. Check the current topics being offered. These topics are mostly on-demand. Below are the important topics you must know for the exam:

Preparing for your Marketing Cloud Email Marketing Specialist Certification
Certification days

These types of webinars cover key exam topics. If you are a newbie or just beginning your exam preparation, you can register for the free webinars. However, in these webinars, the spots are limited, so you must get registered early.

Learn from experts

To pass the exam, you must learn from experts who have great experience and expertise in this field. You can get help from your friends or other people. To learn anything, the easiest way is by doing. If you can’t access the marketing cloud, taking a class is a great way to get hands-on experience. You can take the following course:

This 5-day course was launched by Trailhead in 2020. In this course, you will learn the introduction of the platform along with some hands-on exercises so that you can see the platform in action. This course is designed for newbies who have zero or limited experience in the marketing cloud. Following are the topics covered by MKT101:

Introduction to salesforce marketing cloud
Administration
Subscriber and data management
Email messaged design and creation
Message testing, delivery, email marketing best practices
Marketing automation
Analytics and troubleshooting
Summary

Take the practice test

The email specialist practice exam can provide an opportunity to assess your knowledge and practice regarding the exam. You will also learn what areas need more attention before you take the test. Even if you are an expert in the marketing cloud, there may be some topics that you don’t often use.

While taking a certification exam, you have to know the pros and cons of each option. In certification exams, you will have to think differently than in your day-to-day tasks, so the practice will prove beneficial for you before taking the exam.

Use as many resources as you can to gain knowledge about your topics. There are numerous free resources available for you. You can find many of them in:

Email Marketing Best Practices

From email blogs to a podcast offering useful content every month, there is much more for you. And long after you have got your certification as a marketing cloud email specialist, there is still more information that can help you to grow your career.

YouTube Tutorials

Learn from industry experts and watch YouTube tutorials. Search out salesforce marketing cloud’s official channels. These channels contain best practice videos, new releases, and platform demos. By watching videos relevant to your topics, you can learn and practice more efficiently to pass the exam.

Study Groups

Group study is the perfect way of learning in a better environment. If you want to prepare for the marketing cloud exam, you can create a study group. Connect with others who are also attempting to get the salesforce certificate. You can learn more in group study than studying alone because every person has different potential and abilities. You can share your knowledge with others and benefit from others as well.

Simple test strategy tips

Below are some test strategy tips you can follow while taking the exam:

Take your time.

The exam allows 90 minutes to complete. Make sure to take your full time. Never be hasty; attempt all questions with full attention and consideration. Otherwise, there will be a chance of mistakes that you cannot correct.

Read every questions carefully.

Salesforce normally writes tricky questions that often trip you up. So read every question slowly and carefully at least twice before marking the answer.

Use the checkbox.

This is the best tip while taking the exam. Use the checkbox (Mark for review) for those questions you answered correctly. The pass rate is 60%, so make sure how many questions you have attempted correctly.

If you want to get the certification of a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist, you can follow the above-mentioned tips to prepare for the exam and build your career.

Finally, Please contact us if you are interested to learn Salesforce Marketing Cloud Certification Training.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different Salesforce Marketing Cloud certifications available?

In my experience, Salesforce Marketing Cloud offers several certifications that cater to different roles and expertise. The most common certifications include the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Social Specialist, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Consultant, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud Developer. These certifications are tailored to different aspects of Marketing Cloud, whether it’s email marketing, social media, or technical implementation. As a beginner, I started with the Email Specialist certification, which is often recommended for those new to the platform.

Each certification requires a different skill set, so I’d suggest reviewing the exam guide for each one to understand the specific topics covered. For example, the Email Specialist focuses heavily on email marketing strategies, automation, and deliverability. Similarly, if you’re interested in the technical side, the Developer certification dives deep into API integration, scripting, and complex data manipulations. I’d recommend aligning your certification goal with your career interests to get the most value out of it.

2. What are the prerequisites for earning a Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification?

From what I’ve learned, Salesforce doesn’t set strict prerequisites for most Marketing Cloud certifications, but some basic knowledge and experience can be really helpful. For instance, having experience with the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform, particularly in areas like Email Studio, Automation Studio, or Journey Builder, is key. Before attempting the certification, I personally spent several months getting hands-on experience with the platform to ensure I understood the key features and tools.

In my opinion, completing Salesforce’s Trailhead modules is a great way to prepare. These self-paced, free learning paths help you build a strong foundation in Salesforce Marketing Cloud. I found the Email Studio and Automation Studio modules to be incredibly useful before taking the Email Specialist exam. These practical, step-by-step lessons helped me understand the core features that I would be tested on during the certification exam.

3. How can I register for the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam?

I found the process of registering for the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam to be straightforward. First, I created a Salesforce Webassessor account, which is the platform used for registration. Once my account was set up, I was able to browse the list of available exams and select the one I was interested in. For example, when I registered for the Email Specialist exam, I simply chose the exam from the list, paid the exam fee, and selected my preferred exam date.

After registering, I received an email confirmation, which included details about the exam, such as the time and date. I could take the exam online, which was convenient since I could do it from my own space. The exam is conducted through a proctored system, which means that you’ll need a webcam and a quiet environment to ensure the integrity of the exam. I felt comfortable during the process, knowing I had everything set up correctly before the big day.

4. What is the cost of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam?

In my experience, the cost of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam varies depending on the specific exam. For example, the Email Specialist certification exam costs around $200, while other exams like the Consultant or Developer exams may be priced similarly or slightly higher. I found that the fees are consistent across different Salesforce certifications, which makes budgeting easier when planning for the exam.

I also discovered that Salesforce occasionally offers discounts or promotions on certification exams, especially during events like Dreamforce. If you’re part of a Salesforce-focused community or user group, you might even find opportunities for free or discounted vouchers. If you’re serious about earning the certification, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for any promotional offers to save some money on the exam fee.

5. What topics are covered in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam?

The topics covered in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam are quite broad, but they mainly focus on the core functionalities of the platform. From my experience, the Email Specialist exam, for example, covers areas like email marketing best practices, data management, and email deliverability. You’ll be tested on how to create and optimize email campaigns, set up automation, and manage customer data using tools like Email Studio and Journey Builder.

I spent a lot of time focusing on Automation Studio, as it’s one of the more challenging areas. During the exam, you’re expected to know how to set up automated workflows and segment data for targeted email campaigns. For example, I practiced creating automations that trigger based on customer behavior or lifecycle stages. Here’s a basic example of an automation to send a follow-up email:

SELECT * FROM Contact
WHERE LastActivityDate > DATEADD(day, -7, GETDATE())

This SQL query fetches contacts who have engaged within the past 7 days, perfect for targeting active customers in an automation sequence. Understanding these tools and workflows was crucial for me in passing the exam.

6. Are there any recommended study materials for Salesforce Marketing Cloud certifications?

In my experience, Salesforce provides some excellent resources to prepare for the Marketing Cloud certification exams. One of the best tools I used was Salesforce Trailhead, which offers free, self-paced modules and trails specifically designed for different certifications. For instance, before I took the Email Specialist exam, I focused on the Marketing Cloud Email Specialist trail. It covers everything from email creation and personalization to data segmentation and deliverability, giving a well-rounded understanding of the platform.

Additionally, Salesforce offers study guides and practice exams on the Webassessor platform, which were extremely helpful for gauging my readiness. I would highly recommend reviewing these guides thoroughly, as they include key exam objectives and sample questions. Beyond Salesforce’s official resources, I found community-driven resources like blogs and forums also useful, especially for tackling tricky concepts like AMPscript or SQL queries. They often provide real-world use cases and examples, which helped me understand the concepts better.

7. How long is the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam, and what is the passing score?

From my personal experience, the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exams typically last around 90 minutes, depending on the specific exam. The Email Specialist exam, for example, has about 60 multiple-choice questions. I found that the time was sufficient if I managed it well, but I did need to pace myself to ensure I could review my answers at the end. One tip I would suggest is to read each question carefully and avoid rushing through them.

The passing score for the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exams is generally 65% to 70%. For the Email Specialist exam, I needed to get at least 70% of the questions correct to pass. It can be helpful to set a goal to aim for a higher score, as the exam can include tricky questions that require a solid understanding of the platform. In my case, I made sure to focus more on the practical applications of the tools, which gave me a better understanding of the concepts and boosted my chances of passing.

8. What are the benefits of obtaining a Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification?

In my experience, earning a Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification can provide significant career benefits. First, it demonstrates to employers that you have a solid understanding of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud platform and can implement it effectively. For instance, when I obtained my Email Specialist certification, it enhanced my credibility with clients, helping me secure higher-profile projects. It’s a great way to validate your skills and set yourself apart in a competitive job market.

Additionally, Salesforce certifications open up opportunities for professional growth and development. With a Marketing Cloud certification, you can qualify for more advanced roles, such as Marketing Cloud Consultant or Marketing Cloud Developer. On top of that, Salesforce regularly updates its certifications to align with new features and trends, which helps you stay current with the latest industry developments. The certification also gives you access to a strong community of professionals and exclusive events, which I’ve found valuable for networking and learning.

9. How often do I need to recertify for Salesforce Marketing Cloud certifications?

From what I’ve learned, Salesforce Marketing Cloud certifications are valid for one year, after which you need to recertify to maintain your certification status. I had to go through the recertification process for the Email Specialist certification after a year. The recertification process is typically less involved than the initial exam and is done through an online module that covers any updates or new features Salesforce has introduced to the platform during the year.

For instance, when I recertified, the module included updates about new Journey Builder functionalities and changes to Email Studio. It’s crucial to stay up to date with these changes, as the certification exams may reflect new features or best practices. I found the Trailhead platform to be invaluable for preparing for recertification. It provides easy-to-follow lessons that ensure you’re familiar with any new tools or updates Salesforce introduces in Marketing Cloud.

10. Can I take the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam online, or do I need to go to a testing center?

In my experience, you can take the Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification exam online. The exams are proctored remotely, meaning you don’t need to travel to a testing center. When I took the Email Specialist exam, I was able to do it from the comfort of my home. The online exam setup requires a webcam and a quiet, undisturbed space for the proctor to monitor you during the test. It’s essential to ensure your environment meets the technical and space requirements for a smooth exam experience.

The Webassessor platform allows you to schedule your exam at a convenient time, and you can take the exam from any location with a stable internet connection. However, you do need to make sure that your computer meets the system requirements, such as having a working webcam and a strong internet connection. I personally appreciated the flexibility of online exams, as it saved me time and allowed me to take the test at my own pace while following the guidelines provided.

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