Stepping into the Salesforce ecosystem begins with a solid foundation, and that’s exactly what the Salesforce Administrator Certification offers. As one of the most recognized and in-demand credentials in the CRM and cloud space, this certification signals your ability to manage, configure, and make the most of the Salesforce platform to support business goals. It’s not just a badge of technical know-how, but a reflection of your understanding of how to bridge technology and process for real-world impact.
The Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam, although introductory in title, requires a thorough understanding of concepts such as user management, security, automation, data modeling, reporting, and business process configuration. It challenges candidates to think practically, not just theoretically, to connect dots between what a business needs and what Salesforce can deliver. For many, this is their first real step toward a career in CRM administration, business analysis, or cloud consulting, making it both exciting and a little overwhelming.
With countless resources, Trailhead modules, practice tests, and study guides available, the key lies not in doing everything, but in following a focused, smart approach. This guide/video is designed to help you do just that. From understanding the exam format to mastering the core topics, mapping your study plan, and building the confidence to walk into the exam room ready, we have got you covered. Because passing the Salesforce Administrator Certification isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s about learning how to think like a Salesforce Admin.
Do you want to build a career in Salesforce Administrator but don’t know much about it. If so, there may be a number of thoughts fluttering in your head, like – what a Salesforce Administrator is, followed by why to go for this certification. Do not worry. You are at the right place. The article gives pertinent details about the exam, which will answer each one of your questions. So, let’s start with the basics.
What is Salesforce?
Salesforce serves as a solution for managing customer relationships, bringing businesses and clients closer. Alongside this,
- It offers a variety of certifications
- It presents various choices for both IT and non-IT experts in different job roles.
For this reason, Salesforce certifications are industry-recognized validations that demonstrate your proficiency in Salesforce-related skills to potential employers and clients. These certifications are categorized into various groups, each containing different tiers with several certifications. These categories encompass Administrators, App Builders, Developers, Architects, Consultants, Marketers, Pardot, and Specialists.
Salesforce Administrator and Developer exams are the foundational Salesforce certifications. Therefore, they serve as entry points for individuals aiming to become Salesforce professionals. Both the Developer and Administrator exams require certain prerequisites. Likewise, most Salesforce professionals follow a similar path of certifications to achieve official recognition as a certified Salesforce expert.
Why go for Salesforce Administrator Certifications?
Before you invest your resources in Salesforce, it’s crucial to understand the significance of Salesforce certification. As mentioned earlier, the demand for professionals with Salesforce certifications is growing, making these certifications more valuable. Here’s why you should consider obtaining Salesforce certifications:
- Salesforce certifications validate your expertise and practical experience in Salesforce.
- These certifications enable you to showcase your proficiency to potential employers and clients.
- Companies tend to hire certified professionals to attract clients and enhance credibility.
- Certified professionals generally receive higher salaries compared to non-certified counterparts.
- Salesforce certifications add a new credential to your resume, significantly boosting your career.
After getting your basics clear, it’s time to unveil the other required details of the exam. Let’s start will exam overview.
What is the Salesforce Administrator Exam?
The Salesforce administrator exam highlights the variety of apps, features, and functions that are accessible to end users. Second, it emphasizes configuration and administration choices that an administrator has access to across the collaboration, service, and sales clouds.
Exam Details
The Salesforce Administrator exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 90 minutes to complete it and need to score at least 65% to pass. The exam is closed-book, meaning you can’t use any paper materials or online resources. The test is available only in English. The cost of the Salesforce Administrator certification exam is 200 USD in total.
Prerequisites for the Salesforce Administrator Exam
To become a certified Salesforce administrator, you need at least six months of experience working as one. Furthermore, you should be able to manage a Salesforce organization and handle typical business needs. Companies hiring Salesforce Administrators look for individuals who can handle administrative tasks effectively. Likewise, having a good grasp of features accessible to end-users makes you an ideal fit for this certification.
Salesforce Administrator Exam Course Outline
Salesforce Certified Administrator certification exam extends the hand by providing a course outline. In other words, the candidate can measure his/her knowledge and skills related to the following objectives. The Salesforce administrator exam guide covers the following domains:
Configuration and Setup: 20%
- Describe the information found in the company settings (for example: company settings fiscal year, business hours, currency management, default settings).
- Distinguish and understand the administration of declarative configuration of the User Interface. (for example: UI settings, app menu, list views, global actions, Lightning App Builder).
- Given a scenario, demonstrate the proper setup and maintenance of users.
- Explain the various organization Security Controls. (for example: Setup Audit Trail, Login Hours, Session Settings)
- Given a user request scenario, apply the appropriate security controls based on the features and capabilities of the Salesforce sharing model. (for example: public groups, org wide default, sharing: roles, subordinates, hierarchy, report and dashboard folders)
- Given a scenario, determine the appropriate use of a custom profile or permission set using the various profile settings and permissions.
Object Manager and Lightning App Builder: 20%
- Describe the standard object architecture and relationship model. (for example: standard object, parent/child, master detail/lookup/junction relationships, and record types.)
- Explain how to create, delete, and customize fields and page layouts on standard and custom objects, and know the implications of deleting fields.
- Given a scenario, determine how to create and assign page layouts, record types and business processes for custom and standard objects.
Sales and Marketing Applications: 12%
- Given a scenario, identify the capabilities and implications of the sales process. (for example: sales process, opportunity, path, and forecast impact.)
- Given a scenario, apply the appropriate sales productivity features using opportunity tools. (for example: dashboards, lead scoring, Einstein opportunity scoring, and home page assistant.)
- Describe the capabilities of lead automation tools and campaign management. (for example: leads, lead convert, lead assignment rules, campaign and campaign members.)
Service and Support Applications: 11%
- Describe the capabilities of case management. (for example: case, case assignment rules, and queues.)
- Given a scenario, identify how to automate case management. (for example: support process, case auto-response rules, and case escalation.)
Productivity and Collaboration: 7%
- Describe the capabilities of activity management.
- Describe the features of Chatter.
- Describe the capabilities of Salesforce Mobile App.
- Identify use cases for AppExchange applications.
Data and Analytics Management: 14%
- Describe the considerations when importing, updating, transferring, mass deleting, exporting and backing up data.
- Describe the capabilities and implications of data validation tools.
- Describe the options available when creating or customizing a report or report type.
- Describe the impact of the sharing model on reports.
- Describe the options available when creating and modifying dashboards (e.g., dashboard components, data sources, chart types, Subscribing, running user).
Workflow/Process Automation: 16%
- Given a scenario, identify the appropriate automation solution based on the capabilities of the tool.
- Describe capabilities and use cases for Flow.
- Describe capabilities and use cases for the approval process.
Prepare for your Salesforce Administrator exam using the Study Guide!
How to Book the Exam?
Before you start preparing for the exam, it’s crucial to reserve your spot for the test. Without booking, you won’t be able to take the exam. So, if you’re committed to taking this exam, it’s time to get yourself registered. The process of booking the exam is quite simple. Just follow the steps outlined below:
- Log in to Webassessor. If you don’t already have a test taker profile on Webassessor, you’ll need to create one.
- Click on “Register for an Exam.”
- Find the exam you want to schedule and expand the section to see the available delivery options. You can opt for an onsite proctored or online proctored exam. Click the “Register” button for your preferred delivery method.
- If you’re interested in online proctored exams, follow the provided link.
Online Proctoring – Taking Your Exam Remotely.
2. If you selected the onsite proctored exam:
- To begin with, choose the date and time when you want to take the exam. Make sure to read and understand the Reschedule and Cancellation Policy, then mark the acknowledgment check box.
- Next, remember that all online proctored exams will be automatically set according to the time zone you provide.
4. Click Select.
5. Review the exam and scheduling details, click Checkout.
6. Above all, enter your payment type. You can enter a voucher/coupon code and/or credit card.
7. After that, Click Submit.
8. You will see a purchase confirmation screen. After that, Click Done.
9. An email confirming your purchase and registration will be sent to you.
Reschedule/Cancel the Exam
In case you’re unable to take your scheduled exam for any reason, you can reschedule it. You’re allowed to reschedule or cancel the exam without any extra charge, as long as you do so at least 72 hours before the exam’s scheduled start time.
Note: 72 hours prior to the scheduled exam start time.
You have the option to reschedule or cancel the exam through your Webassessor test taker account. However, if you decide to reschedule within 72 hours of the exam, there will be a $75 fee. Importantly, if you miss the exam without notifying the Salesforce Certification team beforehand, you will be considered a no-show and will be charged the full exam fee.
Retake the Exam
Make sure to take your exam at a specific time and pass it. But if you don’t succeed on your first try, you’ll need to retake the exam. Here’s how the Salesforce administrator retake policy works:
- If you don’t pass on your first attempt within a certain period, you need to wait 24 hours before trying a second time.
- If you’re unsuccessful on your second attempt within the same period, you must wait 14 days before attempting a third time.
- If you don’t succeed on your third attempt within the same period, you’ll have to wait until the start of the next period before you can register for the exam again.
The retake attempts will reset at the beginning of the next period. Moreover, the fee for retaking an exam is half of its original cost. Webassessor will automatically update the fee to the retake price.
Maintaining Salesforce Credentials
Maintaining a Salesforce certification is similar to other certifications. With a Salesforce login, you can always stay updated with new product releases, which is a major advantage. To ensure you’re up-to-date, Salesforce has introduced release tests that help you access the latest information.
You can bookmark these useful resources for maintaining your credentials:
Do not let your credential expire or your hardwork will go in vain. For instance, if you failed to complete maintenance requirements by the due date, 2 things could happen:
- Firstly, your credential will expire
- Secondly, your credential may become suspended
Step by Step Guide for Salesforce Administrator Exam
Now that you’ve gone through all the information, it’s time to get ready for the exam. Keep in mind that with proper planning and a Salesforce administrator exam guide, passing the exam can be smooth. Test prep Training has crafted a step-by-step guide for you that will be really helpful. Make sure to read and follow these steps attentively, and feel free to take notes if it helps.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Format and Objectives
Before diving into study materials, get clear on what the exam covers and how it’s structured.
- Format: 60 multiple-choice/multiple-select questions
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Passing Score: 65%
- Delivery: Online proctored or onsite testing center
Core Knowledge Areas:
- Configuration and Setup – 20%
- Object Manager and Lightning App Builder – 20%
- Sales and Marketing Applications – 12%
- Service and Support Applications – 11%
- Productivity and Collaboration – 7%
- Data and Analytics Management – 14%
- Workflow/Process Automation – 16%
🔗 Official Exam Guide: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/help?article=Salesforce-Certified-Administrator-Exam-Guide
Step 2: Create a Personalized Study Plan
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Spread out your preparation over 4 to 6 weeks (longer if you are new to Salesforce).
Weekly Planning Tips:
- Assign each major topic to a week.
- Mix in reading, hands-on practice, and quiz attempts.
- Leave time for full-length mock exams toward the end.
Sample Weekly Plan:
- Week 1: Configuration, Users, Profiles, and Org Setup
- Week 2: Object Manager, Standard & Custom Objects
- Week 3: Sales Cloud + Marketing apps
- Week 4: Service Cloud + Reports & Dashboards
- Week 5: Automation (Flows, Workflow, Process Builder)
- Week 6: Mock Tests + Revision
Step 3: Use Trailhead as Your Primary Learning Hub
Trailhead is Salesforce’s official learning platform, and it’s completely free.
Recommended Trails and Modules:
- Admin Beginner
- Security Basics
- Data Modeling
- Salesforce Mobile App Customization
- Reports & Dashboards for Lightning Experience
- Automation with Flow
Use Trailmixes designed specifically for the exam — they’re pre-bundled with modules in the correct order.
Step 4: Get Hands-On with a Free Salesforce Org
Reading is not enough — Salesforce rewards those who know how to do things inside the platform.
Sign up for a free Salesforce Developer Org: https://developer.salesforce.com/signup
Practice:
- Creating users, roles, profiles
- Customizing objects and fields
- Building reports and dashboards
- Creating Flows and Process Builders
- Using App Builder to customize layouts and apps
This real-time practice makes a huge difference in retention and application.
Step 5: Take Practice Tests and Simulate Exam Conditions
Once you have covered the material, start testing yourself.
Where to Find Quality Practice Tests:
- Salesforce’s official practice test (available via Webassessor or partner platforms)
- Websites like Focus on Force, Quizlet, or Udemy courses with high ratings
- Vskills or other structured practice platforms
Simulate real exam conditions by:
- Setting a timer for 105 minutes
- Avoiding interruptions
- Reviewing why your answers were right or wrong
Step 6: Join a Community for Support and Updates
Learning alone is hard. Being part of a group keeps you accountable and gives you access to peer learning.
Join communities like:
- Salesforce Trailblazer Community
- Reddit: r/salesforce
- LinkedIn groups or Telegram/Discord channels for learners
- Local Trailblazer Community Groups (meetups, webinars, mentoring)
Ask questions, clear doubts, and celebrate progress!
Step 7: Book the Exam with Confidence
Once you are consistently scoring 75% or higher on practice tests, it’s time to schedule your exam!
You can choose:
- Online Proctored Exam (quiet room, webcam, stable internet)
- Onsite Testing Center (in-person)
Pro Tip: Take the exam when you feel ready, not when you feel perfect.
Becoming a Salesforce Certified Administrator is not just about passing a test — it’s about building a mindset. It teaches you how to think in systems, support users, and solve business problems using technology. With focused effort, smart preparation, and real hands-on practice, you’ve got everything it takes to succeed.
Exam Day
Before you take the actual exam, there are a few things to consider. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips to help you succeed in the exam.
- Firstly, stay calm and composed. You have three attempts, so there’s no need to stress too much.
- Remember to bring two pencils and two clear sheets of paper, as these are allowed for your use during the exam.
- You’ll have 150 minutes, so there’s plenty of time to complete the exam.
- You can review each question individually and then go back to them as needed.
- There are only 39 questions to go through, and remember, you need a 65% score to pass the exam.
Expert’s Desk
I hope the article had listed out all the important details about the exam that can help you pass the exam. If you are ready to take the exam, start mapping out your plan for exam preparation and study hard.
Remember, the Salesforce certification is a certification that speaks for itself. In other words, you don’t need to speak about your skills and expertise. The examination itself contains questions related to competencies, and if you have passed it, it’s self-explanatory how much expertise you have in this field. The certification would surely increase your pay, boost your confidence, help you in getting many new opportunities, and polish up your resume.
Above all, the only thing between you and this exam is the ‘Preparation’. However, Salesforce administrator Mock tests are really helpful to measure how prepared you are for the exam.
PREPARE AND MEASURE YOURSELF HERE!
GET CERTIFIED NOW!
