From Novice to Pro: 10 Steps to Become a Certified Salesforce Developer
Updated: Sep 1
Salesforce is one of the most widely used cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, with over 150,000 customers worldwide. As more and more companies adopt Salesforce, the demand for skilled Salesforce developers is also increasing. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified Salesforce Developer, including tips and resources for mastering key skills and passing the certification exam.
Step 1: Learn the Basics
Before diving into the technical aspects of Salesforce development, it's important to understand the basics of the Salesforce platform. This includes topics like:
Salesforce Platform Basics
Understanding the Salesforce platform and its various editions
Navigating the Salesforce interface and its key features
Basic data modeling and management concepts, including objects, fields, and relationships
Customizing the user interface using page layouts and record types
Data Management
Data management best practices, including data quality and data security
Importing and exporting data using the Salesforce data loader and other tools
Understanding Salesforce data types and relationships
Security and Access
Understanding the Salesforce security model and access controls
Setting up and managing user profiles and permission sets
Best practices for securing sensitive data in Salesforce
Customizing the User Interface
Customizing the Salesforce user interface using page layouts, record types, and custom components
Best practices for user interface design and usability
By mastering these basics, you'll have a solid foundation for becoming a Salesforce developer.
Step 2: Learn Apex Programming
Apex is a programming language used to develop custom business logic and integrate with external systems in Salesforce. To become a certified Salesforce Developer, you'll need to have a good understanding of Apex programming, including:
Apex Syntax and Concepts
Understanding Apex syntax and data types
Variables, constants, and expressions in Apex
Control structures like if/else, loops, and switch statements
Object-Oriented Programming Concepts
Understanding object-oriented programming concepts like classes, objects, and inheritance
Creating and using custom classes in Apex
Interfaces, abstract classes, and Inheritance in Apex
Triggers and Classes
Understanding Apex triggers and their use cases
Writing and testing Apex triggers
Creating and using Apex classes
Governor Limits
Understanding Salesforce governor limits and their impact on Apex development
Best practices for writing efficient and scalable Apex code
By mastering these Apex programming concepts, you'll be well on your way to becoming a certified Salesforce Developer.
Step 3: Learn Visualforce Pages and Controllers
Visualforce is a framework used to build custom user interfaces in Salesforce. As a Salesforce Developer, you'll need to know how to create Visualforce pages and controllers. This includes:
Visualforce Syntax and Concepts
Understanding Visualforce syntax and components
Creating custom Visualforce pages and components
Using Visualforce components like input fields, output fields, and apex: repeat
Custom Controllers and Extensions
Creating custom controllers and controller extensions
Understanding the relationship between Visualforce pages and controllers
Passing parameters between Visualforce pages and controllers
Standard Controllers
Understanding standard controllers and their use cases
Using standard controllers with Visualforce pages
By mastering Visualforce pages and controllers, you'll be able to create custom user interfaces and workflows in Salesforce.
Step 4: Learn Lightning Web Components
Lightning Web Components is a modern web standards-based programming model that allows developers to build reusable components for Salesforce. As a Salesforce Developer, you'll need to know how to create Lightning Web Components. This includes:
Lightning Web Components Architecture
Understanding the architecture and structure of Lightning Web Components
The difference between Aura Components and Lightning Web Components
How to use the Lightning Component Framework to build Lightning Web Components
HTML Templates and JavaScript Classes
Creating HTML templates for Lightning Web Components
Creating JavaScript classes for Lightning Web Components
Communicating between components using events
Component Events
Understanding component events and their use cases
Creating and firing component events
Handling component events in other components
By mastering Lightning Web Components, you'll be able to build reusable and scalable components for your Salesforce applications.
Step 5: Learn Data Modeling and Management
Data modeling and management are critical skills for a Salesforce Developer. You'll need to know how to design and implement custom data models, as well as manage data using the Salesforce data loader. This includes:
Custom Objects and Fields
Creating custom objects and fields in Salesforce
Understanding the relationship between objects and fields
Best practices for designing custom objects and fields
Relationships and Junction Objects
Understanding relationships between objects in Salesforce
Creating and managing relationships between objects
Using junction objects to model many-to-many relationships
Data Import and Export
Importing data into Salesforce using the data loader and other tools
Exporting data from Salesforce using the data loader and other tools
Best practices for data management in Salesforce
By mastering data modeling and management, you'll be able to design and implement custom data models that meet the needs of your Salesforce applications.
Step 6: Learn Integration and APIs
Salesforce integrates with many external systems, so it's important to understand integration and APIs. This includes:
Integration Patterns and Best Practices
Understanding integration patterns like request-response, publish-subscribe, and batch processing
Best practices for designing and implementing integrations with external systems
Using middleware like Mulesoft and Dell Boomi to integrate with external systems
REST and SOAP APIs
Understanding the differences between REST and SOAP APIs
Creating and testing REST and SOAP APIs in Salesforce
Using the Salesforce API to integrate with external systems
Outbound Messaging and Apex Callouts
Using outbound messaging to send data to external systems
Using Apex callouts to make HTTP requests to external systems
Best practices for integrating with external systems in Salesforce
By mastering integration and APIs, you'll be able to integrate Salesforce with other systems and provide a seamless user experience for your users.
Step 7: Practice Testing and Debugging
Testing and debugging are essential skills for a Salesforce Developer. You'll need to know how to write and execute unit tests, as well as debug and troubleshoot issues. This includes:
Testing Best Practices
Understanding the different types of tests in Salesforce, including unit tests, integration tests, and system tests
Writing and executing unit tests in Salesforce
Best practices for testing in Salesforce
Debugging Techniques
Using the Salesforce Developer Console to debug Apex code
Understanding common debugging techniques like log files and system.debug statements
Best practices for debugging in Salesforce
Test Coverage and Code Quality
Understanding test coverage and its importance in Salesforce development
Measuring and improving code quality in Salesforce
Best practices for code quality and test coverage in Salesforce
By mastering testing and debugging, you'll be able to ensure the quality and reliability of your Salesforce applications.
Step 8: Learn Deployment Strategies
Salesforce development requires a good understanding of deployment strategies. You'll need to know how to deploy changes between Salesforce environments using tools like the Force.com Migration Tool and Salesforce CLI. This includes:
Change Set and Package Development
Understanding change set and package development in Salesforce
Using change sets and packages to deploy changes between Salesforce environments
Best practices for change set and package development in Salesforce
Force.com Migration Tool and Salesforce CLI
Understanding the Force.com Migration Tool and Salesforce CLI
Using the Force.com Migration Tool and Salesforce CLI to deploy changes between Salesforce environments
Best practices for using the Force.com Migration Tool and Salesforce CLI
Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)
Understanding CI/CD and its importance in Salesforce development
Setting up a CI/CD pipeline for Salesforce development
Best practices for CI/CD in Salesforce development
By mastering deployment strategies, you'll be able to deploy changes between Salesforce environments quickly and reliably.
Step 9: Learn AppExchange App Development
Salesforce AppExchange is a marketplace for third-party Salesforce applications. As a Salesforce Developer, you may want to develop and publish your own AppExchange applications. This includes:
AppExchange Development Basics
Understanding the AppExchange marketplace and its requirements
Creating and publishing an AppExchange application
Best practices for AppExchange development
Security Review and Compliance
Understanding the security review process for AppExchange applications
Ensuring compliance with Salesforce security and data privacy requirements
Best practices for security review and compliance
AppExchange Marketing and Sales
Understanding how to market and sell your AppExchange application
Best practices for AppExchange marketing and sales
By mastering AppExchange app development, you'll be able to create and publish your own applications on the Salesforce AppExchange marketplace.
Step 10: Prepare for Certification
Becoming a certified Salesforce Developer is a great way to validate your skills and stand out in the job market. Salesforce offers several certification paths for developers, including:
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I
Validating your skills in Apex programming, Visualforce development, and Salesforce data model
Passing the Platform Developer I certification exam
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II
Validating your skills in advanced Apex programming, Lightning Web Components, and Salesforce integration
Passing the Platform Developer II certification exam
Salesforce Certified Technical Architect
Validating your skills in designing and implementing complex Salesforce solutions
Passing the Technical Architect certification exam
To prepare for certification, you can use resources like Trailhead and take courses offered by Salesforce partners. You can also join Salesforce user groups, attend Salesforce events, and network with other developers to learn from their experiences.
Conclusion
Becoming a certified Salesforce Developer requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's a rewarding career path with many opportunities. By following these 10 steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled Salesforce Developer and passing the certification exam. Good luck!
FAQ
What are the key skills required to become a Salesforce Developer?
To become a Salesforce Developer, you need to have knowledge of programming concepts, data management, and user interface customization. Some of the key skills required include Apex programming, Visualforce development, Lightning Web Components, data modeling and management, integration and APIs, testing and debugging, deployment strategies, and security.
How can I learn Salesforce development?
You can learn Salesforce development by using resources like Trailhead, Salesforce's online learning platform, and taking courses offered by Salesforce partners. You can also join Salesforce user groups, attend Salesforce events, and network with other developers to learn from their experiences.
What certification should I pursue to become a certified Salesforce Developer?
Salesforce offers several certification paths for developers, including Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I and Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II. These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in Salesforce development and can help you stand out in the job market.
How long does it take to become a certified Salesforce Developer?
The time it takes to become a certified Salesforce Developer depends on your existing knowledge and experience. If you're starting from scratch, it may take several months to a year or more to gain the necessary skills and pass the certification exam. However, if you already have some programming experience and are familiar with Salesforce, you may be able to complete the certification process in a shorter timeframe.
What resources are available for preparing for the Salesforce certification exam?
Salesforce offers a variety of resources for preparing for the certification exam, including study guides, practice exams, and certification prep courses. You can also use online resources like Trailhead and community forums to learn from other developers and get tips and advice.
Can I become a certified Salesforce Developer without a computer science degree?
Yes, you can become a certified Salesforce Developer without a computer science degree. While a degree in computer science or a related field can be helpful, it's not a requirement. Many successful Salesforce Developers come from diverse educational backgrounds, and there are many resources available for learning Salesforce development on your own.
Is Salesforce development a good career choice?
Salesforce development is a growing field with many opportunities for career advancement and high salaries. As more companies adopt Salesforce, the demand for skilled Salesforce Developers is also increasing. Additionally, Salesforce offers a variety of certifications and training programs that can help you grow your skills and advance in your career.