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Discover Salesforce Associate Certifications: Entry-Level Credentials

Astro reading and Hootie holding a certification in a forest scene below the Salesforce Certified Associate logo.
Understand the associate level ceertifications, how the differ from Salesforce Certified Professionals certifications, and whether these certifications are right for you.

Earn Salesforce Associate certifications to validate your foundational knowledge in AI, Marketing, and Salesforce fundamentals.

According to the IDC, there’ll be 9.3 million new Salesforce jobs by 2026. Additionally, a prior study found that nearly half a million job openings required at least one Salesforce skill. We’re committed to supporting our customers, partners, and job seekers and helping them become Salesforce-certified professionals. With the Salesforce Associate certification, you’ll validate your understanding of Salesforce and learn the importance of CRM + AI + Data + Trust.

Associate Certifications

Entry-level credential designed for Trailblazers who are new to Salesforce.

What are Salesforce Associate certifications?

The Salesforce Associate certifications are entry-level credentials designed for those with 0-6 months of Salesforce experience. They are the perfect start if you are interested in understanding and using Salesforce. There are currently three Associate level certifications.

  1. AI Associate
    The Salesforce AI Associate certification is designed for people who may already have knowledge of AI, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. The exam will validate foundational skills in ethical and responsible handling of data as they apply to AI in CRM.
  2. Salesforce Associate
    The Salesforce Associate certification is designed for people who are familiar with Salesforce as a user. The exam validates that the user has a working knowledge of reporting, user administration, sharing, customization, and data management at a foundational level. There’s no technical expertise required.
  3. Marketing Associate
    The Salesforce Marketing Associate certification is designed for those with a foundational understanding of the Salesforce platform and Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement. This certification highlights the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an individual new to Marketing Cloud and general marketing concepts.

How is a Salesforce Associate certification different from a Salesforce Professional certification?

Salesforce Professional certifications are designed for individuals with an extensive range of experience, knowledge, and skills in a specific Salesforce role. 

Associate certifications validate foundational knowledge and are intended for learners with 0-6 months of Salesforce experience. Unlike professional certifications, associate certifications do not require maintenance as they are meant to be a starting point and an opportunity to check out the professional certification offerings.

How to become a Certified Associate

To become certified as an AI Associate, Salesforce Associate, or Marketing Associate you must sit for an in-person or online exam. All three exams are 40 questions and must be completed in the allotted time of 70 minutes.

In order for you to prepare, our experts have created a set of suggested requirements and exam guides for each certification. 

Get started today

Prove your skills, build confidence, and kickstart your certification journey as a Certified Associate.

Melanie Wachs
Melanie Wachs Former Senior Manager, Certification Development

Melanie has built a lasting career in learning management focused on certification development, instructional design, training, and collaborative facilitation. Besides lifelong learning, her passions include her family, getting lost in a great book, and traveling to new destinations.

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