Salesforce Administrator or Platform App Builder - which first?

Most people start with the Administrator (now Platform Administrator) credential, because it covers the core platform skills employers ask for first. Platform App Builder builds on that foundation and leans toward declarative app building. If you administer an org day to day, start with Administrator; if you design and build custom apps, App Builder is the natural next step.

Do Salesforce certifications expire?

They do not expire on a fixed date, but you keep them active by completing free Trailhead maintenance modules when Salesforce releases them. Miss the maintenance window and a credential can become inactive, so check your Trailhead dashboard for the current deadlines.

Salesforce & CRM

Salesforce & CRM certifications

Salesforce certifications compared on cost, difficulty and focus - from the Administrator credential to the Platform App Builder - for careers on the world's most-used CRM.

Salesforce runs on a large, well-paid certification economy. Because so many employers build their customer systems on the platform, a recognised Salesforce credential is one of the clearest ways to signal you can configure, automate and extend it - without writing much code to start.

This hub compares the main Salesforce certifications side by side, so you can pick the one that matches the role you want: administering an org day to day, or building custom apps on the platform. Every page is source-checked and links to the official Salesforce exam guide.

2 exams in this field

Certification pathway

Foundation

Salesforce Admin

Associate / core

Platform App Builder

A rough progression by level, not a strict order - start where your experience fits.

All Salesforce & CRM exams

Salesforce

Salesforce Platform App Builder

Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder (Plat-Admn-202): format, the 63% pass mark, cost, the five domains, and whether it is worth it in 2026.

intermediate

Salesforce

Salesforce Certified Administrator

Salesforce Certified Administrator (Plat-Admn-201): format, cost, the eight domains including the new Agentforce area, and whether it is worth it in 2026.

beginner

Compare these certifications

Related career paths

How to become a Salesforce Administrator: certifications, then experience

Frequently asked questions

Salesforce Administrator or Platform App Builder - which first?: Most people start with the Administrator (now Platform Administrator) credential, because it covers the core platform skills employers ask for first. Platform App Builder builds on that foundation and leans toward declarative app building. If you administer an org day to day, start with Administrator; if you design and build custom apps, App Builder is the natural next step.
Do Salesforce certifications expire?: They do not expire on a fixed date, but you keep them active by completing free Trailhead maintenance modules when Salesforce releases them. Miss the maintenance window and a credential can become inactive, so check your Trailhead dashboard for the current deadlines.