Salesforce Admin vs Platform Developer
Compare Salesforce Administrator and Platform Developer I certifications. Admin vs dev path - which Salesforce career?
Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce
Platform Developer I
Salesforce
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Salesforce Administrator | Platform Developer I |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Salesforce | Salesforce |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 105 minutes | 110 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $200 USD | $200 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 multiple choice | 65 multiple choice |
| Prerequisites | None (experience recommended) | None (Apex experience recommended) |
| Validity Period | Annual maintenance | Annual maintenance |
| Ideal For | Salesforce admins, business analysts | Salesforce developers |
| Salary Range | $80,000 - $120,000 | $95,000 - $145,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Salesforce Administrator Focus Areas
- Configuration
- User Management
- Security
- Automation
- Reports
Platform Developer I Focus Areas
- Apex
- Visualforce
- Lightning
- Testing
- Data Modeling
Our Recommendation
Admins configure without code; Developers write Apex and build custom solutions.
Choose Salesforce Administrator
Choose Admin if you prefer no-code/low-code configuration work.
Choose Platform Developer I
Choose Developer if you want to write code and build custom applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Salesforce Administrator or Platform Developer I?
Admins configure without code; Developers write Apex and build custom solutions.
What are the salary differences between Salesforce Administrator?
Salesforce Administrator typically offers salaries around $80,000 - $120,000, while Platform Developer I offers $95,000 - $145,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Admin if you prefer no-code/low-code configuration work. Choose Developer if you want to write code and build custom applications.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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