You're a Salesforce Administrator and a damn good one. The trouble is that you aren't getting the respect you want in the workplace. Or, perhaps you want to make a career out of Salesforce but are finding it hard to get an interview.

Let me ask you a question - are you Salesforce certified?

Certification is the easiest way to validate yourself as a Salesforce professional. Certification communicates skill and expertise and can validate your knowledge of the Salesforce platform.

If you want to build a career in Salesforce, you need to get certified. Here's why.

Employers Want Certified Candidates

Anymore, Salesforce related job descriptions indicate that Salesforce Certification is a requirement. Don't be surprised if the lack of certification prevents you from getting an interview.

Employers are recognizing the value that Salesforce certified experts add to an organization and as a result, want to hire these individuals over their non-certified counterparts.

The Salesforce market is hot right now which means that there are more applicants competing for the same position. More than likely, you will be competing against certified individuals. Don't automatically disqualify yourself. Compete.

"Yeah, but I have been working for a long time on the Salesforce platform and I know my stuff."

That may be true, but either way, the lack of a certification on your resume just made you less desirable.

Communicate Your Expertise

Salesforce Certification communicates expertise. It tells your peers, current and potential employers and even yourself that you know your stuff. Because there are competencies for each exam, certification demonstrates that you know and understand these competencies.

I have a tendency to downplay my own Salesforce knowledge. For years, I attended the beginner sessions at Dreamforce because I didn't feel the expertise to move beyond the beginner status. After getting certified, I realized that my knowledge was much deeper than I gave myself credit for.

Certification builds confidence. It communicates expertise. It differentiates.

Earn More Money

Last year marked the first annual Denver User Group salary survey. We do this survey annually to provide members a resource which can be used to ensure they are receiving fair compensation in the Denver market.

What we found was fascinating. The average pay of Salesforce experts with no certification was $69,600. The average pay of those with one certification jumped to $86,850. That is a difference of $17,250 annually!

If you are a career Salesforce Administrator without a certification, you are hurting your earning potential. This small investment is worth it's weight in gold. Invest in yourself. You are worth it.

Click here to see the detailed results of the 2013 Denver User Group salary survey.

I'm Sold! What's Next?

Hopefully, you are now convinced to become Salesforce certified. Thankfully, there are a number of resources available to make you successful. Let's look at the options.

Salesforce Certification Courses

Newer administrators should consider taking a class. While they are expensive, they are worth it. You'll learn best practices, tips and tricks, and information that will be on the exam. The instructors are well educated in the Salesforce platform, and will direct you to the information you need to know to get certified.

Self-Study

For those go-getters out there, Salesforce provides a study guide for every certification they offer which goes through the key competencies tested. Use this study guide to focus on key weaknesses or areas that are less comfortable for you. Read through Help & Training - take notes and create flash cards.

Study Groups

There are community lead study groups on the Salesforce Success Community or through your local user group. Consider joining one. They are typically free and allow a safe environment for asking questions and learning.

The Salesforce Certification Study Group on the Success Community is the largest community-lead study groups. It is an intensive 15-week program lead by community leaders (Salesforce MVP's and others) who volunteer their time to make you successful. The program is free. As a result, the program has strict guidelines and requires a firm commitment from you. However, the passing rate of those that go through this program is 100%!

Hopefully, you are encouraged to become Salesforce certified. If so, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share this post!