There are many ways for professionals to join the world of coding. Some accidentally start coding on the web, attend a programming event or have friends working as developers. The thriving IT market is constantly looking for developers. Salesforce is adding 4.2 million jobs to the market by 2024 and the demand for Salesforce Developers is more than ever. Salesforce is the #1 platform in Cloud Computing and the #1 implemented CRM solution globally. Sounds intriguing? Here are 3 steps to get you started:
1. Learn Basic Coding
To become a successful Salesforce Developer it is recommended you have an understanding of other coding languages, but first and foremost Java. So, why should you learn Java before learning Salesforce Development? To start coding in Salesforce using its programming language Apex (custom code) and Visualforce (user interface) you should start with Java. Java is a programming language that is widely used over multiple platforms and operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
So, why should you learn Java before learning Salesforce Development? Apex is about 95% similar to Java in its coding style and syntax. Knowing Java coding will help you in learning Apex and Visualforce.
There are different ways of learning Java but one of them is joining a coding bootcamp, where I recommend using Google or Meet Up to find something local. You can also start learning Java through free courses online. These will take up to a few weeks, depending on what level you’re starting from. Here are some good websites where you can find free or low-cost courses to get an overview.
- https://www.edx.org/learn/java
- https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=java
2. Start with Trailhead
Trailhead is Salesforce’s free website to start learning Salesforce, where you collect badges and points to trail upwards in different “Trailblazer Ranks” such as Scout, Hiker and Explorer up to Ranger. Trailhead is based on theoretical knowledge but it is a great start to get you going on your path to becoming a Certified Salesforce Developer. This will give you basic knowledge to prepare you for a course and certification. Trailhead does take a lot of time as it is only reading and no practice, making finding the right Trails time-consuming. But here is my recommendations to you help you avoid getting lost whilst hiking:
This will be great for you to begin with, and once you’ve signed up you’re a Trailblazer! Now what? How do we get you all the way to a Salesforce Certification and getting to a consultant level?
3. Join an Official Salesforce Developer Course
You’re heading in the right direction if you’ve followed the first two steps of this article, but now we need to take you to the next level – the certifications. For Salesforce Developers there are two different certifications for beginners. These are the Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder (course code: DEV402) and the Platform Developer 1 (course code: DEV450) certifications.
To level up your skills, joining an official Salesforce course is key, as all the courses are led by a Salesforce Certified Instructor that will help you towards your certification. Official training material is provided, which includes a sandbox tool with set-up exercises instructing you in real-time scenarios that developers encounter on daily basis. An official course will also ensure that you have the necessary and most up-to-date information from Salesforce to help you pass the certification.
Which certification should you choose? Well, if you’re looking for a more technical/functional role in a company then the DEV402 course toward becoming a Platform App Builder is the best place to begin. If you’re starting from scratch, with no coding/Salesforce experience I recommend the DEV402 course since it is less technical and advanced than the DEV450. The DEV450 is great for aspiring technical developers that have coding or Salesforce experience.
The DEV402 and DEV450 are both only 40 hours, so you can get certified in no time!
You’re certified – now what? Read my article Are you new to Salesforce? Here are 3 Tips on how to Kick-start Your Career and continue your Trailblazing!
K2 University is a partner with Salesforce in both staffing and education. We are hosting certification courses (ADX201, ADM211, DEV402, DEX450 & EEB101) aimed for you to pass the exam and transition into a new career in Salesforce, at cost savings to our community. Our courses are based online, instructed live via a certified Trainer to whom you will have access to until you pass the certification exam and with full support from a dedicated, career-focused team.
Looking for a way to get your staff officially certified? Seeherefor details.
