Top 11 CRM Developer Certifications
Updated 17 min read
Certifications are important for CRM developers in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of proficiency and knowledge of the technology. Having a certification can give employers assurance that you have the skills and knowledge to develop, maintain, and troubleshoot CRM systems. A certification also shows that you have stayed up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Certifications are also valuable when it comes to networking with other professionals in the field. They give you an opportunity to show off your skills and knowledge, which can open doors to new job opportunities or collaborations.
This article reviews and explains the benefits of obtaining certifications for CRM Developers, which can help to advance their career prospects.
What are CRM Developer Certifications?
CRM Developer Certification is a professional certification that provides recognition to developers who have demonstrated their expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CRM) development. This certification is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing solutions using the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. It covers a wide range of topics, including data modeling, customizing entities, creating workflows and plugins, integrating with external systems, and deploying solutions.
By obtaining this certification, developers can demonstrate their proficiency in developing customer engagement solutions for Dynamics 365. This will help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the IT field. Additionally, it will give them access to exclusive resources such as webinars and workshops that can further enhance their knowledge base. Finally, having this certification may also lead to higher salaries as employers are more likely to hire certified professionals than non-certified ones.
Pro Tip: When looking for a CRM Developer Certification, make sure that the certification you choose covers both the technical and business aspects of developing CRM solutions. This will ensure that you have the necessary skills to design, develop, deploy, and maintain an effective CRM solution.
Related: What does a CRM Developer do?
Top 11 CRM Developer Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to CRM Developers today.
1. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I is a certification program offered by Salesforce. It is designed for developers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing custom applications on the Salesforce platform. The certification validates that the individual has the necessary skills to design, develop, and deploy custom applications on the Salesforce platform.
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 65% or higher.
To prepare for the exam, candidates should have experience using Apex, Visualforce, Force.com IDE, and other development tools. Additionally, they should be familiar with data modeling concepts such as object relationships and field types as well as application lifecycle management topics such as deployment and testing.
The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.
2. Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in developing custom applications on the Salesforce platform. It is designed for developers who have advanced experience building custom applications on the Force.com platform and are familiar with Apex, Visualforce, and other development tools.
To get the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II certification, you must pass two exams: Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I and Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II. The first exam covers topics such as data modeling, security, and application logic. The second exam focuses on advanced topics such as asynchronous programming, integration patterns, and testing strategies.
The time frame for getting the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II certification varies depending on your knowledge level and study habits. However, most people can complete both exams within 2-3 months of studying.
The cost of taking the two exams is $400 USD each (for a total of $800). You can purchase vouchers to take the exams from Salesforce or through an authorized training partner like Trailhead Academy.
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement Core Solutions
Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement Core Solutions is a comprehensive set of cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tools that help organizations build relationships with customers, automate business processes, and gain insights into their operations. It includes features such as sales automation, marketing automation, customer service, field service, project service automation and more.
It typically takes 1-2 weeks to get up and running with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement Core Solutions. The first step is to purchase the licenses from Microsoft or an authorized partner. Once you have the licenses, you will need to set up your environment in the cloud using the Dynamics 365 Admin Center. This includes creating users and assigning roles and permissions. You can then begin configuring your organization’s data model, customizing forms and views, setting up workflows and automations, integrating with other applications, etc.
The cost of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement Core Solutions depends on the number of users you plan to add to your organization’s instance of Dynamics 365. Prices range from $10 per user per month for basic plans to $210 per user per month for enterprise plans.
4. Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Implementation Specialist
Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Implementation Specialist is a certification program developed by Oracle to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement Oracle CRM On Demand solutions. The certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for configuring, implementing, and administering Oracle CRM On Demand solutions.
How long does it take to get it?
The time it takes to obtain the Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Implementation Specialist certification depends on your level of experience with Oracle products, as well as the amount of preparation you put into studying for the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for the exam.
How to get it?
To become an Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Implementation Specialist, you must first complete an online training course offered by Oracle University. After completing the course, you must then pass an exam administered by Pearson VUE. To register for the exam, you will need a valid credit card and access to a computer with internet access.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Implementation Specialist certification varies depending on your country of residence and other factors. In general, however, expect to pay around $200 USD for the training course and $150 USD for the exam fee.
5. Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator
Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage Oracle’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) On Demand solution. This certification is intended for administrators who will be responsible for configuring, maintaining, and customizing Oracle CRM On Demand.
It typically takes about 12 hours of study time to prepare for the Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.
In order to become an Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification and be listed on the Oracle Certification website as an Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator.
The cost of taking the Oracle CRM On Demand Certified Administrator exam is $245 USD.
6. SAP Hybris Cloud for Customer Certification
SAP Hybris Cloud for Customer Certification is an online certification program that helps organizations to validate their knowledge and skills in the SAP Hybris Cloud for Customer platform. The certification is designed to help users understand the fundamentals of the platform, as well as its features and capabilities.
The certification consists of a series of multiple-choice questions on topics such as: customer relationship management (CRM) processes, user experience, integration with other systems, data security, and more. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.
In order to get certified, you must first register for the exam through SAP's Learning Hub. The cost of the exam is $200 USD. Once you have registered, you will be able to access study materials and practice exams prior to taking the actual exam. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive a certificate that proves your proficiency in using SAP Hybris Cloud for Customer.
7. SugarCRM Professional Partner Program Certification
The SugarCRM Professional Partner Program Certification is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to help partners gain the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully implement and deploy SugarCRM solutions. The program is divided into three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert.
Associate: This level of certification requires completion of two courses: Introduction to SugarCRM and Advanced Administration. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete these courses. There is no cost associated with this level of certification.
Professional: This level of certification requires completion of four additional courses: Salesforce Integration, Sugar Developer Tools, Reports & Dashboards, and Sugar Studio Customization. It takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete these courses. The cost for this level of certification is $750 per person.
Expert: This level of certification requires completion of six additional courses: Sugar Mobile Platforms, System Administration & Security, Data Migration & Integration, Performance Tuning & Optimization, Advanced Reporting & Analytics, and Advanced Sugar Studio Customization. It takes approximately 16-20 hours to complete these courses. The cost for this level of certification is $1,500 per person.
In addition to the required coursework for each level of certification, partners must also pass an exam at the end in order to receive their official certification from SugarCRM.
8. Zoho CRM Certified Consultant Program
The Zoho CRM Certified Consultant Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the implementation, customization and use of Zoho CRM. This program is designed to help consultants gain recognition for their skills and knowledge in the field of customer relationship management (CRM).
The program consists of two levels: Certified Associate and Certified Professional. The Certified Associate level requires applicants to pass an online assessment that covers topics such as Zoho CRM features, administration, customization, integration, and reporting. The Certified Professional level requires applicants to pass an additional online assessment that covers advanced topics such as data migration, API integration, workflow automation, and analytics.
In order to become a Zoho CRM Certified Consultant, applicants must first register with the program by completing an online application form. Once registered, applicants can access training materials and resources to prepare for the assessments. The assessments typically take between one and two hours each to complete.
The cost of becoming a Zoho CRM Certified Consultant varies depending on the country in which you are applying from. In most countries the cost is around $100 USD per level of certification.
9. HubSpot Inbound Certification
HubSpot Inbound Certification is a certification program offered by HubSpot Academy, the educational arm of HubSpot. It is designed to help digital marketers become certified in the principles and best practices of successful inbound marketing. The certification covers topics such as content strategy, SEO, lead generation, conversion optimization, and more.
The certification program consists of a series of online courses that take approximately 10 hours to complete. Once you have completed all the courses and passed the final exam, you will receive your certification.
To get certified, you must first register for an account on HubSpot Academy. After registering for an account, you can start taking the courses and completing the quizzes associated with each course. Once you’ve finished all the courses and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your certification.
The cost for HubSpot Inbound Certification is free; however, if you want to access additional resources such as ebooks or webinars related to inbound marketing, there may be additional costs associated with those materials.
10. Infusionsoft Certified Partner Program
The Infusionsoft Certified Partner Program is a program designed to help businesses and entrepreneurs get the most out of their Infusionsoft software. The program provides training, resources, and certification in order to ensure that partners are able to maximize their success with the platform.
The program consists of three levels: Certified Partner, Elite Partner, and Master Partner. Each level requires different qualifications and certifications. To become a Certified Partner, you need to demonstrate proficiency in using Infusionsoft’s features and tools by taking an exam. The exam takes approximately two hours and covers topics such as marketing automation, sales funnels, email campaigns, lead scoring, customer segmentation, reporting & analytics, integrations & APIs, and more. Once you pass the exam, you will be certified as an Infusionsoft Certified Partner.
To become an Elite or Master Partner requires additional experience with the platform as well as additional certifications. Elite Partners must have at least one year of experience working with Infusionsoft while Master Partners must have at least two years of experience working with the platform. Both also require additional certifications such as Advanced Email Marketing or Advanced Campaign Builder Certification.
The cost for becoming a Certified Partner is $495 USD which includes access to all necessary materials and exams needed for certification. Becoming an Elite or Master partner requires additional fees which vary depending on the level of certification desired.
11. Pardot Consultant Certification
Pardot Consultant Certification is a certification program offered by Salesforce Pardot to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the use of the Pardot platform. It is designed for experienced digital marketers and sales professionals who want to prove their knowledge and skills in using Pardot.
The certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application project. The written exam covers topics such as marketing automation, lead management, email marketing, content marketing, and analytics. The practical application project requires the candidate to create a custom campaign or process within Pardot.
The entire certification process takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete. During this time, the candidate must complete both parts of the certification process and submit their results for review by the Pardot team.
To get certified as a Pardot Consultant, candidates must first register with Salesforce and purchase the appropriate certification package from their website. The cost of the package varies depending on which version of Pardot you are using (Essentials, Professional or Enterprise). Once registered, candidates will receive access to study materials and practice exams that can help them prepare for the written exam portion of the certification process.
In addition to purchasing the certification package, candidates may also need to pay additional fees for any third-party services they use during their preparation process (such as online courses or tutoring). The total cost of becoming certified as a Pardot Consultant will vary depending on each individual’s needs and resources.
Do You Really Need a CRM Developer Certificate?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a software system that helps businesses manage customer data, sales, and marketing activities. It is an important tool for any business that wants to provide a better customer experience and keep track of customer interactions. As such, CRM developers are in high demand.
A CRM developer certificate can be beneficial for those looking to break into the field or advance their career. A certificate shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and maintain CRM systems. It also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, as well as your interest in the field.
However, a CRM developer certificate isn't essential to get a job in this field. Many companies are willing to hire candidates with relevant experience and skills, even if they don't have a certificate. Furthermore, many of the skills required for developing and maintaining CRM systems can be learned on the job or through self-study.
In short, getting a CRM developer certificate can be beneficial but it's not essential for getting a job in this field. Those looking to break into the industry should consider obtaining one but focus on gaining relevant experience and learning new skills as well.
Related: CRM Developer Resume Examples
FAQs About CRM Developer Certifications
1. What is a CRM Developer Certification?
Answer: A CRM Developer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in developing customer relationship management (CRM) systems. It validates the ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain CRM solutions.
2. How long does it take to get a CRM Developer Certification?
Answer: The amount of time required to get a CRM Developer Certification varies depending on the certifying body, but in general it can range from several weeks to several months depending on the coursework involved.
3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a CRM Developer Certification?
Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have prior experience working with CRM systems and related technologies before they can apply for a certification exam. Additionally, some certifying bodies may also require applicants to have specific educational qualifications or to pass an online assessment prior to the exam.
4. What are the benefits of having a CRM Developer Certification?
Answer: Having a CRM Developer Certification offers many advantages such as improved job prospects, higher salaries, and greater credibility when dealing with clients and employers. Additionally, having this type of certification can also help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in developing customer relationship management systems which can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.
5. What are the different types of CRM Developer Certifications available?
Answer: There are several different types of CRM developer certifications available depending on the certifying body such as Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customization and Configuration Specialist, Oracle Cloud Customer Experience Certified Implementation Specialist, etc.