As new technology sheds light on unprecedented services and capabilities to help businesses perform more efficiently and with more accuracy, the role of the IT professional is changing, as well. The question is, will you be ready?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. What is driving the need for more tech jobs? The BLS says it’s due to greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.

As a major influencer in the tech industry, Salesforce impacts the way many companies structure their cloud-based systems. This means that achieving a level of expertise in Salesforce can help you compete for the administrative roles that support this technology. Gaining some Salesforce knowledge carries other personal benefits with it, as well. Discover the three ways that getting Salesforce certified can improve your professional and personal life.

1. Salesforce certifications improve upward mobility.

As technology and innovation change, so does the need to stay on top of it. Hands-on knowledge adds value to your position. At Simplus, we recognize the value a Salesforce certification brings to our customers. “Certifications are a thing clients have come to trust,” says Chris Gardner, who joined the Simplus team in 2014 and has achieved around 15 certifications since coming onboard. “They’re best to win client confidence.”

For the employee, such efforts result in pay increases, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars yearly. For example, at Simplus, Salesforce certifications mean significant salary increases and bonuses. Although the pursuit of certifications pays off (literally) at Simplus, the knowledge attained is something that an employee can carry into any work environment as a solid marketable skill.

2. Salesforce certifications promote marketable skills.

In a hiring situation, a Salesforce certification gives you an incredible advantage over other applicants. The business world is quickly learning that Salesforce certification isn’t easy. Instead, it requires hours of study and a focused commitment to learning. Providing that kind of expertise means an employer can feel confident hiring you because the company’s digital transformation, business objectives, and tech platform are safe in your hands.

While certification is not easy, it is becoming increasingly common. Artisan hub found in its November 2017 report that there are more than 23,000 certified administrators, 8000 certified platform app builders, 8000 certified sales cloud consultants, 7200 certified platform developers, 6600 certified service cloud consultants, and 6200 certified advanced administrators. Still, the Salesforce ecosystem is desperate for more certified professionals, and we are continuing to expand the ecosystem by hiring and training talent. 

3. Salesforce certifications validate your knowledge.

As they say, knowledge is power. And becoming Salesforce certified creates a deeper (and more valuable) understanding of the products. “Understanding the holistic value of the platform is much more important than being able to stand-up and administer Salesforce CRM, to deploy Service Cloud for a B2C call center or empower 1-to-1 Customer Journeys through the Marketing Cloud,” says Tal Golan, director at Salesforce. “Certification is about learning to identify the connections between the different products for the purpose of deriving exponentially greater value from the platform as a whole.”

With Salesforce certifications, your abilities will get the spotlight they deserve, which means exciting professional opportunities and personal satisfaction for you.

Interested in Salesforce training and certification opportunities? As the only Salesforce partner certified to provide CPQ training, you can’t go wrong with Simplus. Check out our training services today!