Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201)

The Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) certification is a globally recognized certification that validates a professional’s skills and knowledge in administering the Salesforce platform. The certification exam covers a wide range of topics, including Salesforce fundamentals, data management, security, automation, and more. To pass the exam, candidates need to have a deep understanding of the platform and its features.

Salesforce is a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform utilized by companies across various sectors and sizes to oversee vital aspects of their operations, such as sales, marketing, and customer service. This versatile platform provides an array of tools and functionalities that can be tailored to suit a business’s unique requirements.

However, the complexity of the platform and the abundance of features can make it challenging for users to master all the functions. This is where a Salesforce Administrator comes in. A Salesforce Administrator plays a key role in overseeing and keeping the Salesforce platform within an organization. Their responsibilities include optimizing the platform to align with the business’s requirements, providing training to users, and ensuring the proper management and security of data.

To help candidates prepare for the ADM-201 exam, many resources are available, including study guides, practice exams, and cheat sheets. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of a Salesforce Administrator cheat sheet, its benefits, and how to create one. We will also provide some examples of the essential information that could be included in a cheat sheet to help candidates pass the ADM-201 exam.

You must know that there are two certifications within the Salesforce Certified Administrator program.
  • Salesforce Certified Administrator: This certification focuses on the features and functionality essential for maintaining a Salesforce implementation.
  • Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator: Geared toward Salesforce Certified Administrators with expertise in Salesforce configuration and maintenance. They are capable of demonstrating an understanding of administration best practices and effectively using advanced features to address diverse business challenges.

Glossary for Salesforce Administrator Terminology

  1. Salesforce: A cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software used to manage customer interactions, sales, marketing, and customer service.
  2. Administrator: The person responsible for managing and customizing a Salesforce instance to meet the business requirements of the organization.
  3. Object: A data structure in Salesforce that represents a real-world entity, such as a customer or a product.
  4. Field: A data element within a Salesforce object that contains information, such as name, address, and email.
  5. Record: An instance of an object in Salesforce that represents a specific instance of a real-world entity, such as a customer or a product.
  6. Layout: The arrangement of fields, buttons, and other user interface elements on a page in Salesforce.
  7. Page Layout: A specific arrangement of fields, buttons, and other user interface elements on a page in Salesforce for a specific record type.
  8. Profile: A collection of settings and permissions that define what a user can see and do in Salesforce.
  9. Permission Set: A set of configurations and permissions that can be assigned to a user to provide them with additional access to specific features within Salesforce.
  10. Role: A hierarchical level of access that defines a user’s level of access to data in Salesforce.
  11. Record Type: A way of categorizing records within an object based on specific business requirements or criteria.
  12. Workflow: An automated process in Salesforce that executes based on predefined rules and criteria.
  13. Approval Process: A series of steps in Salesforce that automate the approval of records, such as opportunities or cases.
  14. Report: A summary of data in Salesforce that can be displayed in tables, charts, or graphs.
  15. Dashboard: A visual representation of data in Salesforce that can display key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.
  16. Apex: A programming language used to customize and extend Salesforce functionality.
  17. Visualforce: A user interface framework used to create custom pages and applications in Salesforce.
  18. Lightning: A modern user interface for Salesforce that provides a more streamlined and efficient user experience.
  19. AppExchange: Salesforce’s marketplace for third-party applications that can be integrated with Salesforce to extend its functionality.
  20. Trailhead: Salesforce’s online learning platform that provides training and certification for Salesforce administrators and developers.

How to prepare your own Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) Cheat Sheet?

Preparing a cheat sheet for Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) can be helpful for quick reference during exam preparation or while performing day-to-day activities as a Salesforce Administrator. Here are the steps to create your own ADM-201 cheat sheet:

  • Review the ADM-201 Exam Guide: The ADM-201 Exam Guide provided by Salesforce outlines the key areas that will be covered on the exam. Review the guide thoroughly and make note of the topics that you need to focus on.
  • Identify the key concepts: Once you have identified the areas that will be covered on the exam, break down each topic into its key concepts. Jot down each concept on a separate piece of paper or document.
  • Organize the concepts: Organize the key concepts into categories, such as Setup, Security and Access, Data Management, and Reporting and Analytics. This will help you group related concepts together and make them easier to remember.
  • Create a visual aid: Use a mind map, flowchart, or diagram to create a visual aid that shows the relationships between the different concepts. This will help you to visualize how different concepts are related to each other and understand the big picture.
  • Add important details: Include important details such as data limits, best practices, and common errors. These details will help you to avoid common mistakes and ensure that you are following best practices.
  • Review and revise: Review your cheat sheet regularly and revise it as needed. As you gain more experience with Salesforce, you may discover new concepts or best practices that you want to include on your cheat sheet.

Remember, creating a cheat sheet is not a substitute for studying and understanding the material. Use your cheat sheet as a quick reference tool to help you recall important concepts and details during the exam or while performing day-to-day activities as a Salesforce Administrator.

Exam preparation resources for Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam

There are several official preparation resources available for the Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam. Here are some of the links to these resources:

  1. Salesforce Administrator Certification Exam Guide: This guide provides an overview of the ADM-201 exam and its content. It also includes a list of recommended study materials and resources. You can find this guide on the Salesforce website: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/credentials/administratoroverview
  2. Salesforce Trailhead: Trailhead is a free, online learning platform provided by Salesforce. It includes a variety of courses, modules, and trials that cover the topics tested on the ADM-201 exam. You can access Trailhead here: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/
  3. Salesforce Administrator Certification Practice Exam: Salesforce provides a practice exam to help you prepare for the ADM-201 exam. The practice exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions and is designed to simulate the actual exam. You can access the practice exam here: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/credentials/administratorpracticeexam
  4. Salesforce Administrator Certification Study Groups: Salesforce hosts study groups for individuals preparing for the ADM-201 exam. These groups provide a forum for participants to share knowledge, ask questions, and receive support from peers. You can find more information about study groups here: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/credentials/administratorstudygroups
  5. Salesforce Administrator Certification Training: Salesforce offers training courses that cover the topics tested on the ADM-201 exam. These courses are available both online and in-person. You can find more information about training courses here: https://www.salesforce.com/products/salesforce-training/administrator/

Knowledge and experience for the exam

For Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) certification exam, there are no prerequisites. Salesforce recommends that individuals holding the Salesforce Certified Administrator certification should possess a broad understanding of the features accessible to end users and the configuration choices accessible to Salesforce Administrators. And, they should be capable of overseeing a Salesforce organization, addressing typical business needs, and executing administrative tasks using the latest Salesforce capabilities. Additionally, you should have 6 or more months of experience as a Salesforce Administrator and should be able to successfully perform the tasks which has been defined in the syllabus outline.

Cheat Sheet: Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) Exam

We all know that Salesforce provides unique concepts with bringing best-in-class training when it comes to certification. From getting certified with Salesforce certification, you will be able to explore many new opportunities. However, in order to prepare better, it is important to have the right Salesforce administrator exam guide, study resources, and pathway. So, this cheat sheet will surely make the preparation journey easy and you’ll be able to pass the exam with confidence.

Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) cheat sheet

Getting Familiar with Exam Objectives

Understanding and getting familiar with the main objectives of the Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) Exam is very important. Familiarizing yourself with the exam objectives will offer you valuable insights into the examination. It enables you to align more closely with the primary objectives of the test and aids in organizing your study approach. Additionally, it facilitates the review and identification of sections that may require further study. Below are the topics included in the Salesforce administrator certification exam guide:

Configuration and Setup: 20%

  • Describe the information found in the company settings (for example: company settings fiscal year, business hours, currency management, default settings). 
  • Distinguish and understand the administration of declarative configuration of the User Interface. (for example: UI settings, app menu, list views, global actions, Lightning App Builder).
  • Given a scenario, demonstrate the proper setup and maintenance of users.
  • Explain the various organization Security Controls. (for example: Setup Audit Trail, Login Hours, Session Settings)
  • Given a user request scenario, apply the appropriate security controls based on the features and capabilities of the Salesforce sharing model. (for example: public groups, org wide default, sharing: roles, subordinates, hierarchy, report and dashboard folders)
  • Given a scenario, determine the appropriate use of a custom profile or permission set using the various profile settings and permissions. 

Object Manager and Lightning App Builder: 20%

  • Describe the standard object architecture and relationship model. (for example: standard object, parent/child, master detail/lookup/junction relationships, and record types.)
  • Explain how to create, delete, and customize fields and page layouts on standard and custom objects, and know the implications of deleting fields. 
  • Given a scenario, determine how to create and assign page layouts, record types and business processes for custom and standard objects. 

Sales and Marketing Applications: 12%

  • Given a scenario, identify the capabilities and implications of the sales process. (for example: sales process, opportunity, path, and forecast impact.)
  • Given a scenario, apply the appropriate sales productivity features using opportunity tools. (for example: dashboards, lead scoring, Einstein opportunity scoring, and home page assistant.)
  • Describe the capabilities of lead automation tools and campaign management. (for example: leads, lead convert, lead assignment rules, campaign and campaign members.) 

Service and Support Applications: 11%

  • Describe the capabilities of case management. (for example: case, case assignment rules, and queues.)
  • Given a scenario, identify how to automate case management. (for example: support process, case auto-response rules, and case escalation.)

Productivity and Collaboration: 7%

  • Describe the capabilities of activity management.
  • Describe the features of Chatter.
  • Describe the capabilities of Salesforce Mobile App.
  • Identify use cases for AppExchange applications.

Data and Analytics Management: 14%

  • Describe the considerations when importing, updating, transferring, mass deleting, exporting and backing up data.
  • Describe the capabilities and implications of data validation tools.
  • Describe the options available when creating or customizing a report or report type.
  • Describe the impact of the sharing model on reports.
  • Describe the options available when creating and modifying dashboards (e.g., dashboard components, data sources, chart types, Subscribing, running user).

Workflow/Process Automation: 16%

  • Given a scenario, identify the appropriate automation solution based on the capabilities of the tool.
  • Describe capabilities and use cases for Flow.
  • Describe capabilities and use cases for the approval process.
Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) tutorial

Use Exam Official Page for staying Updated

The first step is to go through the Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam official page. Doing this will help you stay updated with all the exam changes and modifications. Moreover, there you can download the Exam Guide of Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam. The Salesforce administrator exam guide provides authentic details about the exam course. So, check the exam page and start using all the beneficial resources provided by Salesforce.

Reference Books

Books have consistently served as the go-to resource for exam preparation. They offer a valuable means to attain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. When gearing up for the Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam, we strongly recommend turning to books. Books provide an extensive grasp of the exam topics, fostering a deeper understanding and profound knowledge. Furthermore, they familiarize you with concepts, serving as a reliable resource for anytime preparation. Here are some recommended Salesforce administrator books:

  • Firstly, Salesforce Advanced Administrator Certification Guide: Become a Certified Advanced Salesforce Administrator with this exam guide
  • Secondly, Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Practice Exam Dumps 2020: Salesforce Platform Developer 1 240+ Exam Questions
  • Lastly, Salesforce CRM – The Definitive Admin Handbook: Build, configure, and customize Salesforce CRM and mobile solutions, 5th Edition

Go for Salesforce Training

Salesforce offers training courses that will help you follow a guided path with tutorials and increases your chances of clearing the exam. Also, the Salesforce administrator online training helps you in learning how to implement the exam concepts in real life, thereby providing you practical experience and hands-on training.

Instructor led training courses offered are a follows:

Start using Practice Tests

Including Salesforce administrator certification practice tests in your revision is a must. Utilizing practice tests is a highly effective method for refining your study approach and optimizing your performance in the actual exam. This approach assists you in pinpointing your areas of weakness, allowing you to dedicate focused effort to address them. Furthermore, using practice tests in your Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) exam preparation familiarizes you with question patterns and improves your ability to answer effectively.

Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) practice tests
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