Certification Roadmap and Learning Paths

Reference & Cheat SheetsCertification Roadmap and Learning PathsThe Salesforce credentials that matter to developers and architects in late 2026, including the 2025 and 2026 renames and retirements. Covers exam topic areas and approximate weights mapped to lessons in this course, ordered learning paths by role, a study strategy and how certification maintenance works.Beginner · about 50 minutesWhat you will learn

Name the current developer, AI, data and architect credentials and recognise their former names

Explain the 2025 and 2026 program changes: the renames, the new exam delivery, the AI Associate retirement and the retirements effective February 2027

Map each major exam's topic areas to the lessons in this course and plan study time by weight

Choose and follow an ordered learning path for your role: new developer, Apex/LWC specialist, AI/agent developer, integration/headless developer or architect

Plan exam preparation with hands-on practice, and keep credentials active through annual maintenance

Contents

How the credential program works

What changed in 2025 and 2026

The credential map for developers and architects

Exam blueprints mapped to lessons

Learning paths by role

Study strategy

Maintaining your certifications

Common pitfalls

Hands-on exercises

Key takeaways