The Salesforce architect exams are not the halfway point of the CTA journey. It deeply depends on your background. If you have background in Software Engineering and IT Architecture it is maybe 1/2 way, for others 1/10th of the way.
– Steven Herod @SHEROD
MY EXPERIENCE
I was always passionate about technology and how technology can be applied to solve business problems. I have started my professional career while still at University. I was working with Microsoft evangelizing .NET platform and Microsoft tools available to students for free under the MSDN Academic Alliance license. During these times I have passed several Microsoft Certifications ending with MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) for .NET title.
In 2005 I started to work for Accenture with an enterprise CRM implementation project as an analyst/developer but soon got promoted to a Team Lead position. After that, I was responsible for a custom JEE PRM (Partner Relationship Management) project and custom billing system implementation in Java. At this time I was playing mostly Architect and Project Manager roles. I have also passed project management certifications PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMI PMP. Soon after that, I started focusing more on Digital Transformation and Technology Consulting working with Clients on Digital BSS Transformation roadmaps. After delivering successful Proof of Concept implementation we have been awarded one of the first SAP Hybris implementations for Telecommunication. I was playing Program Architect role at this time. Another exciting fact about this implementation is that this was a large program run in Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®). I have also completed my Agile certifications around this time. With this unique Agile experience, I was asked to support our colleagues in Germany with the pioneering SAP S/4 Hana implementation in Agile. I was acting as Scrum Master and soon as Scrum of Scrums for a program with over 250 people.
As SAP seemed a bit exotic to me I started focusing on Salesforce to continue my CRM journey and stay closer to the technology. I am in Salesforce ever since. I have passed my CTA board on the first attempt in May 2018. I was very lucky to be involved in truly interesting and massive Salesforce implementations spanning across clouds and geographies.
In 2005 I started to work for Accenture with an enterprise CRM implementation project as an analyst/developer but soon got promoted to a Team Lead position. After that, I was responsible for a custom JEE PRM (Partner Relationship Management) project and custom billing system implementation in Java. At this time I was playing mostly Architect and Project Manager roles. I have also passed project management certifications PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMI PMP. Soon after that, I started focusing more on Digital Transformation and Technology Consulting working with Clients on Digital BSS Transformation roadmaps. After delivering successful Proof of Concept implementation we have been awarded one of the first SAP Hybris implementations for Telecommunication. I was playing Program Architect role at this time. Another exciting fact about this implementation is that this was a large program run in Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®). I have also completed my Agile certifications around this time. With this unique Agile experience, I was asked to support our colleagues in Germany with the pioneering SAP S/4 Hana implementation in Agile. I was acting as Scrum Master and soon as Scrum of Scrums for a program with over 250 people.
As SAP seemed a bit exotic to me I started focusing on Salesforce to continue my CRM journey and stay closer to the technology. I am in Salesforce ever since. I have passed my CTA board on the first attempt in May 2018. I was very lucky to be involved in truly interesting and massive Salesforce implementations spanning across clouds and geographies.
MY CERTIFICATION JOURNEY
I started with Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder in August 2016, followed by Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I in October 2016. I have soon realized that the domain exams are not that remote target, so I ended up with Salesforce Certified Application Architect in September 2017.
It took me a couple more months to finally get the Salesforce Certified System Architect in December 2017. Having the eligibility criteria satisfied, I started working hard on getting ready for the board review. In parallel, I was working with Salesforce and Accenture on the logistics for the review process. As my son was about to be born, May 2018 was the latest available review board that would work for me.
Having only one shot, I was super motivated and rushed through the preparation process. That proved to be a very successful strategy, as most of the Domain knowledge was relatively fresh in my mind. My only task was to focus on solving mock exams and practicing for the review board.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
Broad experience:
- Architect role for ages discussing various transformations and roadmaps at all levels
- Opportunity to be part of most innovative projects across my last five years before the board (SAP Hybris for Telco, S4 / Hana in Agile)
- Huge Global Salesforce program – B2B2C implementation of Digital Engagement Platform covering Commerce Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Community Cloud, Einstein, Streaming API, DevOps and more
Practice and mentoring
- I was lucky to work closely with one of our CTAs for the most part of my pre-CTA journey.
HINTS
Make sure you are well prepared:
- Know and understand the material for Domain exams by hard
- Join the Architect Enablement Trailblazer community
- Practice mock exams and dry run your presentation
- Know your slides
- Always go for the most elegant solution
Relax:
- Regardless of the level of preparation, the board will change the solution multiple times to test if you are comfortable with different approaches
- Be honest – there is a reason why there are three CTAs on the board – they will know more than you – if you do not know the answer do not waste time – timing is critical
- Board is there to help you
Hope it was helpful. Good luck!