Salesforce Certification Maintenance Requirements 2025
To keep your Salesforce certifications valid, you must complete release-specific maintenance exams via Trailhead.
These exams are typically required three times per year—aligned with the platform’s Spring, Summer, and Winter releases.
🔐 Who Must Complete Maintenance Exams?
Maintenance exams apply to most active Salesforce certifications, including:
Salesforce Administrator (ADM 201)
Advanced Administrator
Platform App Builder
Platform Developer I & II
Sales & Service Cloud Consultant
Marketing Cloud Consultant and Email Specialist
CPQ Specialist
⚠️ Some niche or recently earned certifications may have different schedules. Always check the official credential maintenance list to confirm.
2025 Salesforce Certification Maintenance Deadlines
Release: Dec ’24 – Feb ’25
Maintenance Window: Dec 2024 – Feb 2025
Deadline: February 28, 2025
Release: Spring ’25
Maintenance Window: March 2025 – May 2025
Deadline: May 31, 2025
Release: Summer ’25
Maintenance Window: June 2025 – August 2025
Deadline: August 31, 2025
✅ Pro tip: Complete exams early to avoid deadline-day system issues or Trailhead downtime.
🛠 How to Complete a Salesforce Maintenance Exam
Log into Trailhead using your Salesforce-certified account.
Navigate to your Credentials page.
Locate the required maintenance module for your certification.
Complete the Trailhead content and pass the quiz.
Receive a confirmation badge once done.
Most exams are free, short, and take less than an hour if you’ve reviewed the release notes and related modules.
🚨 What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
If you fail to complete a maintenance exam by its deadline:
Your certification status becomes inactive.
You may be required to retake the full certification exam, not just the maintenance module.
This can impact your employment, consulting opportunities, or partner status with Salesforce.
🧠 Summary & Pro Tips
Stay on top of certification with 3 yearly maintenance exams via Trailhead.
Key 2025 deadlines: Feb 28 (Winter), May 31 (Spring), Aug 31 (Summer).
Check your Trailhead account regularly to avoid missing a maintenance window.
Bookmark the Salesforce Credential Maintenance page.
📚 Helpful Resources for Salesforce Professionals
🔗 Salesforce Admin Guide: Learn best practices for org configuration, automation, and user management.
🔗 Salesforce Certification Paths: Explore detailed exam guides and prep materials.
🔗 Salesforce Release Notes: Stay informed on what’s new in each release.
🔗 Verify your/others’ credentials: Type your name and confirm your credentials.
FocusOnForce https://focusonforce.com/salesforce-certification-exams-scheduling-location-and-vouchers/ a great resource for studying for your exams.