Is Data 360 Consultant the same as Data Cloud Consultant? +
Yes. The credential now carries the Data 360 name, reflecting Salesforce's rebrand of Data Cloud. Much study material and documentation still say Data Cloud, so expect mismatched terminology between guides, Trailhead and the product. The core content - ingestion, modeling, identity resolution, segmentation and activation - is the same platform.
What is the Data 360 Consultant exam format? +
The exam has 60 multiple-choice questions in 105 minutes, and you need 62% to pass. It is proctored online or at a test center. The modest pass mark does not reflect how broad the exam is - it spans setup, ingestion, identity resolution, segmentation, insights and activation.
How hard is the Data 360 Consultant exam? +
Identity resolution is the classic stumbling block. You need to predict how matching and reconciliation rules merge records into unified profiles, which affects segmentation and activation questions too. Data ingestion and modeling, the largest section at about 20%, also catches consultants used to standard CRM objects rather than data streams and data model objects.
Are there prerequisites for Data-Con-101? +
There is no prerequisite certification. Salesforce aims the exam at consultants with hands-on experience implementing Data 360 and a solid grasp of data modeling and integration. Check the Trailhead exam guide for the current fee and recommended experience. CRM-only consultants should expect a learning curve on the data model.
How long should I prepare for the Data 360 Consultant exam? +
With implementation experience, 4-6 weeks is typical. Without it, allow 8-10 weeks and use a Trailhead Data 360 playground to set up data streams, mappings, identity resolution rulesets, calculated and streaming insights, segments and activations. Reading alone rarely prepares you for the scenario questions. Practice the full flow end to end.
How do I keep the Data 360 Consultant certification current? +
Salesforce credentials require periodic maintenance modules on Trailhead. If you miss the maintenance deadline, the certification expires. Check your Trailhead profile for current requirements and dates. Maintenance modules cover recent product changes, which matters for a fast-moving product like Data 360 where names and features change between releases.