Salesforce partner tiers explained: Summit, Select and what changed in 2026.
Salesforce restructured its consulting partner programme in 2026, collapsing four tiers into two and consolidating partner credentials into a smaller set of competencies. The Platinum tier no longer exists: Summit is what Platinum became, and it is the top tier a Salesforce consulting partner can hold. Ignyto is a Summit partner. Here is what the tiers mean now, and what they do and do not tell you about a partner.
Two tiers, assessed on outcomes.
Summit
The highest tier. Awarded on demonstrated delivery excellence, certifications, verified customer satisfaction and, since 2026, Agentforce competency. Ignyto holds Summit tier.
Select
The broad partner tier covering everyone else in the programme, from new entrants to established firms that have not met the Summit criteria.
Formerly Base, Ridge, Crest, Summit
The four-tier hierarchy was retired in 2026. Any partner still describing themselves as Crest or Ridge is quoting a defunct scale.
Platinum is retired too
Platinum became Summit some years earlier. Ignyto describes itself as Summit, not Platinum, for this reason.
Assessed on results, not points
Advancement now depends on documented project outcomes and CSAT rather than accumulated points for certifications and deal volume.
Reassessed regularly
Tier is not permanent. Partners are reassessed, so ask how long a partner has held its current tier.
Three things to check separately.
Industry fit
Tier is Salesforce-centric, not industry-centric. Ask for references in your sector.
Who is on your project
A large Summit partner may still staff your project junior. Ask for names and certifications.
Whether you need that scale
A global Summit partner designed for multi-region programmes is not automatically the right answer for a single-country implementation.
Asked before every engagement.
What is a Salesforce Summit partner?
A Salesforce Summit partner sits in the highest tier of the Salesforce partner programme, awarded on delivery outcomes, certifications held and verified customer satisfaction. Ignyto holds Summit tier.
Is Summit the same as Platinum?
Yes. Summit is the current name for what Salesforce previously called Platinum. Ignyto is a Summit partner and no longer uses the older Platinum terminology.
What is the difference between Summit and Select partners?
Salesforce restructured its consulting partner programme in 2026, replacing the former Base, Ridge, Crest and Summit tiers with two: Select and Summit. Summit remains the highest tier and now requires demonstrated Agentforce delivery competency.
Does partner tier guarantee a good project?
No. Tier tells you about scale, certification depth and satisfaction history. It says nothing about whether that partner is right for your industry, your size or your specific programme.
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