# Anypoint Connector support levels and categories

*MuleSoft Integration Foundations Study Guide · Describe the components and benefits of Anypoint Platform for system integration · Last updated November 2, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/mulesoft-integration-foundations/anypoint-platform-for-system-integration/anypoint-connector-support-levels-and-categories*

How Anypoint Connectors are grouped by what they connect to (software applications, databases, protocols), the three support categories (Select, Premium, MuleSoft Certified), the roles a connector plays in a flow, and where to find more connectors.

- Certification: Salesforce MuleSoft Integration Foundations
- Exam section: Describe the components and benefits of Anypoint Platform for system integration
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/mulesoft-integration-foundations

**Official exam objective:**

> Identify and describe the common characteristics of popular Anypoint Connectors for connecting to software applications, databases, and protocols.

## What the exam expects

- Classify a connector by what it connects to: a software application, a database or a protocol.
- State who can use and who supports Select, Premium and MuleSoft Certified connectors.
- Describe the roles a connector can play in a flow: source (trigger), operation, outbound endpoint.
- Know where to look when Anypoint Studio does not bundle the connector you need.

Key terms:
- **Anypoint Connector**: a reusable extension to Mule runtime engine that integrates apps with third-party APIs, databases and standard integration protocols.
- **Source**: a connector component, also called a trigger, that starts a flow when information arrives from the connector's resource.
- **Operation**: a connector action that executes an API call or other action on its system, database or protocol.
- **Support category**: Select, Premium or MuleSoft Certified, which decides who can use a connector and who supports it.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Connection targets | Software applications, databases, protocols | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| LDAP Connector group | Protocols (LDAP server, Active Directory) | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| Select connectors | Available to anyone; MuleSoft support needs a subscription | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| Premium connectors | Licensed users only, licence per deployment environment | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| MuleSoft Certified connectors | Partner or community built, supported through partners | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| Can a connector start a flow? | Only if it has a source; see its Reference Guide | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| Scheduler | A core component, not a connector | [Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors) |
| Database Connector | Almost any JDBC relational database | [Database Connector](https://docs.mulesoft.com/db-connector/latest/) |
| Where more connectors live | Exchange, added through Studio's Mule Palette | [Asset Types](https://docs.mulesoft.com/exchange/asset-types), [Anypoint Studio](https://docs.mulesoft.com/studio/) |

## Check yourself

- Which four databases get a Database Connector connection provider that builds the JDBC URL for you?
- Why does a Premium connector need a licence in Dev, Test and Production alike?
- When you browse MuleSoft's own connectors in Exchange, which link do you click first?
- Which two MuleSoft tools use HTTP Connector internally to work with APIs?
- What does VM Connector do as an example of connector operations?

## Sources

- [Anypoint Connectors Overview](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/introduction-to-anypoint-connectors)
- [Anypoint Connectors](https://www.mulesoft.com/platform/cloud-connectors)
- [Use Anypoint Exchange to Discover Connectors, Templates, and Examples](https://docs.mulesoft.com/connectors/introduction/intro-use-exchange)
- [Asset Types](https://docs.mulesoft.com/exchange/asset-types)
- [Anypoint Studio](https://docs.mulesoft.com/studio/)
- [Salesforce Connector](https://docs.mulesoft.com/salesforce-connector/latest/)
- [Database Connector](https://docs.mulesoft.com/db-connector/latest/)
- [HTTP Connector](https://docs.mulesoft.com/http-connector/latest/)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 4 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the MuleSoft Integration Foundations pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams