Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (PD1)¶
Overview¶
The Platform Developer I (PD1) credential validates the ability to develop custom applications on the Salesforce platform using Apex (server-side language), SOQL/SOSL (query languages), Lightning Web Components (LWC), and Visualforce (legacy). It's the foundational developer cert.
Most candidates take the Administrator cert first, then PD1 as the next step toward the developer track.
Quick Reference¶
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I |
| Provider | Salesforce |
| Format | 60 multi-choice + multi-select questions |
| Duration | 105 minutes |
| Passing Score | 68% |
| Cost | $200 USD ($100 retake) |
| Validity | Maintained via 3 free annual release exams |
📖 Credential page 📖 Exam Guide PDF
Exam Domains¶
| # | Domain | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salesforce Fundamentals | 18% |
| 2 | Data Modeling and Management | 16% |
| 3 | Logic and Process Automation (incl. Apex triggers, classes, async Apex) | 28% |
| 4 | User Interface (Visualforce, Lightning Components/LWC) | 16% |
| 5 | Testing | 10% |
| 6 | Debugging and Deployment Tools | 12% |
Study Materials in This Guide¶
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| fact-sheet.md | Reference with high-yield Apex / LWC / SOQL facts |
| practice-plan.md | 8-week study plan |
| scenarios.md | 12 exam-style scenarios |
| notes/01-data-model-and-soql.md | Data model fundamentals + SOQL/SOSL |
| notes/02-apex-triggers-and-classes.md | Apex syntax, triggers, classes, exceptions |
| notes/03-async-apex-and-platform-events.md | Future, Queueable, Batch, Schedulable, Platform Events |
| notes/04-lwc-and-visualforce.md | Lightning Web Components, Aura, Visualforce |
| notes/05-testing-debugging-deployment.md | Apex tests, debug logs, SFDX, deployment |
Recommended Study Time¶
| Background | Estimated Prep Time |
|---|---|
| Salesforce Admin + general programming experience | 6-8 weeks |
| Salesforce Admin only, no Apex | 10-12 weeks |
| Programmer new to Salesforce | 12-16 weeks |
| Brand new to both | 20+ weeks; consider Admin first |
Prerequisites¶
- Salesforce Administrator credential (recommended, not strictly required)
- Programming experience: Java/C# is the closest analog to Apex
- Familiarity with HTML / JavaScript for LWC
Hands-on Setup¶
- Salesforce Developer Edition org - free, permanent
- Salesforce CLI / SFDX - command-line for source-driven dev
- VS Code with Salesforce Extensions Pack - the IDE
- Trailhead Modules / Trails - especially "Apex Specialist" superbadge
You cannot pass PD1 without writing Apex by hand. Build at least 5-10 small Apex projects.
Companion Materials¶
- Salesforce Administrator - admin-side foundation
- GitHub Foundations - source control basics