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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Salesforce
Exam Format
90 min
60
68%
Accredited Professional
Registration
$150 USD
Pearson VUE, Online Proctored (Webassessor), or online proctoring
Validity
To be announced (maintenance details will be shared in 2025)
Maintenance details pending as of 2025
AP-221 Exam Topics and Domains
AP-221 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Flow Builder, Approval Processes, Flow Orchestration, Apex, and more.
1
Automation Basics
27%
Benefits of Automation and Tool Selection
Understanding Automation BenefitsChoosing the Right Automation Tool
- Describe the benefits of automation for business processes
- Choose the right automation tool for a given scenario
- Understand when to use Flow vs Approval vs Orchestration
Building Blocks and Capabilities of Automation
Flow Builder ComponentsFlow Types and TriggersApproval Process CapabilitiesFlow Orchestration Fundamentals
- Identify the basic building blocks of all key types of automation
- Understand capabilities of Flow Builder, Approvals, and Orchestration
- Recognize appropriate use cases for each automation type
2
Tools and Best Practices
32%
Flow Builder Capabilities and Limitations
Flow Elements and ComponentsFlow Resources and VariablesFlow Limitations and Governor LimitsMigrate to Flow Tool
- Elaborate on the capabilities, limitations, and components of Flow Builder
- Understand the Migrate to Flow tool and migration process
- Design flows that work within governor limits
Creating Flows, Orchestrations, and Approvals
Building Flows Step-by-StepCreating and Configuring OrchestrationsBuilding Approval Processes
- Explain the options and steps involved in creating Flows
- Explain the options and steps involved in creating Orchestrations
- Explain the options and steps involved in creating Approvals
Automation Best Practices
Design Best PracticesPerformance Best PracticesMaintainability Best PracticesSecurity and Error Handling
- Describe automation best practices for design, performance, and maintainability
- Implement proper error handling and security in flows
- Follow Salesforce recommendations for automation development
3
Testing, Distribution, and Monitoring
18%
Testing Automation
Flow Testing StrategiesIdentifying Test CasesTesting Orchestrations and Approvals
- Identify test cases for flows, orchestrations, and approvals
- Use debug mode and testing tools effectively
- Plan comprehensive testing strategies
Distribution Options
Declarative Distribution MethodsAutomated Flow DistributionOrchestration and Approval Distribution
- Describe declarative distribution options for flows
- Configure automated flow execution
- Manage orchestration and approval distribution
Monitoring and Management
Flow Monitoring CapabilitiesAdmin Capabilities for AutomationOrchestration and Approval Monitoring
- Describe monitoring and management capabilities for automation
- Use admin tools for automation governance
- Troubleshoot automation issues effectively
4
Integration
23%
Standard Integration Capabilities
External Service IntegrationExternal Objects in FlowsPlatform Events in AutomationEmail Integration
- Elaborate on all the standard integration capabilities of Flows
- Integrate external services, external objects, and platform events
- Implement email integration in automation
Low-Code Customization
Invocable Apex ActionsCustom Flow ComponentsWhen to Use Low-Code Customization
- Identify when to use low-code customization with Apex
- Integrate Apex actions into flows effectively
- Understand the balance between declarative and programmatic approaches
How do I earn this certification?
Passing AP-221 earns the Process Automation Accredited Professional certification. It sits in the Automation track.
Current Level Exams
AP-XXX - Other Accredited Professional Exams
Next Level Options
- PD1 - Platform Developer I Advance from declarative to programmatic automation
- ADM-201 - Salesforce AdministratorBroaden platform knowledge beyond automation
- PD2 - Platform Developer IIAdvanced development skills for complex automation
Alternative Paths
- ADM-201 - AdministratorComprehensive platform administration skills
- APP-BUILDER - Platform App BuilderDeclarative app development and customization
- PD1 - Platform Developer I Programmatic development skills
- SALES-CLOUD - Sales Cloud ConsultantSales Cloud implementation expertise
- SERVICE-CLOUD - Service Cloud ConsultantService Cloud implementation expertise
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for AP-221 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-07-01
- Announcement date: 2021-07-01
Updates
- Flow Builder Summer '24 Current exam version tests Summer '24 capabilities • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Flow Orchestration Current Orchestration is a key exam domain covering multi-user workflows • Release date: 2020
- Flow Approvals Current Flow-based approval processes are tested alongside traditional approval processes • Release date: 2021
- External Services in Flow Current Integration domain tests external service callouts from flows • Release date: 2019
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Salesforce Partners with access to Partner Learning Camp and Consultants with Process Automation implementation experience.
- Salesforce Certified Administrator certification
- 6+ months of hands-on experience with Process Automation
- Experience designing and implementing automation for customers
- Access to Partner Learning Camp (for Salesforce Partners)