Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by Salesforce
Exam Format
105 min
60
67%
Architect
Registration
$400 USD
Proctored onsite, Online proctored, or online proctoring
English
Validity
No expiration (requires maintenance exams)
Complete maintenance exams with each Salesforce release (3 times per year); Complete Trailhead modules as assigned
DATA-ARCHITECT Exam Topics and Domains
DATA-ARCHITECT is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Platform, Bulk API, Data Loader, AppExchange Solutions, and more.
1
Salesforce Data Management
25%
Standard and Custom Objects
Standard Object Structure for Sales and Service CloudCustom Objects and Big ObjectsSalesforce License Types and Object Access
- Understand standard object structure for Sales and Service Cloud
- Make best use of Salesforce standard and Big Objects
- Understand association between standard objects and Salesforce license types
Data Persistence and Validation
Data Validation TechniquesWorkflow and Approval ProcessesData Quality Tools
- Recommend techniques to ensure data is persisted in a consistent manner
- Recommend appropriate techniques for ensuring high data quality at point of entry
- Recommend techniques and tools to monitor data quality on an ongoing basis
Multi-Instance Data Consolidation
Consolidating Data from Multiple Salesforce Instances
- Design solutions to consolidate data from multiple Salesforce instances
- Recommend appropriate integration patterns for multi-org environments
2
Data Modeling / Database Design
25%
Data Model Design Fundamentals
Objects, Fields, and RelationshipsClient Requirements to Database MappingObject Features and Capabilities
- Compare and contrast various techniques and considerations for designing Lightning Platform data model
- Map client requirements to database requirements
Scalable Data Model Design
Performance and Scalability ConsiderationsLarge Data Volume (LDV) Design PatternsClick vs Code Considerations
- Design a data model that is scalable and supports all business processes
- Design with appropriate level of customizations (click vs. code)
- Design considering performance for large data volumes
Advanced Data Architecture
Big Objects and External ObjectsSecurity and Sharing Model Impact
- Design data models that leverage advanced platform features
- Understand security implications of data model design decisions
3
Large Data Volume Considerations
20%
LDV Performance and Indexing
Custom Indexes and Query OptimizationSkinny TablesPlatform Cache
- Design scalable data models for large data volumes
- Understand indexing strategies and query optimization
- Leverage platform caching for performance
Data Archiving and Purging
Archiving StrategiesData Storage Management
- Compare and contrast various approaches for data archiving and purging
- Recommend optimal archiving plans for customer needs
- Understand mechanisms for exporting and restoring data
Virtualized Data
External Objects and Salesforce Connect
- Understand when and how to leverage virtualized data
- Compare data replication vs virtualization approaches
4
Data Migration
15%
Data Migration Techniques
Import and Export MethodsSerial vs Parallel LoadHandling Complex Relationships
- Compare and contrast various techniques for importing and exporting data
- Understand serial vs parallel load trade-offs
Migration Performance Optimization
Managing LocksParallelism and BatchingDeferred Sharing and Performance
- Recommend optimal data migration plan considering parallelism and locks
- Understand techniques for improving migration performance
- Manage sharing rules during large data migrations
Data Quality During Migration
Data Cleansing and Validation
- Ensure data quality is maintained during migration
- Implement error handling and rollback strategies
5
Data Governance
10%
Data Governance Framework
Roles and ResponsibilitiesPolicies and StandardsMonitoring and Measurement
- Compare and contrast approaches for designing data governance programs
- Recommend data governance models with roles and responsibilities
Data Stewardship and Quality Management
Duplicate ManagementData Quality Dimensions
- Recommend approaches for optimizing data stewardship engagement
- Design duplicate management strategies
- Assess and improve data quality across multiple dimensions
Metadata Management
Business and Technical MetadataMetadata for Data Quality
- Compare techniques for capturing and managing business and technical metadata
- Recommend approaches to maintain customer metadata for traceability
6
Master Data Management
5%
MDM Fundamentals
MDM Implementation StylesGolden Record and System of Truth
- Compare and contrast MDM implementation approaches
- Recommend techniques for establishing golden records
Data Consolidation and Survivorship
Consolidating Data AttributesHierarchy Management
- Recommend approaches for consolidating data attributes from multiple sources
- Define criteria and methodology for data survivorship rules
- Manage hierarchies effectively
MDM Tools and Integration
MDM Tools
- Understand MDM tool landscape
- Integrate external MDM solutions with Salesforce
How do I earn this certification?
Passing DATA-ARCHITECT earns the Salesforce Certified Data Architect certification. It sits in the Architect track.
Next Level Options
- APP-ARCHITECT - Salesforce Certified Application ArchitectTop-level architect certification focusing on application design and architecture
- B2B-SOLUTION-ARCHITECT - Salesforce Certified B2B Solution ArchitectSolution architect certification for B2B commerce implementations
- B2C-SOLUTION-ARCHITECT - Salesforce Certified B2C Solution ArchitectSolution architect certification for B2C commerce implementations
- SYSTEM-ARCHITECT - Salesforce Certified System ArchitectTop-level architect certification focusing on system design and integration
- TECHNICAL-ARCHITECT - Salesforce Certified Technical ArchitectHighest-level Salesforce certification, requires review board presentation
Alternative Paths
- PLATFORM-APP-BUILDER - Salesforce Certified Platform App BuilderFoundational certification for declarative platform development
- PLATFORM-DEVELOPER-I - Salesforce Certified Platform Developer IProgrammatic development skills complement data architecture
- ADMINISTRATOR - Salesforce Certified AdministratorFoundational understanding of Salesforce platform
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 DATA-ARCHITECT 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: Winter '19
Updates
- Data Cloud (formerly Customer Data Platform) 2025 releases Not yet in exam content but architects should be aware • Release date: 2025
- Big Objects Enhanced capabilities Core exam topic with recent improvements • Release date: 2025
- Platform Cache Ongoing enhancements Performance optimization topic in exam • Release date: Various releases
- Change Data Capture GA and enhancements Relevant for real-time data synchronization scenarios • Release date: 2019+
Who should take this exam?
- 1-2 years Salesforce technology experience
- 5-8 years supporting or implementing data-centric initiatives
- Data modeling and database design experience
- Understanding of Salesforce platform declarative and programming concepts
- Experience with scripting tools (Data Loader, ETL platforms)
- Data quality and data stewardship experience