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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Salesforce
Exam Format
120 min
60 scored + up to 5 non-scored
70%
Advanced
Registration
$200 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
Validity
Ongoing with annual maintenance releases
Complete maintenance module/exam for each Salesforce release (3 per year); Maintenance exams are free and available on Trailhead
PLAT-DEV-301 Exam Topics and Domains
PLAT-DEV-301 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Metadata API, Apex Sharing, Batch Apex, Limits class, and more.
1
Advanced Developer Fundamentals
15%
Base System Objects and Their Capabilities
Sharing ObjectsHistory ObjectsMetadata ObjectsMulti-Currency and Chatter Objects
Describe the capabilities of base-system objects such as sharing objects, history objects, metadata objects, multi-currency, and Chatter objects
Salesforce Development Platforms
Platform Capabilities and Use Cases
Describe the different capabilities of and use cases for the various Salesforce development platforms
Localization and Internationalization
Multi-Language, Multi-Currency, Multi-Locale in Code
- Describe how to design code that accommodates multi-language, multi-currency, multi-locale considerations
- Describe the implications of compound data types in Apex programming
External IDs and Data Management
External IDs
Describe the use cases for and benefits of external IDs
Custom Metadata Types and Custom Settings
Custom Settings vs. Custom Metadata Types
Identify use cases for different types of custom metadata and custom settings, and describe how to implement solutions for those use cases
2
Process Automation, Logic, and Integration
27%
Order of Execution
Record Save Order of Execution
- Given a scenario, describe the implications of the order of execution of a record save
- Given a scenario, debug unexpected behavior due to save execution order
Declarative and Programmatic Interactions
Interactions Between Automation Tools
- Describe the interactions between Visualforce/Apex with Flow/Process Builder
- Given a scenario, identify the optimal programmatic or declarative solution
Apex Trigger Best Practices
Trigger Design Patterns and Best Practices
Implement best practices for trigger development and design patterns, other business logic development, and reuse
Error Handling and Transactional Integrity
Apex Error Handling Features
- Describe the Apex features available for error handling and maintaining transactional integrity
- Understand and apply appropriate techniques for error and exception handling in various programmatic contexts
Governor Limits and Code Efficiency
Governor Limits and Mitigation Techniques
Identify potential issues with inefficient code and mitigation techniques to avoid exceeding governor limits
SOQL and SOSL
Advanced SOQL and SOSL Queries
Describe the data return types for SOQL and SOSL queries and their impact on variable assignment
Asynchronous Apex
Asynchronous Execution Options
- Describe the options, best practices, and use cases for asynchronous execution
- Describe appropriate publish/subscribe logic for platform events
Dynamic Apex
Dynamic Apex Features
Given a scenario, identify the appropriate dynamic Apex feature
Apex Managed Sharing
Programmatic Record Sharing
Given a scenario, describe when and how to use Apex managed sharing
Authentication and Integration
Authentication TechniquesWeb Services and CalloutsPlatform APIs
- Describe the use cases for the various authentication techniques
- Describe how to expose Apex classes as SOAP and REST web services
- Describe how to use system classes to integrate with SOAP- or REST-based web services
- Describe when and how to use metadata, streaming, and Analytics API to enhance Apex and Visualforce solutions
3
User Interface
20%
Lightning Web Components and Aura Components
Component Architecture and Apex ControllersEvent Communication in Lightning ComponentsResponsive UI Design
- Analyze and modify Lightning Web Components or Aura Components and their Apex controller classes based on requirements and code snippets
- Describe responsive UI design aspects
- Implement event communication methods in Lightning Web Components or Aura Components
Visualforce Development
Standard Set ControllersCustom Controllers and Controller ExtensionsVisualforce Actions and Partial Page RefreshJavaScript in Visualforce
- Given a scenario, describe how to use a standard set controller
- Describe the considerations when creating custom controllers and controller extensions
- Describe the techniques for using Visualforce to perform actions and partial page refresh
- Describe use cases for JavaScript in a Visualforce page
Error Handling in User Interfaces
Displaying Errors in UI
Describe the messaging techniques and best practices when displaying errors in user interfaces
UI Solution Selection
Choosing the Right UI Technology
- Select appropriate UI solutions based on given requirements
- Describe techniques to maximize code re-use with Visualforce
- Given a set of requirements, describe the process for designing Lightning components
4
Testing, Debugging, and Deployment
20%
Advanced Apex Testing
Unit Testing Best PracticesTesting Web Service CalloutsTesting Visualforce ControllersTesting Lightning Components
- Describe the best practices for unit testing in Apex
- Describe how to apply different techniques to create test data and responses
- Describe the implications of testing Visualforce controllers and controller extensions
- Describe various ways to execute tests and specify test execution options
Debugging and Troubleshooting
Debugging Apex CodeJavaScript Error Handling
- Given a scenario, identify the appropriate tool to analyze application performance profiles and troubleshoot data and performance issues
- Apply debugging skills to identify issues in Apex code or tests
Deployment Tools and Processes
Deployment Strategies and Tools
- Given a scenario, identify the appropriate deployment tool
- Formulate deployment processes and use supporting tools for source-driven development
5
Performance
18%
User Interface Performance
UI Performance Issues and Mitigation
Describe the common performance issues for user interfaces and the techniques to mitigate them
Query and Logic Performance
Query Performance OptimizationApplication Logic Performance
- Describe the considerations for query performance
- Choose the best logic and query structures for maximizing application performance and handling large data volumes
Asynchronous Callouts and Code Reuse
Asynchronous CalloutsCode Reuse PatternsResolving Code Inefficiencies
- Understand the benefits of asynchronous callouts
- Identify scenarios for code reuse
- Resolve code inefficiencies
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PLAT-DEV-301 earns the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II certification. It sits in the Developer track.
Next Level Options
- Plat-Arch-201 - Salesforce Certified Application ArchitectRequires passing Data Architect and Sharing and Visibility Architect exams
- Plat-Arch-203 - Salesforce Certified System ArchitectRequires passing Development Lifecycle, Identity and Access Management, and Integration Architect exams
- Plat-Arch-301 - Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) Highest Salesforce credential; requires Application Architect + System Architect + review board
Alternative Paths
- Plat-Admn-202 - Salesforce Certified Platform App BuilderComplements developer skills with declarative capabilities
- JavaScript-Developer-I - Salesforce Certified JavaScript Developer IValidates JavaScript expertise used in LWC development
- Plat-Arch-204 - Salesforce Certified Integration ArchitectDeepens integration design and architecture skills
- Plat-Arch-202 - Salesforce Certified Sharing and Visibility ArchitectAdvanced sharing and security model design
- Plat-Arch-205 - Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment ArchitectAdvanced deployment strategies and ALM practices
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 PLAT-DEV-301 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: 2025-04-24
Updates
- Lightning Web Components Latest (Spring '26) LWC continues to grow in exam importance; reactive properties, lifecycle hooks, and wire service are core topics • Release date: 2026-02-01
- Salesforce DX / Source-Driven Development sf CLI v2 Source-driven development and scratch orgs increasingly emphasized in Testing, Debugging, and Deployment domain • Release date: 2024-01-01
- Platform Events and Change Data Capture GA Platform events and CDC are now core content in Process Automation domain for async and event-driven architecture • Release date: 2023-06-01
Who should take this exam?
Type: certification; Name: Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I; Exam Code: Plat-Dev-201
Type: superbadge; Name: Apex Specialist Superbadge; Url: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/superbadges/superbadge_apex
Type: superbadge; Name: Data Integration Specialist Superbadge; Url: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/superbadges/superbadge_integration
Type: superbadge; Name: Advanced Apex Specialist Superbadge; Url: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/superbadges/superbadge_aap
- Two to four years of development experience
- At least one year of design, implementation, and deployment experience on the Lightning Platform
- Proficiency in Apex, Visualforce, Lightning Web Components, and SOQL
- Understanding of design patterns and object-oriented programming best practices