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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Salesforce
Exam Format
Advanced
Registration
$1400 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
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Requires annual maintenance through Trailhead maintenance modules
Complete free Trailhead maintenance modules for each prerequisite certification annually
SYS-ARCH-301 Exam Topics and Domains
SYS-ARCH-301 is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Platform Development (Platform Developer I - Plat-Dev-201)
25%
Salesforce Fundamentals
Multi-Tenant Environment DevelopmentMVC Pattern on SalesforceCore CRM ObjectsAppExchangeDeclarative vs Programmatic Customization
- Describe the considerations when developing in a multi-tenant environment
- Describe how the Salesforce platform features map to the MVC pattern
- Describe the capabilities of the core CRM objects in the Salesforce schema
- Identify common scenarios for extending capabilities using AppExchange
- Identify common use cases for declarative customization and Heroku platform features
Data Modeling and Management
Data Model DesignRelationship TypesSchema Impact on ApexEntity RelationshipsData Import/Export
- Given a set of requirements, determine the appropriate data model
- Describe the capabilities of various relationship types and implications on access, UI, and OOP
- Describe the impact of schema design and modifications on Apex development
- Describe how to visualize and create entity relationships
- Describe options and considerations for importing/exporting data into development environments
Logic and Process Automation
Programmatic Schema AccessFormula and Roll-Up Summary FieldsDeclarative Process AutomationApex FundamentalsApex Classes and InterfacesSOQL, SOSL, and DMLTriggersGovernor LimitsOrder of Execution and RecursionException HandlingVisualforce ControllersSecurity in Apex and Visualforce
- Describe how to programmatically access and utilize the object schema
- Describe capabilities and use cases for formula fields and roll-up summary fields
- Describe capabilities of declarative process automation features
- Describe when to use declarative automation vs Apex classes and triggers
- Describe how to declare variables, constants, and assign values using expressions
- Describe primitive and complex Apex data types
- Describe how to use Apex control flow statements
- Describe how to write and use Apex classes and interfaces
- Describe basic SOSL, SOQL, and DML statements
- Describe basic patterns for triggers and classes to process data efficiently
- Describe when to use and how to write triggers
- Describe implications of governor limits on Apex transactions
- Describe the relationship between Apex transactions, save order, recursion, and cascading
- Describe how to implement exception handling in Apex
- Describe how to write Visualforce controllers
- Describe when to use standard vs custom controllers and controller extensions
- Describe programmatic techniques to prevent security vulnerabilities
User Interface
Visualforce PagesLightning Component Framework
- Describe how to display Salesforce data using a Visualforce page
- Describe types of web content that can be incorporated into Visualforce pages
- Describe how to incorporate Visualforce pages into Lightning Platform applications
- Describe the benefits of the Lightning Component framework
- Describe the resources that can be contained in a Lightning Component
Testing
Testing FrameworkUnit TestsExecute Anonymous vs Unit Tests
- Describe the testing framework and requirements for deployment
- Describe how to write unit tests for triggers, controllers, and classes
- Describe when and how to use various sources of test data
- Describe how to execute one or multiple test classes
- Describe the differences between invoking Apex in execute anonymous vs unit tests
Debug and Deployment Tools
Debug LogsDevelopment ToolsDeployment Processes
- Describe how to monitor and access various types of debug logs
- Describe capabilities and security implications of Developer Console, Workbench, and IDE
- Describe different processes for deploying metadata and business data
- Describe how different environments are used in development and deployment
2
Development Lifecycle and Deployment (Plat-Arch-202)
25%
Application Lifecycle Management
Development MethodologiesALM Process Models
- Given project risk and customer requirements, assess benefits and risks of different development methodologies
- Recommend appropriate governance strategies based on customer maturity
Planning
ALM Maturity AssessmentRisk Identification and MitigationSalesforce Release Management
- Given complex scenario, assess ALM maturity and identify required resources
- Understand customer environment risks and articulate mitigation strategies
- Given new Salesforce release scenario, recommend appropriate risk mitigation strategy
System Design
Agile ToolsOrg StrategySandbox StrategyDeployment Strategy Components
- Explain advantages of agile tools in agile development
- Evaluate business, technical, and architectural considerations for org strategy
- Define sandbox strategy utilizing correct sandbox types
- Compare, contrast, and recommend deployment strategy components and tools
Building
Source ControlTest Data StrategyDevelopment Models and EnvironmentsCode Quality
- Explain how source control branching/versioning/merging can be used and recommend strategies
- Describe approaches to building test data strategy and unit tests
- Describe appropriate development model and environment for scenarios
- Describe methods to ensure delivery of quality code
Deploying
Metadata and Tooling APIsPre and Post-Deployment StepsTechnical Reference Data Management
- Describe capabilities, limitations, and considerations for Metadata and Tooling APIs
- Describe approaches to handle pre and post-deployment steps
- Describe approaches to manage and deploy technical reference data
Testing
Testing MethodologyTest Execution and CoverageUnified Test Data Strategy
- Describe and recommend appropriate testing methodology
- Describe appropriate test execution methodology and coverage requirements
- Describe and recommend unified test data strategy
Releasing
Package TypesRelease PlanningRelease Management Strategy
- Analyze and explain use cases for managed, unmanaged, and unlocked packages
- Apply sandbox strategy to specific Release Plan with multiple considerations
- Describe and recommend appropriate release management strategy
Operating
Production ChangesMulti-Org Artifact Management
- Explain implications of incorporating requests directly in production environment
- Compare and contrast approaches for managing common release artifacts in multi-org scenario
3
Identity and Access Management (Plat-Arch-203)
25%
Identity Management Concepts
Authentication PatternsIdentity Building BlocksTrust EstablishmentUser Provisioning MethodsSSO Troubleshooting
- Describe common authentication patterns and differences
- Describe identity solution building blocks and Salesforce features that enable them
- Describe how trust is established between two systems
- Recommend appropriate user provisioning method for given scenario
- Troubleshoot common SSO failure points
Accepting Third-Party Identity in Salesforce
Salesforce as Service ProviderB2E and B2C User ProvisioningThird-Party Authentication MechanismsSSO User Provisioning and Access RightsAuditing and Monitoring
- Describe when Salesforce is used as a Service Provider
- Recommend provisioning methods for B2E and B2C scenarios
- Recommend authentication mechanism when accepting 3rd party identity
- Identify ways users can be provisioned to enable SSO and access rights
- Identify auditing and monitoring approaches and tools for IdP issues
Salesforce as an Identity Provider
OAuth FlowsConnected App ConfigurationOAuth Implementation ConceptsIdentity Technologies
- Identify most appropriate OAuth flow for scenarios
- Recommend appropriate connected app scope and configuration
- Describe OAuth implementation concepts
- Recommend Salesforce technologies to provide identity to 3rd party systems
Access Management Best Practices
Multi-Factor AuthenticationSSO Access ManagementActivity AuditingConnected App Settings
- Determine most appropriate MFA mechanisms and session types
- Describe how to assign roles, profiles, and permission sets during SSO
- Describe tools to audit and verify user activity during and after login
- Identify configuration settings for Connected Apps
Salesforce Identity
Identity ConnectCustomer Identity (Customer 360 Identity)License Types
- Identify role of Identity Connect in identity management
- Identify if Customer Identity fits into Customer 360 solution
- Recommend most appropriate Salesforce license types for identity requirements
Community (Partner and Customer)
Experience Cloud CustomizationExternal Identity Providers in CommunitiesExternal Identity SolutionsEmbedded Login
- Describe capabilities for customizing Experience Cloud user experience
- Determine best way to support external identity providers in communities
- Understand advantages and limitations of External Identity solutions and licenses
- Determine when to use Embedded Login
4
Integration Architecture (Plat-Arch-204)
25%
Evaluate Current System Landscape
System Landscape AnalysisConstraints and Pain PointsAuthentication and Authorization
- Identify current system landscape and determine standards, limitations, boundaries, and protocols
- Analyze existing landscape for constraints and pain points
- Evaluate authentication and authorization needs based on system landscape
Evaluate Business Needs
Functional and Non-Functional RequirementsData ClassificationCRM Success FactorsBusiness Growth and Regulatory Factors
- Identify functional and non-functional integration requirements
- Classify data into Confidential/Secure/Public
- Identify key CRM success factors for integration requirements
- Identify business growth and regulatory factors impacting integration choices
Translate Needs to Integration Requirements
System Architecture LandscapesSystem and Process ConstraintsIntegration Security RequirementsPerformance Requirements
- Create inventory of systems and integration patterns from landscape diagram
- Evaluate system and process constraints
- Identify integration security/authentication/authorization requirements
- Identify performance needs and propose appropriate integration solutions
Design Integration Solutions
Integration PatternsSolution ComponentsTrade-offs and LimitationsSalesforce APIsStandards and Security Mechanisms
- Identify integration pattern that meets business requirements
- Define solution components that meet requirements
- Identify trade-offs, limitations, and constraints
- Specify appropriate Salesforce API for proposed solution
- Determine standards, components, techniques, and security mechanisms
Build Solution
API Design ConsiderationsOutbound Call OptionsScalabilityError HandlingIntegration SecurityResilience
- Identify considerations for designing APIs (provider and consumer)
- Identify considerations for choosing outbound call options
- Describe considerations for building scalable solutions
- Determine error handling for different integration options
- Create security solution for inbound or outbound integrations
- Identify factors for building resilient integration solutions
Maintain Integration
Performance MonitoringError Handling and RecoveryIntegration Reporting
- Identify performance monitoring needs for integration requirements
- Identify appropriate error handling, escalation, and recovery procedures
- Identify reporting needs for integration monitoring
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SYS-ARCH-301 earns the Salesforce Certified System Architect certification. It sits in the Architect track.
Current Level Exams
App-Arch-301 - Salesforce Certified Application ArchitectComplementary credential at same level; requires Data Architect, Sharing and Visibility Architect, and Platform Developer I
Next Level Options
CTA - Salesforce Certified Technical ArchitectRequires both System Architect AND Application Architect credentials. CTA is the highest-level Salesforce certification and involves a live Review Board assessment.
Alternative Paths
- App-Arch-301 - Salesforce Certified Application ArchitectComplementary credential focusing on on-platform capabilities (data modeling, sharing/visibility)
- Plat-Arch-201 - Salesforce Certified Platform Data ArchitectDeep data architecture skills complement integration and identity knowledge
- Plat-Arch-205 - Salesforce Certified Platform Sharing and Visibility ArchitectSecurity and access control complement identity management expertise
- B2B-Arch-301 - Salesforce Certified B2B Solution ArchitectMulti-cloud B2B architecture building on integration skills
- B2C-Arch-302 - Salesforce Certified B2C Solution Architect Multi-cloud B2C architecture building on integration and identity skills
- Heroku-Arch - Salesforce Certified Heroku ArchitectCloud platform architecture extending Salesforce integration capabilities
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 SYS-ARCH-301 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
ACTIVE
Updates
- Salesforce DX and Scratch Orgs Current Core topic in Development Lifecycle and Deployment Architect exam
- OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect Current Core topic in Identity and Access Management Architect exam
- Platform Events and Change Data Capture Current Key integration pattern components tested in Integration Architect exam
Who should take this exam?
Platform Developer I (Plat-Dev-201)
Development Lifecycle and Deployment Architect (Plat-Arch-202)
Identity and Access Management Architect (Plat-Arch-203)
Integration Architect (Plat-Arch-204)
- 2-4 years Salesforce Platform experience
- 1-2 years integration and identity architecture experience
- Experience with Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Components
- Hands-on experience with SSO, OAuth, and SAML