What topics are on the CERTIFIED-INTEGRATION-ARCHITECT exam?

Salesforce Integration Capabilities 16%

1.1

API-Based Integrations

7 subtopics

1.1.1SOAP API

1.1.2REST API

1.1.3Bulk API

1.1.4Streaming API and Platform Events

1.1.5Canvas and Lightning Out

1.1.6Outbound Messaging and Apex Callouts

1.1.7Lightning Connect (External Objects)

Learning Objectives

Recommend when to use specific API-based integrations based on business requirements
Compare and contrast advantages and drawbacks of different integration methods
Understand trade-offs between synchronous and asynchronous patterns
Select appropriate API based on data volume and timing requirements

Domain Hands-on Skills

Implementing REST API calloutsConfiguring Platform EventsSetting up Change Data CaptureUsing Bulk API for large data loadsCreating Canvas applications

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using SOAP API for large data volumes instead of Bulk API
Not considering API governor limits
Choosing synchronous when asynchronous would be better
Misunderstanding Platform Events vs CDC use cases

Salesforce Integration Patterns 28%

Enterprise Integration Architecture Concepts 20%

Salesforce Integration Testing 14%

Integrating with Salesforce: Security 8%

Tools 8%

Monitoring 6%

How do I earn the Salesforce Certified Platform Integration Architect certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Architect Journey

Prerequisites

ADM-201Salesforce Certified AdministratorOptional
PD1Salesforce Certified Platform Developer IOptional
Platform-App-BuilderSalesforce Certified Platform App BuilderOptional

Next Steps

App-Arch-301Application Architect
Sys-Arch-401System Architect
CTASalesforce Certified Technical Architect

Current Level

Plat-Arch-204Platform Integration ArchitectDomain Architect
Plat-Arch-201Platform Data ArchitectDomain Architect
Plat-Arch-202Platform Development Lifecycle and Deployment ArchitectDomain Architect
Plat-Arch-203Platform Identity and Access Management ArchitectDomain Architect
App-Arch-301Application ArchitectMulti Domain Architect
Sys-Arch-401System ArchitectMulti Domain Architect

Alternative Paths

Arch-302B2C Solution Architect
MuleSoft-Integration-Architect-IMuleSoft Certified Platform Integration Architect I
MuleSoft-Platform-Architect-IMuleSoft Certified Platform Architect I

Career Progression

Entry Point

Salesforce Developer
Integration Specialist
Junior Solutions Architect

With This Certification

Integration Architect
Technical Architect
Solutions Architect
Enterprise Architect

Long Term Goals

Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA)
Chief Architect
VP of Architecture
CTO

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Complete Trailhead maintenance modules for each releasePass release maintenance exams

How do I study for the CERTIFIED-INTEGRATION-ARCHITECT Exam?

Practice the Salesforce Certified Platform Integration Architect with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Community Resources

Salesforce Architects Site Trailblazer Community - Integration Salesforce Developers Blog

Hands-on Labs

Salesforce Developer Edition Salesforce APIs Postman Collection Platform Events Samples Change Data Capture Samples REST API Samples

Study Tips

Focus heavily on integration patterns - 28% of exam
Understand when to use each API type and their trade-offs
Practice real integration scenarios, not just theory
Learn middleware capabilities (MuleSoft, Boomi, Informatica)
Master OAuth flows and security patterns
Understand Platform Events vs CDC vs Streaming API differences
Know Bulk API vs SOAP API for different data volumes
Practice analyzing scenarios to select appropriate patterns
Study ETL and data migration strategies
Understand testing and monitoring approaches

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Pub/Sub APILatest

Should understand as modern alternative to Streaming API

MuleSoft Anypoint PlatformLatest

Major middleware tool for pattern implementation

InformaticaLatest

Emerging as key ETL option alongside MuleSoft

OAuth 2.0 Client Credentials FlowLatest

Modern authentication pattern

Platform EventsLatest

Critical exam topic

Change Data CaptureLatest

Essential pattern knowledge

Industry Trends

Event-driven architecture becoming dominant integration pattern
AI integration patterns emerging with Agentforce
Zero-code/low-code integration tools gaining importance (MuleSoft Composer)
Enhanced security focus (mTLS, OAuth improvements)
Middleware consolidation with Informatica acquisition
Real-time integration requirements increasing
API governance and management becoming critical
Data quality and MDM importance in integrations

Who should take this exam?

Experience Level: Intermediate To Advanced

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$400 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE, Kryterion
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	Subject to maintenance requirements
Recertification	Complete maintenance modules on Trailhead for each Salesforce release Maintain active status by completing release exams

Salesforce Certified Platform Integration Architect

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details