Salesforce Platform Developer I: Complete Guide 2026
Build custom applications on the Lightning Platform.
What is Platform Developer I?
The Salesforce Platform Developer I certification validates your ability to develop custom applications using Apex, Visualforce, and the Lightning Platform. It's designed for developers who build integrations and custom business logic on Salesforce.
The exam tests your knowledge of when to use declarative versus programmatic methods, and your ability to extend the platform using Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning components.
Quick Exam Facts
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Format: 60 questions (+ 5 unscored)
- Passing Score: 68%
- Cost: $200 USD (+ tax)
- Retake: $100 USD
- Prerequisites: None (experience recommended)
Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Salesforce Fundamentals | 7% |
| Data Modeling and Management | 13% |
| Logic and Process Automation | 29% |
| User Interface | 24% |
| Testing, Debugging and Deployment | 20% |
| Developer Tools | 7% |
Key Topics
Apex Programming
- Apex classes, triggers, and batch processing
- SOQL and SOSL queries
- Governor limits and best practices
- Asynchronous Apex (Future, Batch, Queueable)
- Exception handling
User Interface Development
- Visualforce pages and controllers
- Lightning Web Components basics
- Lightning Aura Components
- Standard vs custom controllers
Data Management
- Custom objects and relationships
- Formula fields and roll-up summaries
- DML operations and transactions
- External data integration
Testing & Deployment
- Test classes and code coverage (75% minimum)
- Debug logs and anonymous execution
- Change sets and packaging
- Sandbox environments
Declarative vs Programmatic
- Know when to use Flow vs Apex
- Understand formula vs trigger use cases
- Validation rules vs Apex validation
- Process Builder (legacy) vs Flow
Career Impact
- Average salary: $100,000 - $140,000 USD
- Salesforce Developer roles
- Technical Consultant positions
- Gateway to Platform Developer II
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