SF PD1
Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification
The Salesforce Platform Developer I (PD1) certification validates the ability to develop custom applications on the Salesforce platform using Apex (Salesforce's Java-like language), SOQL, Lightning Web Components (LWC), and Visualforce. It covers Salesforce data model fundamentals, object-oriented programming patterns in Apex, trigger design, unit testing, and deployment with change sets and Salesforce DX.
SF PD1 Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification |
| Governing Body | Salesforce |
| Number of Questions | 60 |
| Time Limit | 105 minutes |
| Passing Score | 65% (39/60) |
| Exam Fee | $200 USD ($100 for retakes) |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | Salesforce official website ↗ |
SF PD1 Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Declarative Customization | 15% |
| Apex Programming Language | 23% |
| Apex Triggers | 14% |
| User Interface Development (Visualforce and LWC) | 25% |
| Testing, Debugging, and Deployment | 23% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the Salesforce content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Salesforce Fundamentals — platform architecture, Multi-Tenant environment, Governor Limits
- ✓ Data Modeling & Management — custom objects, relationships (Lookup, Master-Detail), external IDs, SOQL, SOSL
- ✓ Process Automation & Logic — Apex classes, Apex triggers, Apex Governor Limits, before/after trigger contexts
- ✓ User Interface — Lightning Web Components (LWC) basics, Aura components, Visualforce pages
- ✓ Testing, Debugging & Deployment — Apex test classes, @isTest, code coverage requirements (75%), change sets, Salesforce DX
- ✓ Apex Language Features — collections (List, Set, Map), exception handling, async Apex (future, batch, queueable, scheduled)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the SF PD1
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the SF PD1 is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real SF PD1 format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
SF PD1 Frequently Asked Questions
What does SF PD1 stand for?
SF PD1 stands for Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification. It is administered by Salesforce.
Who administers the SF PD1?
The Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification (SF PD1) is administered by Salesforce. For official information, visit the Salesforce website.
How many questions is the SF PD1?
The SF PD1 consists of 60 questions. Candidates are given 105 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the SF PD1?
The passing score for the SF PD1 is 65% (39/60), as set by Salesforce. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the SF PD1 exam cost?
The SF PD1 exam fee is $200 USD ($100 for retakes). This fee is set by Salesforce and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
What are Salesforce Governor Limits and why are they critical for PD1?
Governor Limits are Salesforce's runtime enforcement boundaries that prevent any single tenant from monopolizing shared platform resources. Key limits include: 100 SOQL queries per transaction, 150 DML statements per transaction, 50,000 records returned per query, and 10,000 records processed by DML per transaction. Governor Limit violations cause runtime exceptions. The exam heavily tests understanding of which limits apply and how to write bulkified code that respects them.
What is an Apex trigger and when should you use one instead of Flow?
An Apex trigger is code that executes before or after DML operations (insert, update, delete, undelete) on Salesforce objects. Use triggers for complex logic that can't be built with Flow — database operations that need transactions, complex loops, callouts, or situations requiring fine-grained control. For most business automation (field updates, record creation, notifications), Flow Builder should be used first, with triggers only when declarative tools are insufficient.
What is the SOQL code coverage requirement for Salesforce deployment?
Salesforce requires at least 75% code coverage across all Apex classes and triggers before deploying to production. Each individual trigger must have at least 1% coverage (at least 1 line executed by a test). Test methods must be in @isTest annotated classes or methods, must not make real HTTP callouts (use Test.setMock), and must use System.assert() to verify behavior. The exam tests test class writing patterns.
What is the difference between a SOQL query and a SOSL search?
SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) queries specific objects with field and relationship traversal — like SQL for Salesforce. SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language) performs full-text search across multiple objects simultaneously. Use SOQL when you know which object and fields to query; use SOSL when searching for a term across multiple objects (like searching a name across Contacts, Accounts, and Leads). Both have separate Governor Limits.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification (SF PD1), a IT Certifications certification, administered by Salesforce. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by Salesforce. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the Salesforce official website ↗ .