Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification Guide 2024

Salesforce has become an indispensable platform for companies around the globe, resulting in a surge in demand for skilled professionals adept in its technologies. The Platform Developer II certification emerges as an ideal choice for those looking to dive deeper into developing sophisticated applications on Salesforce. Pursuing this certification offers numerous advantages, bolstering your career in several key ways:

• Skill Enhancement: Attaining this certification refines your ability to develop complex applications on Salesforce, equipping you for pivotal roles in technology-driven business landscapes.
• Market Demand: It addresses the increasing need for experts who can craft advanced solutions on Salesforce’s robust platform.
• Career Progression: Acquiring this certification demonstrates your commitment to advancing your Salesforce development skills.

Exploring the journey to gain this certification reveals its potential to significantly benefit your professional development.

About the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification

The Salesforce Platform Developer II certification is designed for experts who want to show their skills in using the Lightning Platform’s advanced features and complex data modeling to develop intricate business logic and user interfaces. This program emphasizes the ability to design, develop, test, and deploy robust programmatic solutions that prioritize maintainability and reusability, aligning with the highest standards of design patterns and object-oriented programming principles.

Starting on this advanced certification journey requires having the Salesforce Platform Developer II credential, making sure participants have a strong base in Salesforce development. It presents an opportunity for developers to enhance their skills, focusing on producing scalable and efficient solutions that meet the evolving demands of businesses. This certification not only validates a developer’s advanced capabilities but also prepares them to contribute meaningful, high-quality work within the Salesforce ecosystem, making them invaluable resources in their field.

Who’s the Ideal Candidate?

Experience Requirements

• 2 to 4 years of development experience.
• At least one year working with the Lightning Platform.

Key Skills

• Mastery in data modeling, UX design, coding, and testing on Salesforce.
• Ability to design solutions using Lightning Platform’s features.

Technical Proficiency

• Develop interfaces with Lightning and Visualforce.
• Understand and apply Salesforce and web security principles.
• Skilled in Apex for large datasets and aware of performance limits.

Advanced Knowledge

• Expert in deploying applications and using Salesforce’s development tools.
• Capable of creating and managing web services in Salesforce.
• Familiar with asynchronous programming and error handling in Salesforce.

This certification is ideal for developers looking to showcase their advanced skills in building and deploying complex applications on Salesforce, ensuring they’re equipped with the knowledge to design, develop, and implement scalable and maintainable solutions.

How to Get Salesforce Platform Developer II Certification?

• Sign in your Webassessor Account: Begin by setting up an account on Webassessor, Salesforce’s certification management platform.
• Exam Registration: Log in to your account and register for the Salesforce Platform Developer II exam, paying close attention to exam codes and available languages.
• Scheduling the Exam: Select a convenient date and time, choosing between online or in-person testing options.
• Paying for Your Exam: Complete your exam sign-up by paying the exam fee.
• Preparing for the Exam: Invest time in mastering the advanced programming aspects and capabilities of the Salesforce Lightning Platform, focusing on developing complex applications.

Salesforce PD 2 Exam Pattern

Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification Syllabus

Advanced Developer Essentials – 15%

• Localization & Currency: Understand how to code for different locations and currencies.
• Data Sharing: Know when and how to use sharing rules and custom sharing in Apex.
• Metadata & Settings: Best practices for using custom metadata and settings to solve specific problems.

Process Automation & Integration – 27%

• Process Interactions: Recognize how different processes affect each other and choose the best solution.
• Apex Triggers: Learn the dos and don’ts for writing effective triggers.
• Error Handling: Use Apex for error management and maintaining data integrity.
• SOQL Queries: Master advanced SOQL query techniques.
• Asynchronous Apex: Understand when and why to use asynchronous Apex for background operations.
• Dynamic Apex: Choose the right Apex features for dynamic coding based on the scenario.
• Platform Events: Select and apply the correct event messaging model.
• Integration: Implement the best integration methods for data exchange.

User Interface – 20%

• Component Development: Adjust Lightning or Aura components and their Apex controllers as needed.
• Visualforce Techniques: Use Visualforce for dynamic actions and updates.
• UI Errors: Display errors effectively in the user interface.
• UI Selection: Pick the right component or Visualforce solution for the job.
• Responsive Design: Create components that adjust to different device screens.
• Event Communication: Manage events in Lightning and Aura components.
• Static Resources: Utilize static resources in your UI development.

Testing & Deployment – 20%

• Advanced Testing: Use advanced methods like mocks for Apex testing.
• Debugging Techniques: Troubleshoot and debug components, controllers, and JavaScript effectively.
• Problem Solving: Isolate issues in Apex or triggers to find and fix problems.
• Deployment Strategy: Plan and execute the deployment process using the right tools.

Performance Optimization – 18%

• UI Performance: Tackle common issues to speed up user interfaces.
• Efficient Queries: Optimize logic and queries for better performance with large data sets.
• Asynchronous Improvements: Use asynchronous calls to enhance application speed.
• Code Reuse: Identify and apply opportunities for reusing code to make development efficient.

Preparation for the PD 2 exam

Start Your Journey with official resources

• Trailhead Learning: Begin your journey with the Platform Developer II learning path on Trailhead to focus your study efforts.
• Official Guides: Dive into the details with study materials directly from Salesforce.
• Mock Exams: Regularly take practice exams to become familiar with the exam format and question styles.

Broaden Your Knowledge

• Online Courses: Check out courses on Udemy and Coursera specifically designed for the Platform Developer II exam.
• Bootcamps & Community: Join Salesforce developer bootcamps and the Salesforce Trailblazer Community for insights and networking.
• Read and Interact: Explore blogs and forums within the Trailhead community for additional tips and shared experiences.

Smart Study Practices

• Regular Schedule: Keep to a steady study routine to cover all important topics.
• Varied Learning Methods: Mix up your study techniques to better understand and remember the material.
• Organized Notes: Keep your study notes well-organized for quick reference.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Boost your confidence and exam readiness with frequent mock tests.

Using these strategies and resources will thoroughly prepare you for the Salesforce Platform Developer II certification exam in a balanced and effective way.

Also, Read on – Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification

Conclusion

Starting your path toward the Platform Developer II certification is an excellent move for anyone wanting to get better at advanced Salesforce development. This certification isn’t just a symbol of achievement; it enhances your standing in the technology community. With the guidance provided here, you now know exactly what the exam looks like, what you need to study, and how to get ready in the best way.

Getting this certification isn’t just about doing well on a test. It’s about creating a strong base for your future and finding new chances in the always changing Salesforce world. By starting your preparation today, you’re not just learning new things but also making a smart investment in your career’s future. The Platform Developer II certification opens up new doors and chances for moving forward, making your professional journey even more rewarding. So, start studying with energy and a positive outlook, ready to take on the exciting opportunities that come your way in the Salesforce world.

Salesforce offers more than 41 certifications: Explore the list of Salesforce certifications available to identify the best trajectory for your professional growth.

Authored by Prateek Kataria

CPO at an Edtech Platform, holds 18 Salesforce certifications and is dedicated to enhancing young professionals’ careers. His focus on keeping audiences up-to-date with the latest in Salesforce reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals. His leadership is marked by a profound understanding of Salesforce’s capabilities and how they can be leveraged to foster innovation and skill development. LinkedIn