Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Exam Guide 2024

Advance your Salesforce development expertise with the Platform Developer 2 Certification. This credential validates your ability to design, build, and manage robust applications that unlock the full potential of the Salesforce platform. 

The Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification stands as your gateway to mastering advanced development techniques and solidifying your expertise in crafting powerful solutions on the Lightning Platform. 

This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and resources to conquer the exam, including: 

• Advantages of achieving the Platform Developer 2 Certification
• Understanding the exam format, content areas, and weighting of key topics.
• Breakdowns of essential exam topics
• Proven Preparation Techniques
• Answers to the most common questions aspiring Platform Developer 2 professionals have

Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification Overview

Earning the Platform Developer 2 Certification positions you as a valuable Salesforce developer. You’ll gain the skills to create custom applications that streamline workflows, enhance user experiences, and empower businesses to leverage the Salesforce platform to its fullest

Earning this certification demonstrates your proficiency in a broad spectrum of areas, including:

• • Advanced Apex Development: Advanced Apex programming concepts, mastering object-oriented principles, exception handling, and leveraging powerful features like triggers, batches, and asynchronous workflows.
  • Enhanced User Interface (UI) Development: Crafting dynamic and user-friendly interfaces using Visualforce, Lightning Web Components (LWCs), and Aura Components.
  • Robust Data Integration: Integrating external data sources with Salesforce using powerful tools like Salesforce Connect and Apex Data Loader.
  • Testing and Debugging Expertise: A comprehensive understanding of testing methodologies and best practices for ensuring the quality and reliability of your Salesforce applications.
  • Deployment Strategies: Deploying and managing code changes through various deployment methodologies, including sandboxes, change sets, and package deployments.

Exam Overview

Key Topics and Weightage

The Platform Developer 2 Certification exam assesses your knowledge and skills across various critical areas. This section provides a detailed breakdown of these core competencies, along with valuable tips for mastering each aspect:

1. Advanced Developer Fundamentals (15%)

• Analyze how localization and multi-currency features impact the code. This includes understanding how to handle different date and time formats, currency symbols, and language translations within the Salesforce applications.
• In a given scenario, assess the appropriate use of sharing objects and Apex-managed sharing to establish precise data access controls within the Salesforce organization. Evaluate factors like user profiles, permission sets, and data visibility requirements to determine the most effective sharing strategy.
• Presented with a specific scenario, identify the optimal practices for utilizing various types of custom metadata and custom settings.  Formulate solutions that leverage these functionalities to meet the specific needs of the scenario. This may involve defining custom fields, picklists, or hierarchical structures for custom metadata and crafting solutions using Apex or Visualforce to interact with custom settings.

2. Process Automation, Logic, and Integration (27%)

• Presented with a scenario involving multiple processes, both declarative (like workflows) and programmatic (Apex code), analyze potential interaction points and considerations. This may involve ensuring proper execution order, avoiding deadlocks, and managing data consistency between processes.
• When faced with a specific scenario, propose and defend the best solution, whether it’s a declarative approach or a programmatic one (writing Apex code). Consider factors like complexity, flexibility, and reusability while justifying the selection.
• Master Apex trigger development, including understanding trigger context, proper DML usage, and best practices for optimizing performance and maintaining data integrity. Learn how to handle record types, governor limits, and ensure data consistency within triggers.
• Describe the features available in Apex for handling errors and maintaining transactional integrity. This covers concepts like exception handling, try-catch blocks, and using the Database.rollback() method for data consistency.
• Demonstrate how and where to leverage advanced keywords within a SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) query structure. This could involve utilizing features like nesting subqueries, filtering on relationship fields, and leveraging advanced operators like CONTAINS or LIKE.
• Evaluate scenarios where asynchronous Apex coding offers advantages over synchronous execution to optimize application performance and user experience. This involves understanding scenarios where asynchronous processing is ideal, like handling long-running tasks or bulk data operations, to improve user experience and avoid timeouts.
• Given a scenario and specific requirements, pinpoint the suitable dynamic Apex feature to incorporate into the solution. This might involve choosing between dynamic SOQL queries and dynamic DML operations or leveraging Apex classes with dynamic methods to provide flexibility and reusability.
• Presented with a scenario, identify the appropriate publish/subscribe logic for platform events. Analyze the best practices for publishing events from triggers or Apex code and subscribing to them using event handlers, ensuring real-time data updates across different parts of the application.
• Given a scenario, apply programmatic integration techniques and platform features for both inbound and outbound communication. This may involve utilizing tools like Apex Data Loader or REST APIs to exchange data with external systems, enabling seamless data flow within the Salesforce ecosystem.

3. User Interface (20%)

• Given requirements, code snippets for an LWC/Aura Component, and its corresponding Apex controller class, analyze the code and pinpoint necessary changes to be made within the Apex class. This may involve modifying methods to handle data manipulation, updating logic based on user interaction, or integrating with other components.
• The exam assesses your ability to leverage Visualforce features like action methods, partial page refreshes, and asynchronous operations (apex:actionFunction) to manipulate data, respond to user interactions, and  optimize UI performance within Salesforce applications.
• Given a scenario, identify the optimal strategies for displaying errors within the user interface. This might involve considering factors like user-friendliness, providing clear error messages, and differentiating between different types of errors to enhance the user experience.
• Presented with a set of requirements, recommend the most suitable solution – a Lightning Web Component, Aura Component, or Visualforce page – and explain the benefits associated with your chosen approach. Analyze factors like complexity, performance considerations, and feature availability when making your recommendation.
• Given a scenario, describe the aspects of LWCs or Aura Components that enable elements within the component’s markup to display responsively based on a device’s form factor. This may involve utilizing features like CSS frameworks, media queries, or dedicated LWC/Aura Component properties to ensure proper rendering across different screen sizes.
• Presented with a scenario, implement the appropriate method for facilitating communication between components via events in LWCs or Aura Components. This could involve creating custom events, defining event listeners, and passing relevant data between components to achieve synchronized UI updates and data flow.
• Purpose and benefits associated with using static resources within Visualforce, LWCs, and Aura Components. This covers concepts like storing static content like images, JavaScript files, and CSS stylesheets, enabling centralized management and efficient loading of these resources within the UI components.

4. Testing, Debugging, and Deployment (20%)

• Explore advanced techniques and tools for testing Apex classes and triggers. Mocks and stubs, which simulate external dependencies like databases or external services.
• The exam tests your knowledge of tools and techniques for comprehensive testing of various aspects (logic, events, data manipulation) in Lightning Web Components, Aura Components, and Visualforce components, including JavaScript within controllers and extensions.
• Presented with a scenario where Apex code, a trigger, or an Apex test isn’t functioning as expected, apply debugging. Utilize techniques like logging statements, the Salesforce debugger, and code coverage analysis to pinpoint the root cause of the issue, ensuring reliable and predictable Apex behavior.
• Formulate the optimal deployment process, supporting tools, and mechanisms. This may involve leveraging tools like Salesforce DX (Developer Experience), defining deployment pipelines, and utilizing change sets or packages for controlled and efficient deployment of code changes across different Salesforce environments.

5. Performance (18%)

• Identify the common culprits behind sluggish user interfaces in Salesforce applications. Understanding of techniques and tools for mitigation, such as efficient SOQL queries, leveraging caching mechanisms, and optimizing component rendering approaches within Lightning Web Components or Aura Components.
• Presented with a specific scenario, select the appropriate logic and query structure to maximize application performance and handle large volumes of data.  This might involve utilizing techniques like bulkification, batch processing within Apex, or employing optimized SOQL queries with proper filtering and indexing to minimize database calls and improve responsiveness.
• Analyze a scenario and determine the potential performance improvements achievable by utilizing an asynchronous callout. Understand when long-running tasks or data access can benefit from asynchronous execution using Apex methods like @future or @async, ensuring user experience remains smooth while background processes run.
• Pinpoint scenarios where code reuse is applicable and demonstrate how to implement it effectively. This could involve creating reusable Apex classes, leveraging Lightning Web Component or Aura Component base classes, or utilizing design patterns like the Factory Method to promote DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principles and maintainable code.
• Given sample code, identify inefficiencies. Resolve them by implementing best practices, such as optimizing loops and conditional statements, avoiding unnecessary database calls, and utilizing proper data structures for efficient data manipulation within Apex or Visualforce.

Platform Developer 2 Certification Preparation 

Earning the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification signifies a significant accomplishment, requiring dedication and a strategic approach to preparation. Here’s a breakdown of key steps to guide you on your certification journey:

1. Gauge Your Readiness

Before starting your Platform Developer 2 Certification preparation journey, assess your current skill set. A solid foundation in Salesforce development principles, basic coding experience (ideally with Apex or Java), and a familiarity with object-oriented programming is highly beneficial.

2. Explore Salesforce Resources

There’s a wealth of official resources to equip you for the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification exam. Comprehensive study guides outline the exam format, details the core competencies assessed, and offers valuable learning objectives for each topic area.

3. Supplement Your Learning

Complement your official Salesforce resources with additional learning materials such as online courses, video tutorials, and practice exams offered by various third-party providers. These resources can provide diverse perspectives and deeper dives into specific topics.

4. Leverage the Power of Practice

Practice makes perfect!  Utilize practice exams to assess your understanding of key concepts, identify areas requiring additional focus, and familiarize yourself with the exam format and question styles. Many practice exams are available online, offering timed simulations of the actual exam experience.

5. Join the Community

Connect with fellow Salesforce developers and aspiring Platform Developer 2 professionals through online forums and communities. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing experiences can significantly enhance your learning journey and provide valuable peer support.

Conclusion

The Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification signifies your mastery of advanced development techniques on the Lightning Platform.  Earning this credential validates your ability to design, develop, deploy, and manage complex applications that unleash the full potential of the platform.  By leveraging the resources and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently navigate your certification journey. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What are the prerequisites for taking the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification exam?

The Salesforce Platform Developer I credential is a prerequisite for taking the exam. A solid foundation in Salesforce development principles, basic coding experience (ideally with Apex or Java), and a familiarity with object-oriented programming is highly beneficial.

2. How long does it take to prepare for the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification exam?

Preparation time can vary depending on your existing skillset and experience. If you’re new to Salesforce development, you might need 3-6 months of dedicated study. Experienced developers might require 1-2 months to solidify their understanding of advanced topics.

3. How much does it cost to take the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification exam?

The exam fee is approximately $200 USD (subject to taxes). It’s advisable to factor in potential retake fees and the cost of supplementary study materials when budgeting for your Platform Developer 2 Certification preparation.

4. Can I retake the exam if I fail?

Yes, you can retake the exam. A retake fee applies, which is typically lower than the initial exam fee. Salesforce imposes a waiting period between attempts, allowing you time to study and review feedback from your initial attempt.

5. What topics does the exam cover?

The exam assesses your knowledge and skills across various areas, including advanced Apex development, enhanced UI development with LWCs and Aura Components, robust data integration, testing and debugging expertise, and deployment strategies.

6. What resources are available to help me prepare for the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification exam?

Salesforce offers a wealth of official resources, including the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II Study Guide and Trailhead modules specifically designed for Platform Developer 2 preparation. Additionally, numerous third-party providers, like saasguru, offer online courses, video tutorials, and practice exams.

7. Are there any practice exams available?

Yes! Utilizing practice exams is a crucial element of your preparation strategy.  Practice exams mimic the actual exam format, familiarize you with question styles, and help identify areas requiring further focus. Many free and paid practice exam options are available online.

8. Should I consider attending a bootcamp or training course?

Bootcamps and training courses can be a valuable investment, offering intensive instruction from experienced developers. They provide a structured learning environment, hands-on exercises, and the opportunity to network with other aspiring Platform Developer 2 professionals. However, these options typically come at a higher cost.

9. What career benefits does the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification offer?

Earning the certification validates your expertise in advanced Salesforce development, making you a highly sought-after candidate.  You can expect increased job opportunities, potentially higher earning potential, and the ability to tackle more complex development projects.

10. What kind of roles can I pursue with the Platform Developer 2 Certification?

Certified Platform Developer 2 professionals are well-positioned for roles like Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Architect, Integration Specialist, and Application Development Lead.

11. Is the Salesforce Platform Developer 2 Certification still relevant in today’s job market?

Absolutely! With Salesforce’s continued growth and increasing demand for skilled developers, the Platform Developer 2 Certification remains highly relevant and valuable for career advancement.