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I cleared Salesforce platform developer I exam in September 2019. This is the 2nd article in the series of certifications journey leading to achieving Application Architect credentials. I had this thought in my mind that I’ll surely share my experience, when I clear this exam. This might help other aspirants. Like they say, Better late, than never. More than two years later, here it is…
Pre-preparation experience
I worked on Salesforce mostly using SOAP API, knew a bit SOQL, very little SOSL and worked on a very basic managed package. I was aware of some of the core standard objects like Contacts, Accounts, Opportunities etc. I knew about layouts, custom fields, a bit about profiles.
Learning during exam preparation
Step 1: I started with Platform Developer I trailmix on Trailhead, but didn’t finished it to 100%. I left the advanced Apex topics like Async Apex and modules/trails related to Aura components. Based on my limited Salesforce experience, I found those very difficult to understand. I’m in no way discouraging anyone to finish the trail. I would still say, cover as much as you can.
Step 2: Start reading Salesforce Apex developer guide. It was a 3000+ pages long PDF in summer 2019, version 46. Now it is 600+ pages, so it’s much easy to cover now. I suggest to download in PDF format Apex Developer Guide (PDF), so you can underline and highlight important things, and revisit important parts, when needed.
I read the PDF easily on my tablet and phone during office commute and sometimes, when I was having lunch or when in long queues. I used PDF marker to highlight important points that I can quickly go through near the exam time.
Make section wise notes, according to exam guide.
Step 3: For next steps, please visit the detailed article here. These steps are common for all other certifications.
Thank you for reading. Best wishes for the exam. You got it!!!
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