Certification Guide
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I
by Salesforce · Exam code: CRT-450
The Platform Developer I certification validates your ability to build custom applications on the Salesforce platform using Apex and Lightning components. It's the developer counterpart to the Admin cert and opens doors to higher-paying technical Salesforce roles.
Cost
$200 ($100 retake)
Difficulty
Advanced
Prep Time
6-8 weeks
Passing Score
68%
Valid For
Maintained via Trailhead release exams (3x/year)
Salary Impact
+15%
Is it worth it?
Average salary without
$130,000
Average salary with cert
$149,500
Yes, if you're pursuing a Salesforce development career. Combined with the Admin cert, PD1 significantly increases your marketability. Salesforce developers are among the most in-demand CRM specialists, and the $200 exam fee is reasonable for the career unlock.
Study Plan
A week-by-week breakdown to pass on your first attempt.
Salesforce platform fundamentals — data model, SOQL/SOSL, governor limits, bulkification
Apex programming — classes, triggers, batch Apex, future methods, queueable, schedulable
Lightning Web Components, Visualforce, testing — unit tests, test factories, code coverage
Integration, deployment, practice exams, review weak areas
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