Certified Platform Developer

The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer credential validates skills in building custom applications on the Salesforce platform. Designed for intermediate developers, this certification helps career changers and upskillers transition into high-demand Salesforce development roles. It opens doors to positions like Salesforce Developer, Technical Consultant, and Application Architect—roles that offer strong job security and competitive salaries in the growing CRM ecosystem. Whether you're pivoting from traditional software development or advancing your tech career, this certification demonstrates the specialized platform expertise that employers actively seek.

Issued by Salesforce
Certified Platform Developer certification logo

Certification Requirements


Exam Required: Yes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prerequisites:
  • None

Topics covered by Certified Platform Developer

The certification validates that you have the core skills necessary for a career in Salesforce development and custom application building.


Job Opportunities with a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer Certification

This certification unlocks high-paying, in-demand tech roles that can transform your career trajectory:

Salesforce Developer

Salesforce Developers build and customize applications on the Salesforce platform, creating automated workflows, custom objects, and integrations that help businesses streamline their customer relationship management processes.

Estimated Salary: $75,000 – $130,000

Salesforce Software Engineer

Salesforce Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain applications on the Salesforce platform, creating custom solutions that help businesses streamline operations and enhance customer relationship management systems.

Estimated Salary: $95,000 – $160,000

Salesforce Technical Architect

A Salesforce Technical Architect designs and oversees complex Salesforce solutions, leading technical strategy, system integration, and platform optimization to meet enterprise business requirements and drive digital transformation initiatives.

Estimated Salary: $140,000 – $200,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you earn with a Salesforce Certified Platform Developer certification?

Salesforce Certified Platform Developers typically earn $75,000-$120,000 annually, with experienced developers earning $130,000+ depending on location and company size.

Is the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer certification worth it for career changers?

Yes, this certification is valuable for career changers seeking entry into Salesforce development roles. It demonstrates practical coding skills that employers actively seek, opening doors to well-paying tech positions even without prior Salesforce experience. The certification validates your ability to build custom applications on the platform, making you competitive for junior developer roles. However, you'll need some programming background first, as this isn't a beginner-level certification. Combined with hands-on practice and portfolio projects, it can effectively launch your transition into the growing Salesforce ecosystem.

How hard is the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam to pass?

The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam is moderately challenging, with a 65% passing score. Most candidates need 2-3 months of focused study and hands-on practice to pass successfully.

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