salesforce developer Study Guide 2025: Updated Prep Materials
Get ready for the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification with our comprehensive 2025 study guide. Updated with the latest exam objectives, study strategies, and expert tips to help you pass on your first attempt.
Exam Quick Facts
Why This 2025 Guide?
Prepared with the latest exam objectives and proven study strategies
2025 Updated
Reflects the latest exam objectives and content updates for 2025
Exam Aligned
Covers all current exam domains with accurate weightings
Proven Strategies
Time-tested study techniques from successful candidates
Fast Track Path
Efficient study plan to pass on your first attempt
Complete Study Materials
Comprehensive 2025 study guide for Salesforce Platform Developer I
Complete Study Guide for Salesforce Platform Developer I (DEV-450)
The Salesforce Platform Developer I certification validates your knowledge and skills in building custom applications on the Salesforce Platform using declarative customization and programmatic capabilities (Apex and Visualforce). This associate-level certification is ideal for developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in developing custom applications on the Salesforce Platform.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Developers with 6-12 months of Salesforce development experience
- Professionals familiar with object-oriented programming concepts
- Administrators looking to transition into development roles
- Software engineers new to the Salesforce ecosystem
- Custom application developers working with Force.com
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of Salesforce data model and navigation
- Fundamental knowledge of object-oriented programming
- Familiarity with MVC architecture patterns
- Understanding of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Access to a Salesforce Developer Edition org for hands-on practice
Official Resources
Platform Developer I Certification Page
Official certification page with exam guide, requirements, and registration information
View ResourceSalesforce Platform Developer I Exam Guide
Detailed exam objectives, weighting, and recommended training resources
View ResourceApex Developer Guide
Comprehensive documentation for Apex programming language
View ResourceVisualforce Developer Guide
Complete reference for building custom user interfaces with Visualforce
View ResourceLightning Web Components Developer Guide
Modern framework documentation for building Lightning components
View ResourceAura Components Developer Guide
Documentation for Lightning Component framework
View ResourceSOQL and SOSL Reference
Query language reference for Salesforce data retrieval
View ResourceTrailhead: Developer Beginner Trail
Foundational learning path for Salesforce developers
View ResourceTrailhead: Platform Developer I Superbadge
Hands-on superbadge to test your practical Apex skills
View ResourceSalesforce Developer Free Edition Signup
Create a free developer environment for hands-on practice
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Recommended Books
Salesforce Platform Developer I Certification Guide: Expert tips, techniques, and mock tests for the Platform Developer I (DEV-450) exam
by Jan Vandevelde and Gunther Roskams
Comprehensive guide covering all exam topics with practical examples and practice questions
View on AmazonAdvanced Apex Programming for Salesforce.com and Force.com
by Dan Appleman
Deep dive into Apex best practices, design patterns, and advanced programming techniques
View on AmazonSalesforce Lightning Platform Enterprise Architecture: A must-read guide to help you understand how to build scalable and sustainable apps
by Andrew Fawcett
Architectural patterns and best practices for building enterprise-grade Salesforce applications
View on AmazonLearning Salesforce Visual Workflow and Process Builder
by Rakesh Gupta
Comprehensive guide to declarative automation tools including Flow and Process Builder
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
Focus on Force Platform Developer I Practice Exams
High-quality practice exams with detailed explanations, closely matching actual exam difficulty
View ResourceSalesforce Developer Edition Org
Free full-featured Salesforce environment for hands-on practice and development
View ResourceTrailhead Playgrounds
Dedicated practice orgs for completing Trailhead modules and hands-on challenges
View ResourceSalesforce Workbooks and Sample Code
Official code samples, workbooks, and tutorials from Salesforce developers
View ResourceTrailhead Platform Developer I Superbadge
Hands-on scenario-based assessment testing real-world development skills
View ResourceUdemy Platform Developer I Practice Tests
Multiple practice exams with explanations and performance tracking
View ResourceSalesforce Developer Workbook
Official hands-on exercises and tutorials for learning platform development
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
Salesforce Stack Exchange
Active Q&A community for Salesforce developers with thousands of answered questions
Join CommunitySalesforce Trailblazer Community
Official Salesforce community with study groups, certification prep discussions, and expert advice
Join Communityr/salesforce
Reddit community with certification discussions, study tips, and career advice
Join Communityr/SalesforceDeveloper
Developer-focused subreddit with technical discussions and code reviews
Join CommunitySalesforce Developer Blog
Official blog with best practices, new features, and development patterns
Join CommunitySalesforce Developers Podcast
Official podcast covering developer topics, best practices, and interviews
Join CommunitySalesforce Way
Blog with exam tips, study guides, and certification preparation resources
Join CommunitySFDCFacts
Learning platform with tutorials, practice questions, and certification guides
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Hands-On Practice is Essential
- Create a dedicated Developer Edition org and practice building everything from scratch
- Write at least 20-30 Apex classes and triggers during your preparation
- Complete all relevant Trailhead modules with hands-on challenges, not just reading
- Build real-world scenarios: create a mini-project combining triggers, classes, Visualforce, and test classes
- Practice writing code without looking at documentation to simulate exam conditions
Master Governor Limits
- Create a cheat sheet of all governor limits (SOQL queries, DML statements, heap size, etc.)
- Understand why governor limits exist in the multi-tenant architecture
- Practice bulkification in every trigger and class you write
- Know the difference between synchronous and asynchronous limits
- Review governor limits weekly throughout your study period
Focus on the 38% Logic and Process Automation Domain
- Allocate 40% of your study time to Apex, triggers, and process automation
- Practice trigger scenarios with bulk data (200+ records)
- Master SOQL queries including relationships, aggregate functions, and subqueries
- Understand when to use declarative tools vs. Apex code
- Learn trigger design patterns (handler classes, recursive prevention)
Testing Knowledge is Critical
- Write test classes for every piece of code you create during practice
- Understand Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest() and why they're important
- Practice achieving >90% code coverage, not just the minimum 75%
- Learn to test positive scenarios, negative scenarios, and bulk operations
- Know how to use System.assert methods effectively
Understand the 'Why' Not Just the 'How'
- The exam tests conceptual understanding, not just memorization
- Understand why you'd use a master-detail vs. lookup relationship
- Know when to use Future vs. Queueable vs. Batch Apex
- Understand the implications of using standard controllers vs. custom controllers
- Learn the order of execution for triggers, workflows, and validation rules
Practice Time Management
- You have 110 minutes for 60 questions (less than 2 minutes per question)
- Take at least 3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions
- Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- Don't spend more than 3 minutes on any single question during practice
- Practice exams should be completed with at least 10-15 minutes to spare
Use Official Documentation Strategically
- Bookmark the Apex Developer Guide and reference it frequently
- Read the official exam guide thoroughly - it lists every topic tested
- Focus on the 'Considerations' and 'Best Practices' sections in documentation
- Use Salesforce Help during practice but try to recall from memory first
- Review the most recent release notes for platform changes
Leverage Trailhead Effectively
- Complete the entire Developer Beginner and Intermediate trails
- Earn the Platform Developer I Superbadge before attempting the exam
- Don't just read modules - complete all hands-on challenges
- Review Trailhead unit quiz questions as they often mirror exam style
- Use Trailhead Projects to build complete mini-applications
Exam Day Tips
- 1Arrive 15 minutes early to the testing center or set up your online proctoring environment in advance
- 2Read each question carefully - look for keywords like 'MOST', 'BEST', 'LEAST', or 'EXCEPT'
- 3Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to narrow down your choices
- 4Don't second-guess yourself too much - your first instinct is usually correct
- 5Flag questions you're unsure about and review them if time permits
- 6Remember that code coverage is calculated at the organization level, not per class
- 7Watch for questions about governor limits - they appear throughout the exam
- 8Questions may have multiple correct answers but you need to select the BEST answer
- 9Scenario-based questions often test multiple concepts - break them down systematically
- 10Stay calm and manage your time - you should complete 30 questions in 55 minutes to stay on pace
- 11Review all flagged questions if you have time remaining
- 12Take deep breaths if you encounter difficult questions - move on and return later
- 13Trust your preparation - you've studied the material thoroughly
Study guide generated on January 8, 2026
Salesforce Platform Developer I 2025 Study Guide FAQs
salesforce developer is a professional certification from Salesforce that validates expertise in salesforce platform developer i technologies and concepts. The official exam code is DEV-450.
The salesforce developer Study Guide 2025 includes updated content reflecting the latest exam changes, new technologies, and best practices. It covers all current exam objectives and domains.
Yes, the 2025 salesforce developer study guide has been updated with new content, revised exam objectives, and the latest industry trends. It reflects all changes made to the DEV-450 exam.
Start by reviewing the exam objectives in the 2025 guide, then work through each section systematically. Combine your study with practice exams to reinforce your learning.
More 2025 Resources
Complete your exam preparation with these resources