Salesforce Platform Developer II (PDII) Exam Guide – Winter ’26 | Syllabus + Questions
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Updated for Winter '26 Release
Last Updated: November 2025 | Exam Version: Winter '26
This guide reflects the latest Salesforce Platform Developer II (PDII) exam structure and current platform capabilities, including advanced Apex, asynchronous processing, integration patterns, and Lightning Web Components.
👨💻 What is Salesforce Platform Developer II?
Validates your ability to design and build complex programmatic solutions on Salesforce using advanced Apex, integration, performance tuning and secure application design.
Focuses on architecture, performance, async Apex, APIs, and integration rather than basic syntax. Questions are heavily scenario-based.
PDII is a strong signal for Senior Developer / Architect roles and supports higher-level credentials such as Application Architect.
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II (PDII)
Advanced Salesforce developer certification focusing on Apex, performance, integrations, and enterprise-scale solutions.
Ideal for developers with 2–4 years of experience on the Salesforce Platform and strong PD1-level skills.
📊 Platform Developer II Exam at a Glance
📝 Note: Always confirm latest details (duration, passing score, pricing) on the official Salesforce Credential page before scheduling your exam.
📐 Path to the Platform Developer II Credential
To earn the full Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II credential, you typically complete:
- Salesforce Platform Developer I (PD1) certification
- Three core Trailhead superbadges:
- Apex Specialist
- Data Integration Specialist
- Advanced Apex Specialist
- The proctored PDII multiple-choice exam
You can work on the superbadges in any order, but you must meet all prerequisites for the PDII credential to be awarded.
Exam Objectives & Weightage (Platform Developer II)
1. Salesforce Fundamentals
5%Focuses on platform architecture, base system objects (sharing, history, metadata), multi-currency and localization, and choosing declarative vs programmatic solutions.
2. Data Modeling & Management
6%Covers advanced data considerations: multi-currency, multi-language, external IDs, compound fields, custom metadata, custom settings, and Apex-managed sharing.
3. Process Automation & Logic
20%The heaviest section. Tests Apex triggers, classes, SOQL/SOSL, transactional integrity, error handling, dynamic Apex, and async Apex working alongside Flows and other declarative tools.
4. User Interface
19%Advanced UI topics using Lightning Web Components, Aura, Visualforce, controllers, controller extensions, standard set controllers, and secure UX patterns.
5. Performance
16%Focuses on query performance, limits, large data volumes (LDV), caching strategies, and efficient code design. Expect scenario-based questions about optimizing under constraints.
6. Integration
15%Covers REST & SOAP callouts, custom APIs with Apex REST/SOAP, named credentials, auth mechanisms, and choosing the right integration pattern (sync vs async, platform events, change data capture).
7. Testing
14%Deep focus on Apex testing best practices, testing async code and callouts, code coverage strategy, test isolation, and designing maintainable test suites.
8. Debug & Deployment Tools
5%Tests your ability to use Developer Console, debug logs, Salesforce CLI, VS Code, change sets, and Metadata API effectively in an end-to-end development lifecycle.
📝 Sample Platform Developer II Questions
💡 Scenario-Based Practice
PDII questions are usually long scenarios with multiple “good” answers. Look for the option that is bulk-safe, maintainable, scalable, secure, and aligned with Salesforce best practices.
Question 1: Async Callouts & Triggers
A trigger on Opportunity must send data to an external system every time an Opportunity moves to "Closed Won". The integration team has strict limits on concurrent calls and latency. What is the MOST appropriate design?
A) Perform the HTTP callout directly in the after update trigger.
B) Use a @future(callout=true) method from the trigger to make the callout.
C) Publish a Platform Event from the trigger; subscribe with an async Apex trigger that performs the callout.
D) Use an Apex batch job scheduled every 5 minutes to query Closed Won Opportunities and perform callouts.
✓ Correct Answer: C) Publish a Platform Event from the trigger; subscribe with an async Apex trigger that performs the callout.
Explanation: Triggers cannot make callouts after performing DML without special handling.
For robust, scalable designs, Platform Events decouple the transaction from the callout,
provide reliable delivery, and support back-pressure better than basic @future.
Question 2: Apex Managed Sharing
A custom object Project__c has private sharing. A complex business rule grants access to users in a
specific region based on integrations and custom logic. The sharing needs to be recalculated whenever the
related Account is updated. What approach should a developer use?
A) Use criteria-based sharing rules on Project__c.
B) Use manual sharing by asking admins to adjust shares.
C) Implement Apex managed sharing for Project__c and recalculate in a trigger.
D) Use a public group with “View All” on Project__c.
✓ Correct Answer: C) Implement Apex managed sharing for Project__c and recalculate in a trigger.
Explanation: When complex, programmatic conditions drive access, Apex managed sharing is the recommended approach. Criterion-based rules can’t express this complex logic.
Question 3: Integration Pattern
An external ERP system must be notified whenever an Invoice__c record is created in Salesforce. The ERP expects Salesforce to call a REST endpoint and does not support retries. Large data loads of thousands of invoices may occur nightly. What is the best approach?
A) Call the ERP REST endpoint synchronously from a before insert trigger on Invoice__c.
B) Use an outbound message to the ERP endpoint for each invoice.
C) Use a batch Apex job to group invoices and perform asynchronous REST callouts.
D) Use email alerts with invoice data and let the ERP parse them nightly.
✓ Correct Answer: C) Use a batch Apex job to group invoices and perform asynchronous REST callouts.
Explanation: Large data volumes require bulk, async processing. A batch job allows the developer to chunk records, handle retries and errors, and stay within callout and governor limits.
Question 4: Performance & SOQL
A class executes a SOQL query inside a for loop that processes related child records. In production,
the code frequently hits “too many SOQL queries” limit. What is the optimal refactor?
A) Increase the governor limit using a custom setting.
B) Move the SOQL query outside the loop and store results in a map keyed by parent Id.
C) Wrap the loop inside Test.startTest() / Test.stopTest().
D) Add LIMIT 1 to each query execution.
✓ Correct Answer: B) Move the SOQL query outside the loop and store results in a map keyed by parent Id.
Explanation: A classic PDII pattern is to bulkify SOQL: query once, store results in collections/maps, and reuse them inside loops instead of querying repeatedly.
Question 5: Testing & Callouts
A developer needs to test a method that performs an HTTP callout to an external service and then performs DML. What are two best practices to implement this test? (Choose 2)
A) Implement HttpCalloutMock and register it with Test.setMock.
B) Set @IsTest(SeeAllData=true) to reuse existing integration data.
C) Enclose the method invocation within Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest().
D) Disable callouts in tests using a custom setting.
✓ Correct Answers: A and C
Explanation: Callouts in tests must use mock responses via HttpCalloutMock +
Test.setMock. Test.startTest() / Test.stopTest() resets limits and executes queued async
work, which is critical for testing callouts and related logic.
💡 Exam Tip: PDII is about choosing the most robust architecture, not just “code that works”. Think in terms of limits, long-term maintainability, and real-world production behaviour.
📚 Study Plan for Platform Developer II (4–8 Weeks)
🎯 Suggested Roadmap
Revisit PD1 topics: governor limits, data modeling, basic async, and LWC fundamentals. Close any gaps before diving into advanced topics.
Focus on triggers patterns, dynamic Apex, batch/queueable/schedulable, platform events, and advanced error handling. Implement these patterns in a dev org.
Build small projects with REST/SOAP callouts, named credentials, and optimize SOQL, LDV scenarios, and UI performance.
Complete (or review) Apex Specialist, Data Integration Specialist, Advanced Apex Specialist and take timed practice exams. Refine weak domains using exam outline.
💡 Exam Day Tips (Platform Developer II)
60 questions in 120 minutes = ~2 minutes per question. Skim the scenario, jump to the question, then evaluate options. Flag long scenarios and return later.
Prefer answers that are bulk-safe, loosely coupled, async where needed, secure, and avoid hard limits (e.g., SOQL in loops, synchronous heavy logic, SeeAllData=true).
The exam blueprint is your friend. Expect many questions from Process Automation & Logic, User Interface, Integration, and Testing. Don’t ignore the “smaller” sections though.
❓ Platform Developer II – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is Platform Developer II different from Platform Developer I?
PD1 focuses on core Apex, SOQL, Flows, and basic LWC concepts. PDII goes deeper into architecture, performance, async processing, integrations, and test strategies. Questions are more scenario-driven and assume strong PD1 knowledge.
How much experience do I need before attempting PDII?
Salesforce recommends around 2–4 years of development experience with at least one year building on the Salesforce Platform. In practice, you should feel very confident with PD1-level topics and have written real-world Apex, integrations, and tests.
Do I need to complete superbadges for PDII?
Yes, to earn the full Platform Developer II credential, you typically need: Apex Specialist, Data Integration Specialist, and Advanced Apex Specialist superbadges in addition to passing the PDII exam. Check the official Salesforce page for the latest requirements.
Is PDII much harder than PD1?
Most candidates find PDII noticeably harder because:
• Scenarios are longer and more complex
• Many questions have multiple “correct” answers but only one best architecture
• There is heavier focus on integration, async Apex, and performance.
How should I balance studying between Apex, LWC, and integration?
Prioritize advanced Apex (triggers, async, patterns), then integration (REST/SOAP, callouts, named credentials), followed by LWC/Visualforce performance and security. Use the official exam weightings to allocate your time.
How long is the Platform Developer II certification valid?
Salesforce certifications stay valid as long as you complete required maintenance modules on Trailhead when Salesforce updates the certification. Check your Certification Maintenance page on Trailhead regularly.
❓ Salesforce Platform Developer II (PDII) FAQ
Check the official Salesforce certification page for current prerequisites. Most certifications recommend having relevant hands-on experience (typically 6-12 months) with the specific Salesforce product or feature area.
General recommendations:
- Complete relevant Trailhead trails and superbadges
- Get hands-on experience in a Developer Edition org
- Review the official exam guide thoroughly
- Complete practice exams and aim for 80%+ consistently
Recommended preparation steps:
- Study the exam guide: Review all exam objectives and weightage carefully
- Complete Trailhead: Finish all recommended trails and superbadges for this certification
- Hands-on practice: Use a Developer Edition org to practice the features and scenarios covered in the exam
- Practice exams: Take multiple practice exams and aim for 80%+ consistently
- Review release notes: Study Winter '26 release notes for new features that may appear in exam questions
- Focus on weak areas: Use exam weightage to prioritize study time on higher-weighted domains
Refer to the "Exam Objectives & Weightage" section above for detailed topic breakdown. The exam covers multiple domains with varying weightage. Focus more study time on domains with higher percentages.
Pro tip: Review the exam guide's domain breakdown carefully and ensure you have hands-on experience with all topics, especially those with higher weightage.
Preparation time varies based on your background and experience:
- With relevant experience: 2-3 months of focused study (10-15 hours per week)
- Without experience: 4-6 months of dedicated study (15-20 hours per week)
- With similar certifications: 1-2 months if you have related credentials
Best practice: Don't schedule your exam until you're consistently scoring 80%+ on practice tests and feel confident about all exam domains.
Most Salesforce certification exams require a passing score of 65-68%. The exact passing score is not disclosed by Salesforce and may vary slightly by exam version.
Important: Salesforce uses a scaled scoring system, meaning not all questions have equal weight. Focus on understanding all domains thoroughly rather than memorizing specific answers.
Strategy: Aim to score consistently above 80% on practice exams before scheduling your real exam to ensure a comfortable passing margin.
💡 Exam Success Tips
📚 Study the Exam Guide
Review the official exam guide thoroughly. Understand each domain's weightage and prioritize higher-weighted topics during your final review.
🛠️ Hands-On Practice
Use a Developer Edition org to practice all features covered in the exam. Real hands-on experience is invaluable for scenario-based questions.
📝 Practice Exams
Take multiple practice exams and aim for 80%+ consistently. Understand WHY answers are correct, not just memorizing them.
🆕 Review Release Notes
Study Winter '26 release notes. New features often appear in exam questions. This guide highlights key Winter '26 updates.
⏱️ Time Management
Manage your time during the exam. Flag difficult questions and return to them later. Ensure you answer all questions before time runs out.
🎯 Focus on Weak Areas
Review practice exam results and dedicate extra study time to domains where you scored lower. Use exam weightage to prioritize.