Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification Training Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This comprehensive 8-week hands-on course is designed to prepare beginners for the Salesforce Platform Developer I (PDI) certification. Each module spans approximately one week, with 6-8 hours of learning per week, blending core development concepts with declarative tools. You'll gain practical experience in Apex, Lightning Web Components, data modeling, automation, and deployment workflows, culminating in a capstone project that integrates all skills. The program emphasizes best practices, governor limits, and test-driven development to ensure real-world readiness.
Module 1: Salesforce Fundamentals & Data Modeling
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Org setup and navigation
- Standard vs. custom objects
- Relationships: lookup and master-detail
- Using Schema Builder for data modeling
Module 2: Apex Basics & Triggers
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Apex syntax and execution contexts
- Understanding governor limits
- Trigger contexts and execution order
- Bulkification best practices
Module 3: SOQL, SOSL & Database Operations
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Writing SOQL queries and SOSL searches
- Performing DML operations
- Dynamic queries and query optimization
- Exception handling and asynchronous Apex with Schedulable
Module 4: Lightning Web Components (LWC) & Visualforce
Estimated time: 7 hours
- LWC architecture and component lifecycle
- Using Lightning Data Service
- Building interactive LWCs for record editing
- Visualforce page development for custom reporting
Module 5: Declarative Automation & Integration
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Building automation with Flow Builder and Process Builder
- Implementing multi-step approval processes using Screen Flow
- Exposing REST endpoints in Apex
- Introduction to Platform Events and API basics
Module 6: Testing, Debugging & Deployment
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Writing Apex test classes and achieving code coverage
- Analyzing debug logs and troubleshooting
- Using change sets and Salesforce CLI for deployment
- Implementing CI/CD workflows with Scratch Orgs
Module 7: Exam Preparation & Best Practices
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Review of PDI exam outline and objectives
- Key topic deep-dive and study strategies
- Timed practice exams and answer debriefs
Module 8: Capstone Project
Estimated time: 7 hours
- Design and build a recruitment management app
- Integrate Apex, LWC, and Flows
- Pack and deploy solution using change sets
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with Salesforce admin basics
- Basic understanding of CRM concepts
- Experience navigating Salesforce Lightning interface
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Design and implement custom data models in Salesforce
- Write efficient, bulk-safe Apex triggers and classes
- Build responsive user interfaces with LWC and Visualforce
- Automate business processes using Flows and Process Builder
- Pass the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification exam