Skip to content
Independent certification guide · exam data reviewed November 2026 Study guidesBrowse by fieldHow we review
Find a certification

Salesforce Platform Developer II

Validates expert-level skills in Salesforce architecture, design patterns, and advanced Apex/LWC development for senior developers.

Exam fee
$400
Typical salary
$120K–$155K
Our verdict

If you are a senior Salesforce developer or technical lead looking to prove deep expertise, this certification is worth the effort. If you are just starting out, consider the Platform Developer I first.

What Salesforce Platform Developer II covers

Advanced Salesforce developer certification. Validates expert-level skills in Salesforce architecture, design patterns, and advanced Apex/LWC development.

Key topics covered: Advanced Apex patterns, Asynchronous processing, LWC advanced components, Integration patterns, Performance optimization, Security architecture.

Best suited for: Senior Salesforce developers and architects building complex enterprise solutions.

Common career paths: Senior Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Architect, Technical Lead.

Best forSenior Salesforce developers and architects who design complex enterprise solutions.

Salesforce Platform Developer II exam details

Exam domains

  1. Advanced Apex patterns
  2. Asynchronous processing
  3. LWC advanced components
  4. Integration patterns
  5. Performance optimization
  6. Security architecture

At a glance

Exam fee
$400

How to prepare for Salesforce Platform Developer II

StageWhat to doTime
1Understand the certification scope
Read the official Salesforce certification outline and note the high‑level areas such as Apex patterns, asynchronous processing, LWC, integration, performance, and security.
Week 1
2Deep dive into core domains
Study each domain in depth—advanced Apex, LWC components, integration patterns, and security architecture—using Trailhead modules and hands‑on orgs.
Weeks 2‑3
3Hands‑on practice projects
Build sample enterprise‑level solutions that incorporate asynchronous processing, performance tuning, and secure data access to cement knowledge.
Weeks 4‑5
4Mock exams and review
Take practice exams, identify weak spots, and revisit the relevant topics until confidence is high.
Week 6

Jobs and salary with Salesforce Platform Developer II

People holding this certification commonly report pay around $120K–$155K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.

Roles this certification supports

Senior Salesforce DeveloperSalesforce ArchitectTechnical LeadEnterprise Solution EngineerCloud Solutions Consultant

Salesforce Platform Developer II questions answered

What is the Salesforce Platform Developer II certification?

Validates expert-level skills in Salesforce architecture, design patterns, and advanced Apex/LWC development for senior developers. It is issued by Salesforce and sits in the Cloud Computing field.

Is Salesforce Platform Developer II hard?

Salesforce Platform Developer II is rated Advanced. It usually assumes several years of hands-on work, so most candidates prepare for longer.

How much does the Salesforce Platform Developer II exam cost?

The listed exam fee is $400. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Salesforce before you book.

What salary can I expect with Salesforce Platform Developer II?

Professionals with Salesforce Platform Developer II commonly report pay in the $120K–$155K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.

How should I prepare for Salesforce Platform Developer II?

Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.

Alternatives to Salesforce Platform Developer II

CertificationVendorLevel
AWS Solutions Architect AssociateAmazon Web ServicesIntermediate
AWS Cloud PractitionerAmazon Web ServicesBeginner
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)MicrosoftBeginner
Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)MicrosoftIntermediate
Google Cloud Associate Cloud EngineerGoogle CloudIntermediate

Compare side by side