If you are looking to enhance your career as a Salesforce developer, taking and passing the Platform Developer II (PDII) exam is one of the best steps you can take. The PDII exam validates your ability to develop complex solutions on the Salesforce platform. This certification is for experienced developers. who have a strong understanding of Salesforce tools, including Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning components. In this blog, we will take you through all the details you need to know about the PDII exam, including important topics and preparation strategies.

What is the PDII Exam
The Platform Developer II (PDII) exam is an advanced level certification exam offered by Salesforce. It is designed to assess a developer’s knowledge and ability to build sophisticated applications on the Salesforce platform. This exam tests your skills in developing custom business logic, creating custom user interfaces, and working with advanced features like Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning.
The PDII exam is more challenging than the Platform Developer I (PD1) exam, and it is meant for professionals with experience in Salesforce development. It requires in-depth knowledge of the platform and the ability to work on real-world problems using Salesforce tools and technologies.
Exam Overview
The PDII exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 120 minutes to complete the exam, and the passing score is typically around 65%. However, it is always better to aim for a higher percentage to ensure you have a solid understanding of the topics.
The exam covers multiple aspects of Salesforce development, including:
Apex Programming: This is the core language used for developing business logic in Salesforce.
- Visualforce Pages: Understanding how to create and customize pages to interact with users.
Lightning Components: Developing modern user interfaces with Salesforce’s Lightning framework.
Data Modeling and Testing: Building and managing data structures and ensuring that the code is tested properly.
Integration: Using different methods for connecting Salesforce with external systems.
Topics Covered in the PDII Exam
To give you a better idea of what the PDII exam covers, here are the main topics:
Apex Programming
- Writing triggers, classes, and batch jobs.
- Handling exceptions and governor limits.
- Working with collections, schema manipulations, and asynchronous processing.
Visualforce Pages
- Developing custom Visualforce pages.
- Understanding controllers and how they interact with Apex.
Lightning Components
- Building Lightning Web Components (LWC) and Aura components.
- Managing component communication and data flow between different components.
Integration
- Working with REST and SOAP web services.
- Integrating with external systems using Apex callouts.
Testing and Debugging
- Writing test classes to ensure your code runs smoothly.
- Debugging code and resolving issues.
These percentages represent the weight of each topic in the exam, so make sure you spend sufficient time on all of them during your study.
Why Should You Take the PDII Exam
Taking the PDII exam comes with several benefit
Career Growth
Bypassing the PDII exam, you show your ability to handle more complex Salesforce development tasks. It opens doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and promotions. Many companies value employees with the PDII certification because it demonstrates deep knowledge of Salesforce.
Increased Expertise
Preparing for the PDII exam forces you to learn more about advanced Salesforce topics that you might not have worked with before. This helps you become a more proficient and skilled developer.
Personal Satisfaction
Completing the PDII exam is an achievement in itself. It boosts your confidence and shows that you are capable of handling the complexities of Salesforce development.
How to Prepare for the PDII Exam
The key to success in the PDII exam is preparation. Here are some steps to help you get ready:
Get Hands-On Experience
The best way to prepare for the PDII exam is to work on real Salesforce development projects. If you do not have a project, consider using a Salesforce Developer Edition org to practice. Build and test custom Apex classes, triggers, Visualforce pages, and Lightning components.
Study the Exam Guide
Salesforce provides an official Exam Guide that gives you detailed information about the topics you will be tested on. It is essential to read through the guide and focus on the areas with higher percentages Use Salesforce Trailhead
Trailhead is a free learning platform from Salesforce that provides step-by-step modules on various Salesforce topics. There are specific PDII trails designed to help you prepare for the exam. These trails cover essential concepts and provide interactive exercises.
Take Practice Exams
Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare for the PDII exam. It gives you a feel for the real exam and helps you identify your weak areas. You can find practice exams on sites like CertsWarrior.com.
Join the Salesforce Community
The Salesforce community is vast and supportive. Join forums, and discussion groups, and attend webinars to get insights from people who have already taken the exam. You can learn from their experiences and ask questions about any doubts you have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the PDII Exam
How many questions are on the PDII exam?
The PDII exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.
What is the passing score for the PDII exam?
The passing score for the PDII exam is generally. However, aiming for a higher score is recommended to demonstrate strong knowledge.
How long do I have to complete the PDII exam?
You will have 120 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the best way to prepare for the PDII exam?
The best way to prepare is to practice using Salesforce, study the official exam guide, use Trailhead, and take practice exams.
How can I get hands-on experience before the exam?
You can use a Salesforce Developer Edition org to practice and build various applications. This will give you practical experience with Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning components.
Conclusion
Passing the CertsWarrior PDII exam is a significant achievement for any Salesforce developer. It validates your ability to handle complex business logic and development challenges on the Salesforce platform. By following the preparation strategies outlined above and dedicating time to study, you can successfully pass the exam and take your Salesforce career to the next level.
Good luck with your PDII exam preparation, and don’t forget to check out resources like CertsWarrior for practice tests and other study materials to help you succeed!