(PD1) Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 Practice Test

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PD1 Practice Test

Updated for November 2026
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Get ready for your Salesforce Platform Developer 1 credential with our comprehensive PD1 Practice Test suite. The PD1 exam validates your ability to build custom applications on the Salesforce Lightning Platform using Apex and Visualforce.

Whether you're looking for free PD1 exam questions or a complete PD1 study guide, our resources are designed to help you pass. Start practicing with realistic questions that mirror the actual Salesforce PD1 certification exam environment.

The PD1 has 60 questions, takes about 105 minutes and costs $200[1] (Salesforce, verified Oct 25, 2026).

  • The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam has 60 multiple-choice questions plus up to five unscored questions.[1]
  • The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam allows 105 minutes.[1]
  • The passing score for the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam is 68%.[1]
  • The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam registration fee is US$200 (JPY¥30,000) plus applicable taxes.[1]
  • The retake fee for the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam is US$100 (JPY¥15,000) plus applicable taxes.[1]
  • The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam is a proctored exam delivered onsite at a testing center or in an online environment.[1]
  • The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam has no prerequisite and is a prerequisite to the Platform Developer II exam.[1]

Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

PD1 Exam at a Glance

ItemDetailSource · Verified
Number of questions60 multiple-choice questions + up to 5 unscored[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
Time limit105 minutes[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
Passing score68%[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
Exam feeUS$200 plus taxes[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
Retake feeUS$100 plus taxes[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
DeliveryProctored at a testing center or online[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026
EligibilityNo prerequisite; prerequisite for Platform Developer II[1]Salesforce · Oct 25, 2026

What changed for PD1 in 2026

The Salesforce PD1 credential is a foundational certification for developers building custom business logic and interfaces on the Lightning Platform. Practice with the free Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (9 questions with answer explanations).

Free Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 Study Tools

Interactive Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

According to Salesforce, “Content: 60 multiple-choice questions and up to five unscored questions”[1]

PD1 Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the PD1 - Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

PD1 Apex Programming
PD1 Exam Questions covering Apex Programming. Master PD1 Test concepts for certification prep.
PD1 Data Modeling and Management
Free PD1 Practice Test featuring Data Modeling and Management. Improve your PD1 Exam score with mock test prep.
PD1 Deployment & Operations
PD1 Mock Exam on Deployment & Operations. PD1 Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
PD1 Deployment Strategies
PD1 Test Prep for Deployment Strategies. Practice PD1 Quiz questions and boost your score.
PD1 Developer Fundamentals
PD1 Questions and Answers on Developer Fundamentals. Free PD1 practice for exam readiness.
PD1 Development Methodologies
PD1 Mock Test covering Development Methodologies. Online PD1 Test practice with instant feedback.
PD1 Integration Architecture
Free PD1 Quiz on Integration Architecture. PD1 Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
PD1 Lightning Components
PD1 Practice Questions for Lightning Components. Build confidence for your PD1 certification exam.
PD1 Process Automation & Logic
PD1 Test Online for Process Automation & Logic. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
PD1 Security Model
PD1 Study Material on Security Model. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
PD1 Software Design & Architecture
Free PD1 Test covering Software Design & Architecture. Practice and track your PD1 exam readiness.
PD1 SOQL and SOSL
PD1 Exam Questions covering SOQL and SOSL. Master PD1 Test concepts for certification prep.
PD1 Testing and Debugging
Free PD1 Practice Test featuring Testing and Debugging. Improve your PD1 Exam score with mock test prep.
PD1 Testing, Debugging & Deployment
PD1 Mock Exam on Testing, Debugging & Deployment. PD1 Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
PD1 Testing & Quality Assurance
PD1 Test Prep for Testing & Quality Assurance. Practice PD1 Quiz questions and boost your score.
PD1 User Interface
PD1 Questions and Answers on User Interface. Free PD1 practice for exam readiness.
PD1 Visualforce Pages
PD1 Mock Test covering Visualforce Pages. Online PD1 Test practice with instant feedback.

Worked examples: how to reason through PD1 questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What role does collaboration play in visualforce pages for PD1 professionals?

  1. It slows down work unnecessarily
  2. It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
  3. It is only needed in emergencies
  4. It reduces individual accountability

Answer: B. It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise

Explanation:

The correct answer is that collaboration enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise. Different people notice different problems, and a team that shares what it knows tends to produce stronger work than one person alone.

Collaboration does not slow work down unnecessarily; a little coordination usually saves rework later, so that option is wrong. It is not only for emergencies, because regular collaboration catches issues before they become emergencies. It does not reduce individual accountability either; people remain responsible for their own part while also sharing the result.

Rule to remember: when a question asks about teamwork, choose the option that treats shared knowledge as a regular strength, not an occasional fix or a burden.

Example 2

Question: What is the MOST effective approach to quality assurance in Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1?

  1. Inspecting finished work only at the final stage
  2. Integrating quality checks throughout the entire process from planning to completion
  3. Assigning quality responsibility to a single person
  4. Conducting quality reviews only when complaints are received

Answer: B. Integrating quality checks throughout the entire process from planning to completion

Explanation:

The correct answer is integrating quality checks throughout the whole process, from planning to completion. Problems found early are easier and cheaper to fix than problems found after the work is finished.

Inspecting only at the final stage is wrong because defects build up unseen and are costly to undo. Assigning quality to a single person is wrong because one person cannot see every step, and quality becomes everyone's job. Reviewing only when complaints arrive is wrong because it is reactive; the damage is already done by then.

Rule to remember: for quality questions, prefer continuous checks across the whole process over a single late inspection, a single owner, or a reaction to complaints.

Example 3

Question: Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in PD1 practice?

  1. The speed at which procedures are completed
  2. The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
  3. The brand of equipment being used
  4. The time of day the procedure is performed

Answer: B. The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail

Explanation:

The correct answer is the practitioner's training, preparation and attention to detail. Skilled, well-prepared people produce reliable results even when conditions are not perfect.

The speed at which procedures are completed is wrong because rushing tends to lower quality, not raise it. The brand of equipment is wrong because tools matter, but a competent person gets more from ordinary tools than an unprepared person gets from the best ones. The time of day is wrong because it is a minor circumstance and not the main driver of the result.

Rule to remember: when a question asks what most affects quality, look for the human factor of competence and preparation before speed, tools or timing.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official exam guide from Salesforce so you know the format, the 105-minute limit and the 68% passing score. Then take one of our sets cold, before you study that topic, to see where you stand.

  1. Pick a starting point. If you write code daily, begin with PD1 Apex Programming and PD1 SOQL and SOSL. If you come from an admin background, begin with PD1 Data Modeling and Management.
  2. For every question you miss, write one line on why the right answer is right and why your choice was wrong. Then read the matching section of the official Salesforce documentation.
  3. Move on to PD1 Security Model, PD1 Lightning Components and PD1 Visualforce Pages, then the testing and deployment sets such as PD1 Testing and Debugging.
  4. Redo the sets where you scored lowest after a few days, not straight away, so you are recalling and not remembering the answers.
  5. In the last days, practise answering at an even pace against the clock, and read each question stem twice before you choose.

Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to find weak topics, not to predict the exam.

FREE PD1 PRACTICE TEST

PD1 Exam Flashcards

Quick review for the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 exam

📚 🏗️What is a key benefit of the Lightning Component Framework?
It uses a stateful client and stateless server architecture that relies on JavaScript on the client side to manage UI component metadata and application data.
🎯 🔍What is SOQL used for in Salesforce?
Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL) is used to search your organization’s Salesforce data for specific information.
💡 ⚡When should you use Apex over declarative tools?
Use Apex when complex business logic cannot be implemented using declarative features like Flows or Validation Rules.
🔑 🧪What is the minimum code coverage required for deployment?
At least 75% of your Apex code must be covered by unit tests, and all triggers must have some coverage.
📝 💾What is a key difference between SOSL and SOQL?
SOSL can search multiple objects simultaneously, while SOQL queries a single object or related objects.
⭐ 🔁What is the execution order of triggers and workflow rules?
Triggers execute before workflow rules. "Before" triggers run first, then validation rules, then "After" triggers, then workflow rules.
PD1 EXAM QUESTIONS QUIZ

PD1 Exam Study Guide

Use this tabbed PD1 study guide to understand the core components of the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 certification. It covers everything from exam basics to registration and results.

📋 PD1 Basics

What is the PD1 certification?
The Salesforce PD1 certification validates a developer's skills in programmatic capabilities of the Lightning Platform, including Apex and Visualforce.
Who should take the PD1 exam?
Developers with experience building custom applications on the Salesforce platform who want to demonstrate their expertise should take the Salesforce PD1 exam.
Is the PD1 exam hard?
The PD1 test is challenging and requires practical experience. A mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on coding practice is essential for success.
What are the prerequisites for PD1?
There are no official prerequisites for the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 exam, but 6-12 months of development experience is recommended.

📄 PD1 Format

How many questions are on the PD1 exam?
The PD1 exam contains 60 scored multiple-choice questions and up to 5 unscored pre-test questions.
How long is the PD1 test?
You are given 105 minutes to complete the Salesforce PD1 certification exam.
What is the passing score for PD1?
To pass the Salesforce PD1 exam, you must achieve a score of 68% or higher.
Is there negative marking on the PD1 test?
No, there is no negative marking on the PD1 test. It is better to guess than to leave a question blank.

📝 PD1 Registration

How do I register for the PD1 exam?
You can register for the PD1 exam through Trailhead Academy (trailheadacademy.salesforce.com). Exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, either online proctored (OnVUE) or onsite at a testing center.
How much does the PD1 exam cost?
The registration fee for the Salesforce PD1 exam is $200 USD, plus applicable taxes.
Can I reschedule my PD1 exam?
Yes, you can reschedule your PD1 test through Trailhead Academy / Pearson VUE without penalty if done at least 24 hours (online) or 48 hours (testing center) before the exam start time.
What ID do I need for the PD1 exam?
You need one valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (passport, plastic driver's license, or national/state ID card) whose name exactly matches your booking for the PD1 certification test. Pearson does not accept expired, digital, paper or copied IDs.

📊 PD1 Results

When do I get my PD1 results?
You will receive your PD1 exam results immediately upon completing the test on the screen and via email.
What happens if I fail the PD1 exam?
If you fail the Salesforce PD1 exam, you will receive section-level feedback. You can retake the exam for a reduced fee of $100.
How many times can I retake the PD1 exam?
You can retake the PD1 test up to three times within a Salesforce release cycle.
Does the PD1 certification expire?
The Salesforce PD1 certification stays valid as long as you complete the Platform Developer maintenance badge on Trailhead once a year (Winter release cycle); if you miss the due date the certification expires.

💵 PD1 Salary

What is the average PD1 salary?
A Salesforce PD1 certified developer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Does PD1 increase my salary?
Yes, obtaining the PD1 certification often leads to salary increases and better job opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem.
Are PD1 jobs in demand?
Salesforce developers with the PD1 credential are in high demand across various industries implementing Salesforce solutions.
What is the next step after PD1?
After achieving the Salesforce PD1, many developers pursue the Platform Developer II (PD2) certification.
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How to Become a PD1

The journey to becoming a Salesforce Platform Developer 1 involves mastering the basics of the Lightning Platform. While PD1 programs or bootcamps can help, many developers self-study using Trailhead and documentation.

  1. Create a Trailhead Academy Account - Sign up or log in at trailheadacademy.salesforce.com (your Trailblazer account).
  2. Select Exam - Choose "Salesforce Certified Platform Developer".
  3. Choose Format - Select a Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored (OnVUE).
  4. Pay Fee - Pay the $200 exam fee (or use a Salesforce PD1 voucher).
  5. Schedule - Pick a date and time that works for you.
  6. Prepare - Use PD1 practice test questions to verify readiness.
  7. Take Exam - Complete the 60-question test in 105 minutes.

With a potential salary increase of $15k-$20k, the total PD1 certification cost of roughly $200-$500 pays for itself in the first few months of employment.

START PD1 MOCK EXAM
PD1 CERTIFICATION PRACTICE TEST

PD1 Test Day Checklist

Valid Government Photo ID (name must match booking)
Trailhead Academy / Pearson VUE Login Info
Clean Desk & Private Room (Online Proctor)
Webcam & Mic Check
Stable Internet Connection
Run Pearson OnVUE System Test
Arrive 15+ Min Early (Testing Center)
Know the 24h/48h Reschedule Window

Ready to Pass Your PD1 Exam?

Join thousands of developers who have used our free PD1 practice test questions to become certified Salesforce Platform Developers.

Pros

  • Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
  • Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
  • Demonstrates commitment to professional development
  • Opens doors to advanced career opportunities

Cons

  • Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
  • Certification fees can be $100-$400+
  • May require continuing education to maintain
  • Some employers may not require certification

Official Resources

Sample Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. What happens to test data created inside an Apex test method after the test completes?

    • A. It is permanently saved to the org
    • B. It is rolled back automatically
    • C. It is archived in a log file
    • D. It must be deleted manually in a cleanup method

    Answer: B. It is rolled back automatically

    Salesforce automatically rolls back all DML operations performed during a test method, leaving the org unchanged.

  2. A developer uses Database.insert(records, false) in a test to allow partial success. How should the test validate which records failed?

    • A. Catch the DmlException thrown for failed records
    • B. Iterate the SaveResult list returned and check isSuccess() on each entry
    • C. Query the AsyncApexJob table for insert failures
    • D. Check System.lastException() after the insert call

    Answer: B. Iterate the SaveResult list returned and check isSuccess() on each entry

    Database.insert() with allOrNone=false returns a list of SaveResult objects; calling isSuccess() on each reveals which records succeeded and which failed along with error details.

  3. What happens if a test method contains a DML statement outside of Test.startTest()/Test.stopTest() and the DML count has already reached the limit?

    • A. Salesforce automatically wraps excess DML in a savepoint
    • B. A LimitException is thrown, failing the test
    • C. The DML is queued for execution after the test completes
    • D. Salesforce raises the DML limit silently for test context

    Answer: B. A LimitException is thrown, failing the test

    Exceeding any governor limit, including DML statements, causes a LimitException that halts and fails the test method.

  4. Which annotation must be placed on a test class or test method to allow it to run with the Apex test framework?

    • A. @AuraEnabled
    • B. @TestVisible
    • C. @isTest
    • D. @RemoteAction

    Answer: C. @isTest

    @isTest marks a class or method as part of the test suite and prevents it from counting against the org's code size limit.

Take the full Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 practice test

PD1 Questions and Answers

What is the PD1 exam?

The PD1 exam is the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer credential (Salesforce dropped the "I" from the official name). It validates that a developer can build custom business logic and user interfaces on the Lightning Platform using Apex, Lightning Web Components, Visualforce and Flow. It is also the prerequisite for the Platform Developer II exam.

What is the format of the PD1 test?

The PD1 test is a proctored, computer-based exam with 60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions plus up to five unscored questions. It is delivered by Pearson VUE either online with a remote proctor (OnVUE) or onsite at a testing center. No reference materials are allowed.

How many questions are on the PD1 exam?

The PD1 exam has 60 scored multiple-choice/multiple-select questions and up to five additional unscored questions that Salesforce uses to gather performance data. You have 105 minutes. Unscored questions are mixed in randomly and do not affect your result.

What is the passing score for PD1?

The passing score for the PD1 exam is 68%, according to the current Salesforce exam guide. Results are shown on screen as pass or fail immediately after you finish, with section-level feedback. Exam questions currently align to the Summer '25 release.

What topics does the PD1 cover?

The current outline is Developer Fundamentals (27%), Process Automation and Logic (28%), User Interface (25%), and Testing, Debugging, and Deployment (20%). Topics include Apex classes and triggers, SOQL/SOSL/DML, governor limits, order of execution, Lightning Web Components, Flow, Visualforce, security, Salesforce DX and deployment, and the use cases and limits of Agentforce for developers.

Who is eligible to take the PD1 exam?

There are no prerequisites for the PD1 exam. Salesforce recommends 1-2 years of development experience and at least six months on the Lightning Platform, plus familiarity with object-oriented languages such as Apex, Java or JavaScript. Anyone with a Trailhead Academy account can register.

How do you register for the PD1 test?

Log in to Trailhead Academy (trailheadacademy.salesforce.com), select the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer exam, choose online-proctored or a Pearson VUE testing center, pick a date and time, and pay the US$200 registration fee (plus applicable taxes). A retake costs US$100. Bring one valid government photo ID that exactly matches the name on your booking.

What are the best preparation tips for PD1?

Work through the official "Study for the Platform Developer Exam" trail and trailmix on Trailhead, write real Apex triggers and tests in a Developer Edition org, and drill the exam-guide objectives by weight. Use timed PD1 practice tests to get used to 60 questions in 105 minutes, and review governor limits and order of execution, which are heavily tested. After you pass, complete the Platform Developer maintenance badge every year to keep the certification.

Sources & last verified

  1. Salesforce — number of questions, time limit, exam fee, passing score (official source). “Content: 60 multiple-choice questions and up to five unscored questions” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.

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