Certification Roadmap · Spring '26
Salesforce Architect Certification Path (Spring '26)
The Salesforce architect track has two role-based credentials — Application Architect and System Architect — each earned by passing a set of component exams. Both lead to the Certified Technical Architect (CTA), the highest Salesforce credential. Here is the full roadmap.
Written and reviewed by Krishna Mohan — ADM-201, PD1, PD2, App Builder & Consultant certified. Updated for Spring '26. Methodology · Contact
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The Architect Pyramid
| Credential | Component Exams Required | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Application Architect | App Builder + PD1 + Data Architect + Sharing & Visibility Architect | Advanced |
| System Architect | Integration Architect + IAM Architect + Dev Lifecycle Architect + System Architect exam | Advanced |
| Certified Technical Architect (CTA) | Application Architect + System Architect + CTA Evaluation + Review Board | Expert |
Application Architect Path (Recommended Order)
Start with the two most accessible components first. Each exam builds on the previous.
Salesforce Administrator (ADM-201) — Foundation
Not a component exam but required knowledge base. Platform security model, object relationships, and declarative automation are tested across all architect components.
ADM-201 exam tips →Platform App Builder (DEV-402) — Component 1
Data modelling, Flow automation, Lightning App Builder, and security model. 68% passing score. Most candidates take 4-6 weeks to prepare.
App Builder exam tips →Platform Developer I (PD1) — Component 2
Apex fundamentals, SOQL/DML, governor limits, triggers, and LWC. 68% passing score. Requires hands-on Apex coding practice.
PD1 exam tips →Data Architect — Component 3
Data modelling at scale, large data volumes, master data management, and migration strategy. 63% passing score. Requires real LDV project experience.
Data Architect exam tips →Sharing & Visibility Architect — Component 4
OWD design, sharing rule strategy, performance implications, and Apex managed sharing. 63% passing score. Highest retry rate of the four components.
Sharing & Visibility exam tips →System Architect Path (Recommended Order)
System Architect Exam
Broad architectural knowledge across the Salesforce platform. Take this alongside the component exams as it tests conceptual understanding of all System Architect topics.
System Architect exam tips →Integration Architect
API selection, integration patterns, middleware architecture, OAuth flows, and Platform Events. 63% passing score.
Integration Architect exam tips →Identity & Access Management (IAM) Architect
SSO, OAuth, SAML, Connected Apps, and identity federation. 63% passing score. Requires real SSO/OAuth implementation experience.
IAM Architect exam tips →Dev Lifecycle & Deployment Architect
Environment strategy, sandbox hierarchy, release management, SFDX, CI/CD pipelines. 63% passing score.
Dev Lifecycle Architect exam tips →Compare Certifications
After Both Architect Credentials: The CTA Path
The Certified Technical Architect (CTA) is the highest Salesforce credential. It requires both Application Architect and System Architect credentials, then involves a written submission (Architect Evaluation) and a live review board presentation.
- The CTA Review Board is a live scenario presentation to a panel of existing CTAs — preparation takes months and requires deep, cross-domain architectural knowledge.
- Less than 1% of Salesforce professionals hold the CTA credential. It is the pinnacle of the Salesforce certification hierarchy.