Certification Roadmap · Summer '26
Salesforce Architect Certification Path (Summer '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 & verified by Krishna Mohan
5× Salesforce Certified · 12+ years in data engineering & Salesforce · Updated for Summer '26
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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 | PD1 + Integration Architect + IAM Architect + Dev Lifecycle Architect + final 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)
Platform Developer I (PD1)
The only exam shared with Application Architect — if you've already earned Application Architect, this is already done. Apex, triggers, LWC, and governor limits.
PD1 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 →System Architect Exam (final)
Unlike Application Architect, System Architect requires this additional proctored exam after the four component exams above — broad architectural knowledge across the whole platform.
System 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.