About this Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) study guide
This page is your Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) (exam code CTA) study guide. The certification validates skills that employers look for in Salesforce roles—whether you're an administrator, consultant, developer, or architect. It is designed for architects and solution designers who want to prove their knowledge with an industry-recognized credential.
Here you'll find section-wise exam weightage so you know exactly which topics carry the most questions, exam tips and prerequisites, a focused study plan, and sample practice questions with detailed explanations. All content on this page is original and unique—written specifically for this certification to help with both your preparation and search engine indexing. Use this page to align your study with the official outline and to gauge when you're ready to sit the exam. Many candidates use section weightage to prioritize high-value topics and practice questions to build exam-day confidence.
Passing this certification can support career progression, higher earning potential, and recognition in the Salesforce ecosystem. Salesforce exams are updated periodically, so we keep our materials aligned with current objectives.
Last reviewed: January 2025. Salesforce exam outlines may change; always check the official exam guide on Trailhead before booking.
Release compatible: Winter '26 — Study materials and objectives are aligned with the Winter '26 release (compared to Summer '25).
What's new in Winter '26:
- Agentforce and AI: New Agentforce for Service (IT Service), Agentic Commerce, and Agentforce Grid for low-code AI workflows—expect more AI-related objectives on Admin and Consultant exams.
- Data Cloud: Clean Rooms for privacy-safe data collaboration and zero-copy analytics; Data Cloud objectives may include new collaboration and governance topics.
- Automation & Platform: Enhanced automation capabilities and platform updates; Flow, Process Builder, and integration topics remain core—check the official outline for weightage changes.
- Tableau & Analytics: Tableau Next Concierge in Slack and conversational analytics; Tableau certs may reference new Slack and natural-language features.
- Security & Access: Continued focus on identity, access management, and secure data handling; relevant for Administrator and Architect tracks.
Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) (CTA) Study Guide
Salesforce Certified Technical Architects have experience in designing and implementing secure, high-performance, integrated technical solutions using the Force.com platform within the context of a client's architectural landscape.
Exam Weightage by Section
Exam Topics
Why This Certification Matters
The CTA is the highest Salesforce credential and signals expert-level architecture and communication skills.
Exam Tips
- 1Solution Design is 30%—practice whiteboarding end-to-end solutions.
- 2Know security, integration, and data architecture deeply.
- 3The Review Board is presentation and Q&A—practice explaining and defending designs.
- 4Review past CTA scenario examples and time yourself.
Prerequisites
- •Application Architect
- •System Architect
- •Years of complex implementation experience
Focus Areas
- •Solution Design
- •Security and Integration
- •Data and Performance
- •Governance and Presentation
Study Strategy
The CTA is a two-step process: Evaluation (scenario + MC) and Review Board (present and defend). Practice designing under time pressure and answering “why did you choose X?”
Sample Practice Questions
Test your knowledge with these sample questions.
What is the primary focus of a Salesforce Certified Technical Architect?
Which certifications are typically required before attempting the CTA board?
What does the CTA board exam assess?
Which aspect is critical in Technical Architecture?
What is meant by 'integrated' in the context of CTA?
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Contact Us for Full AccessFrequently Asked Questions
- What is covered on the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) (CTA) exam?
- This page shows the section-wise exam weightage so you know exactly which topics carry the most weight. Use the exam topics and practice questions above to align your study with the official outline.
- What is the difference between Technical Architect Evaluation and Review Board?
- The Technical Architect Evaluation is a written exam with scenario-based and multiple-choice questions. The Review Board is a presentation where you design a solution for a scenario and defend it before a board of CTAs. You must pass the Evaluation before taking the Review Board.
- How long does it take to become a Certified Technical Architect (CTA)?
- Most candidates take 1-2 years after earning Application Architect and System Architect. The CTA path requires extensive experience, multiple certifications, and significant preparation for both the Evaluation and Review Board.
- How do I prepare for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) (CTA) certification?
- Use the exam tips, prerequisites, and study strategy on this page. Focus first on the highest-weighted sections, then take the sample practice questions. Schedule the exam when you consistently score well on practice tests.
- Where can I find the official exam outline for Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) (CTA)?
- Salesforce publishes exam guides and outlines on Trailhead (trailhead.salesforce.com). This page's section weightage and topics are aligned with those outlines to help you prepare.