Certification Comparison · Spring '26
Salesforce PD1 vs PD2: Which Developer Certification Should You Take First?
Platform Developer I and Platform Developer II are sequential Salesforce developer credentials. PD1 is required before PD2, and the jump in difficulty is significant. Here is what separates them.
Written and reviewed by Krishna Mohan — ADM-201, PD1, PD2, App Builder & Consultant certified. Updated for Spring '26. Methodology · Contact
Which should you take first?
Take Platform Developer I if:
- You do not yet hold the PD1 certification
- You are building foundational Apex and LWC skills
- You have 0–2 years of Salesforce development experience
- You want the credential that unlocks developer career paths
Take Platform Developer II if:
- You already hold Platform Developer I
- You work with Apex design patterns, async jobs, or performance tuning daily
- You are targeting senior developer or tech lead roles
- You have 3+ years of Salesforce development experience
Our Recommendation: Start with Platform Developer I
PD1 is the prerequisite — not just logically but in employer expectations. You cannot attempt PD2 credibly without having mastered PD1 content. Most developers spend 6–12 months between PD1 and PD2.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | PD1 — Platform Developer I | PD2 — Platform Developer II |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Code | PD1 | PD2 |
| Questions / Time | 60 questions · 110 min | 60 questions · 120 min |
| Passing Score | 68% | 65% |
| Exam Fee | $200 (retake $100) | $200 (retake $100) |
| Prerequisites | None (recommended: ADM-201) | PD1 certification required |
| Primary Focus | Apex basics, SOQL/DML, governor limits, triggers, LWC fundamentals, testing | Advanced Apex patterns, complex integrations (REST/SOAP), performance, MVC architecture, callouts |
| Difficulty | Moderate — heavy on memorisation of limits and testing rules | Harder — requires applied design pattern experience |
| Exam Style | Identify bugs, select correct Apex patterns, testing scenarios | Architecture and design decisions, complex multi-system integration scenarios |
| Best For | Developers starting on Salesforce, career switchers, admins adding code skills | Experienced Apex devs moving toward senior or architect tracks |
| Avg Salary | $90–125k (US) | $120–155k (US) |
What Gets Harder in PD2?
PD1 tests whether you understand Apex and the Salesforce data model. PD2 tests whether you can make the right architectural decision under complex constraints. The specific jumps:
- Integration depth: PD2 covers REST and SOAP callouts, Named Credentials, Platform Events, and streaming API — none of which appear significantly in PD1.
- Design patterns: Expect questions on Trigger framework patterns, Selector/Domain/Service layer architecture (FFLib), and when to use each async mechanism at scale.
- Performance: Query optimization, SOSL vs SOQL trade-offs, collection efficiency, and managing heap/CPU in complex transactions.
- Testing: PD2 expects comprehensive test strategies — mock callouts (HttpCalloutMock, WebServiceMock), test data isolation, and complex assertion patterns.
When Are You Ready for PD2?
Most candidates who struggle with PD2 attempt it too soon after PD1. Salesforce recommends practical experience before sitting PD2 — and the exam reflects that.
- You have built real integrations (REST callouts, Platform Events, external system connections).
- You can explain and choose between trigger framework patterns (one trigger per object, handler pattern, etc.).
- You are comfortable mocking HTTP callouts in test classes and achieving meaningful assertion coverage.
- You score 80%+ consistently on PD1-level practice exams — PD1 fundamentals should feel automatic at the PD2 stage.
Career Impact: PD1 vs PD1 + PD2
PD1 alone opens mid-level Salesforce developer roles. Adding PD2 signals senior-level readiness and is often listed as preferred or required for architect-track positions.
With PD1
- Salesforce Developer (junior–mid): $85–110k
- Admin + developer hybrid roles
- LWC and Flow-heavy development positions
- Most common Apex developer entry credential
With PD1 + PD2
- Senior Salesforce Developer: $110–145k
- Technical Lead / Solution Architect path
- Integration Developer (REST/SOAP/MuleSoft) roles
- Required for CTA (Certified Technical Architect) track
Decision Matrix: PD1 or PD2?
| Your Situation | Choose This Cert |
|---|---|
| New to Salesforce development or coming from an admin background | PD1 — start here |
| Have 1–2 years of Apex experience and real project delivery | PD2 — you are likely ready |
| Java, Python, or backend developer switching to Salesforce | PD1 — Apex fundamentals first, then PD2 in 6–12 months |
| Targeting the CTA (Certified Technical Architect) track | PD1 + PD2 both required |
| Want a senior developer or tech lead role | PD2 — separates mid from senior on CVs |
| Score below 75% on PD1 practice exams regularly | PD1 — strengthen PD1 fundamentals before attempting PD2 |
Start With PD1 Practice
Free practice questions, exam weightage, and governor limit reference for both certifications.
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