Platform App Builder study plan
Platform App Builder · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Salesforce Fundamentals & Data Modeling and Management
Provision a free Developer org and navigate Setup, Object Manager, and the App Launcher without a guide
Differentiate standard vs. custom objects and list the standard objects relevant to the exam (Account, Contact, Opportunity, Case, Lead)
Build two custom objects with a lookup relationship and populate each with 10 seed records
Classify the four relationship types (lookup, master-detail, many-to-many via junction, hierarchy) and pick the correct one for three written scenarios
Your checkpoint
A one-page schema diagram of your Developer org objects with relationship types labeled, plus a 10-question self-quiz scored 8/10 or better
Data Modeling and Management
Configure field-level attributes (required, unique, external ID) and explain when each is appropriate
Add a master-detail relationship plus a junction object to model a many-to-many case
Import 50+ records using the Data Import Wizard, then repeat the same load with Data Loader and compare the two tools
Set up duplicate rules and matching rules, then de-duplicate a seeded list of Accounts
Enable field history tracking on three fields and query the history from a report
Your checkpoint
A written comparison table of import tools plus a screenshot-free report export showing your de-duplicated Account list
Process Automation and Logic
Write five formula fields using IF, ISPICKVAL, and TEXT functions and debug each to zero syntax errors
Translate three legacy workflow-rule requirements into Flow Builder record-triggered flows
Construct a validation rule that blocks a specific data state and confirm it fires on record save
Build a scheduled-triggered flow that updates a date field on a set of records
Your checkpoint
Four working automations (two record-triggered flows, one scheduled flow, one validation rule) documented with the business rule each enforces
Data Modeling and Management & Process Automation and Logic
Create roll-up summary fields on a master-detail parent and verify recalculation after child edits
Configure an approval process with at least two steps and test both approve and reject paths
Explain the order of execution for a save event from memory and predict the outcome of two sequencing scenarios
Decide between before-save and after-save flow contexts for four given requirements
Your checkpoint
Timed 30-question practice set on Domains 2 and 3, reviewed to 100% with a written error log of every missed item
User Interface
Build a custom Lightning app containing three tabs and assign it to a test user
Create two record types with distinct page layouts and assign them by profile
Configure a Lightning record page with Dynamic Forms, a Highlights Panel, and a Related List component
Design the correct UI element (path, quick action, or component) for four user-experience scenarios
Your checkpoint
A functioning Lightning app with two record types and a customized record page, plus a one-page map of which UI tool satisfies which requirement
Salesforce Fundamentals & User Interface
Model a role hierarchy and configure organization-wide defaults, then document the resulting record access for three users
Build two permission sets and assign them alongside a profile to validate least-privilege access
Distinguish profiles, permission sets, and permission set groups in writing with one use case each
Configure a global action and a quick action, then add both to a page layout
Your checkpoint
An access-control worksheet showing OWD, role hierarchy, and permission assignments that correctly grants three sample users their required access
App Deployment
Explain the deployment lifecycle across Developer, Developer Pro, Partial Copy, and Full Copy sandboxes and match each to a use case
Deploy a two-component change set between two orgs and resolve one dependency error
Compare change sets, unmanaged packages, and managed packages against three deployment scenarios
Install a free AppExchange package and identify when to use AppExchange vs. external services
Your checkpoint
A deployment runbook written in your own words covering sandbox choice, deployment method, and a rollback note for a hypothetical three-metadata change
Salesforce Fundamentals & Data Modeling and Management & Process Automation and Logic
Retake full-length timed practice exams and log every wrong answer by domain
Re-drill the two lowest-scoring domains until accuracy reaches 85% or higher
Recite the order of execution, relationship-type rules, and sharing-model rules from memory without notes
Build a final one-page cheat sheet covering the facts you have missed most often
Your checkpoint
Two full-length timed practice exams with an overall score of 80% or higher and a cheat sheet you can read in under 10 minutes
Milestones
Week 4: Can build a custom object with a master-detail relationship, roll-up summary, and record-triggered flow from a blank org in under 30 minutes without documentation
Week 6: Can explain and configure OWD, role hierarchy, profiles, and permission sets to grant a stated access scenario correctly on the first attempt
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on two consecutive full-length timed practice exams with no domain below 70%