Salesforce Platform Data Architect Study Guide & Certification Course

Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect – Updated Release 

What You Will Learn From This Course

• Master Salesforce data modeling and database design principles
  
  

• Understand how to manage large volumes of data efficiently..
  
  

• Gain expertise in master data management and data governance
  
  

• Learn strategies for ensuring data quality and consistency.
  
  

• Explore techniques for consolidating data across multiple Salesforce instances.
  
  

• Understand how to design scalable, high-performing data solutions.
  
  

• Gain skills in communicating architectural decisions and trade-offs with stakeholders
  
  

• Prepare effectively for the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam.m
  
  

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Design effective and scalable data models for the Salesforce Customer 360 Platform
  
  

• Implement master data management strategies to maintain a single source of truth.
  
  

• Manage and optimize large data volumes while ensuring high performance.e
  
  

• Apply best practices in Salesforce data management, including standard and big objects
  
  

• Develop data governance policies to maintain data quality and regulatory compliance.
  
  

• Use declarative and programmatic tools for data migration and management.
  
  

• Analyze business requirements and recommend data architecture solutions that align with enterprise goals.
  
  

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Salesforce Data Architects are looking to validate and enhance their expertise
  
  

• Solution Architects or Technical Architects responsible for enterprise Salesforce solutions
  
  

• Advanced Salesforce Administrators seeking in-depth knowledge of data architecture
  
  

• Advanced Platform Developers aiming to design robust data models and integrations
  
  

• Professionals preparing for the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam
  
  

• Data-driven professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of Salesforce data solutions
  
  

Overview

The Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course provides a comprehensive learning path for professionals seeking to master enterprise-level data management on the Salesforce Customer 360 Platform. The course emphasizes the principles and practices needed to design scalable, high-performing, and secure data solutions that support business processes and enterprise growth.

Participants will explore advanced data modeling techniques, including the design of standard, custom, and big objects, as well as approaches for capturing and managing business and technical metadata. The course also covers large data volume considerations, strategies for migration, and performance optimization. Learners will gain practical experience in implementing master data management strategies, ensuring a single source of truth, and maintaining data quality across multiple Salesforce instances.

Data governance is a key focus area, emphasizing compliance with regulations such as GDPR and establishing enterprise-wide policies to protect and manage sensitive information. This course also teaches effective communication with stakeholders to justify architectural decisions, identify trade-offs, and provide guidance for high-level strategic planning.

By integrating hands-on practice with real-world scenarios, the course ensures that learners are fully prepared to take the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam and apply these skills to complex enterprise environments. Participants will learn to leverage Salesforce tools like Data Loader, ETL platforms, and declarative options to manage and migrate data effectively while ensuring data integrity and performance.

Prerequisites

To get the most out of this course, learners should have:

• 2–3 years of practical Salesforce experience
  
  

• Experience working with data-driven solutions in enterprise environments
  
  

• Familiarity with Salesforce objects, relationships, and basic configuration
  
  

• Basic knowledge of Salesforce Sales Cloud and Service Cloud data structures
  
  

• Understanding of database design principles, indexing, and data management
  
  

• Exposure to declarative data management tools like Data Loader or ETL platforms
  
  

This course does not require prior experience with non-Salesforce databases, advanced programming, Lightning development, or integration tool configuration, making it accessible for professionals with strong Salesforce and data management backgrounds.

Course Modules / Sections

The Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course is organized into several comprehensive modules that systematically guide learners through the essential skills, techniques, and best practices required to become a certified data architect. Each module is designed to provide in-depth understanding and practical knowledge that aligns with real-world enterprise scenarios.

The first module focuses on foundational concepts of data architecture and modeling within the Salesforce ecosystem. Learners will explore the principles of scalable data model design, including object relationships, field types, and the use of standard, custom, and big objects. This module lays the groundwork for understanding how data structures impact performance, reporting, and overall system efficiency.

The second module delves into Salesforce data management, covering the best practices for ensuring consistent and high-quality data. Topics include managing data across multiple Salesforce orgs, handling large data volumes, and optimizing system performance. Learners will gain hands-on experience in applying tools and techniques for data migration, data consolidation, and synchronization across environments.

The third module is dedicated to master data management (MDM) and governance. Participants will learn strategies for establishing a single source of truth, managing reference and hierarchical data, and implementing data stewardship processes. This module also addresses regulatory compliance, including GDPR and other privacy standards, ensuring that learners can design and maintain enterprise data governance frameworks.

The fourth module emphasizes performance optimization for large datasets. Learners will explore techniques for indexing, archiving, and purging data, along with strategies to prevent data skew and ensure efficient data access. The module highlights methods for monitoring system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending improvements.

The fifth module integrates communication and stakeholder management into the data architect role. Participants will learn how to present architectural decisions, trade-offs, and solutions to technical and non-technical stakeholders. This module reinforces the importance of aligning data strategies with organizational goals and business needs.

Throughout the course, learners progress from foundational knowledge to advanced topics, building the expertise required to tackle complex enterprise-level data challenges. Each module includes real-world examples, practical exercises, and review materials to reinforce learning and exam readiness.

Key Topics Covered

The course covers an extensive range of key topics essential for Salesforce Platform Data Architects. These topics provide both conceptual understanding and practical skills required to design and manage enterprise Salesforce data solutions effectively.

Data modeling is a primary focus, with coverage of standard and custom objects, field types, and relationship design. Learners explore the use of master-detail, lookup, and hierarchical relationships and understand how these structures influence system performance, data integrity, and reporting capabilities. Topics also include the use of big objects for managing large datasets and the considerations for choosing between big objects and standard or custom objects.

Salesforce data management is addressed in depth, including best practices for maintaining consistent, clean, and high-quality data. Techniques for handling duplicate records, managing large data volumes, and optimizing storage and access performance are explored. Learners will also examine strategies for consolidating data across multiple Salesforce orgs, integrating external data sources, and maintaining a unified view of customers.

Master data management is another critical area, covering methods for establishing a single source of truth and maintaining accurate reference data. Learners explore canonical modeling, hierarchy management, and harmonization techniques for consolidating data from multiple sources. The course also addresses survivorship rules, thresholds, and weights used to determine authoritative records.

Data governance and compliance are emphasized, teaching learners to design policies that protect sensitive information, classify data correctly, and ensure adherence to privacy regulations such as GDPR. Topics include establishing stewardship roles, implementing validation rules, and monitoring data quality. Participants will also examine frameworks for ongoing governance and accountability within large organizations.

Performance optimization and large data volume considerations are integrated throughout the course. Topics include indexing strategies, archiving, purging, and virtualized data approaches. Learners will study how to design scalable models, prevent record locking issues, and maintain system performance as data grows. Techniques for monitoring and troubleshooting performance issues are also included.

Data migration is a key area of focus, with learners studying techniques for importing, exporting, and transforming data. The course covers best practices for using Data Loader, ETL tools, and other Salesforce-compatible platforms. Strategies for ensuring data quality during migration and reducing system downtime are emphasized.

Finally, communication and stakeholder engagement are covered to ensure learners can effectively articulate design decisions, justify trade-offs, and align data architecture with business objectives. These skills are critical for advancing in the Salesforce data architect role and demonstrating value to executive and operational teams.

Teaching Methodology

The course employs a blended teaching methodology designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Each module is structured to include lectures, hands-on exercises, case studies, and real-world scenarios to reinforce learning.

Lectures introduce key concepts, principles, and frameworks in Salesforce data architecture. They provide a detailed understanding of data modeling, management, governance, and migration techniques, along with strategies for handling large data volumes. These sessions are supplemented by demonstrations of Salesforce tools and platforms, illustrating how concepts are applied in real-world environments.

Hands-on exercises allow learners to practice implementing the skills and techniques covered in lectures. These exercises include data model creation, object configuration, migration planning, and performance optimization. By working through practical examples, participants can gain confidence in applying their knowledge to actual enterprise scenarios.

Case studies provide real-world examples of enterprise Salesforce implementations. Learners examine challenges faced by organizations, evaluate proposed solutions, and develop their own recommendations. These exercises build critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that are essential for data architects.

The course also incorporates scenario-based learning, where learners are presented with complex business requirements and asked to design solutions that meet functional, technical, and regulatory needs. This approach emphasizes practical application and prepares learners for the types of questions and scenarios encountered in the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam.

Interactive discussions and group activities encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. Learners can engage in debates about design approaches, trade-offs, and best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and encouraging critical analysis.

Continuous assessment and feedback are integral to the teaching methodology. Participants receive guidance on performance, recommendations for improvement, and strategies to strengthen weak areas. This ensures learners progress steadily and are well-prepared for certification and professional application.

Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment in the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course is designed to measure both knowledge acquisition and practical application. Evaluations are structured to ensure learners can apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and demonstrate readiness for the certification exam.

The course includes multiple forms of assessment. Knowledge-based assessments consist of multiple-choice, multiple-select, and scenario-based questions that test understanding of key topics, including data modeling, governance, performance optimization, and master data management. These assessments simulate the exam environment, allowing learners to become familiar with question formats and time constraints.

Practical assessments involve hands-on exercises where learners design data models, implement governance frameworks, and migrate sample datasets. These exercises evaluate the learner’s ability to apply concepts, analyze complex requirements, and develop solutions that align with best practices and organizational goals.

Scenario-based evaluations provide learners with business cases and require them to propose comprehensive solutions. Participants must demonstrate their ability to assess requirements, design scalable architectures, manage large data volumes, and ensure data quality and compliance. These exercises are critical for developing problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary for a data architect role.

Ongoing assessments are complemented by feedback sessions. Instructors review completed exercises, provide detailed feedback, and highlight areas for improvement. This continuous evaluation ensures learners build confidence and proficiency in both conceptual understanding and practical skills.

The course concludes with a final assessment that integrates all modules. This comprehensive evaluation measures mastery of the subject matter, readiness for the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam, and the ability to apply knowledge to enterprise-level scenarios. Learners receive a detailed performance report, along with guidance for further study and exam preparation.

By combining theoretical learning, hands-on exercises, scenario-based practice, and continuous assessment, the course ensures participants are fully prepared to excel as Salesforce Platform Data Architects. Learners gain the skills and confidence required to design, manage, and optimize enterprise Salesforce data solutions while achieving certification success.

Benefits of the Course

Enrolling in the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course provides multiple advantages for both personal career growth and organizational success. The course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and maintain scalable, secure, and high-performing Salesforce data architectures. By mastering these competencies, participants enhance their professional credibility and value within their organizations.

One of the key benefits is the ability to effectively manage large data volumes. Professionals trained in this course can design solutions that optimize performance while handling extensive datasets without compromising system reliability. This skill is essential for organizations with growing customer databases and complex reporting needs.

Another significant advantage is expertise in master data management and data governance. Participants learn to establish a single source of truth, maintain data quality, and implement stewardship policies that ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This capability enables organizations to make better business decisions based on accurate and reliable data.

The course also strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills by exposing learners to real-world enterprise scenarios. Participants learn to identify data architecture challenges, assess trade-offs, and propose solutions aligned with business objectives. This strategic mindset helps in providing actionable insights that drive organizational growth and operational efficiency.

In addition, the course prepares learners for the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam, providing structured study materials, practice questions, and scenario-based exercises. Achieving this certification demonstrates professional expertise, increases marketability, and opens opportunities for advanced roles such as Solution Architect, Technical Architect, or Data Architect in large-scale Salesforce implementations.

Participants also benefit from hands-on exposure to Salesforce tools and data management techniques. By working with Data Loader, ETL platforms, and declarative Salesforce features, learners gain practical experience that can be immediately applied in their professional environment. This hands-on approach ensures participants are not only certified but also capable of executing complex data solutions effectively.

Finally, the course enhances communication and collaboration skills. Participants learn to articulate architectural decisions, present trade-offs, and justify design choices to stakeholders. This ability to bridge technical expertise with business understanding strengthens leadership potential and contributes to career advancement.

Course Duration

The Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of all essential topics while accommodating varying learning paces. The total duration of the course is structured to allow learners sufficient time for understanding complex concepts, practicing hands-on exercises, and reviewing exam preparation materials.

The course typically spans 40 to 50 hours of instructional content, divided into multiple modules that cover foundational to advanced topics. Each module includes video lectures, demonstrations, and interactive exercises that facilitate both conceptual understanding and practical application.

In addition to instructional hours, learners are encouraged to dedicate time to hands-on practice and scenario-based exercises. This practice is essential for reinforcing knowledge, applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations, and preparing for the certification exam. On average, an additional 20 to 30 hours may be required for effective practice and review.

The course is flexible and can be completed at the learner’s own pace. Whether accessed through self-paced online modules or instructor-led sessions, participants can progress according to their availability and learning style. This flexibility ensures that working professionals and those with other commitments can complete the course without compromising understanding.

Regular assessments and progress checks are integrated throughout the duration to monitor comprehension and retention. Learners receive feedback on their performance, allowing them to identify areas of strength and areas that require additional focus. By the end of the course duration, participants are fully prepared to apply their skills in real-world enterprise Salesforce environments and confidently attempt the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam.

Tools & Resources Required

To gain the full benefit of the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course, participants should have access to certain tools and resources that facilitate hands-on practice and a deeper understanding of the material. These tools are designed to support learning, enhance practical application, and simulate real-world scenarios.

A Salesforce Developer or Sandbox environment is essential for practicing data modeling, object relationships, and implementing governance strategies. This environment allows learners to experiment with standard, custom, and big objects, understand field-level security, and simulate enterprise data scenarios without impacting a live production environment.

Data management tools, such as Salesforce Data Loader and ETL platforms, are required for performing data import, export, and transformation tasks. Hands-on experience with these tools ensures learners understand best practices for large data volume migration, data consolidation, and maintaining data quality during operational processes.

Access to reporting and monitoring tools within Salesforce is also recommended. These tools help participants analyze data structures, evaluate system performance, and identify opportunities for optimization. Understanding how to leverage dashboards, reports, and performance metrics is critical for effective data architecture and governance.

Documentation and learning resources, including Salesforce official guides, trailheads, and whitepapers, provide foundational knowledge and support exam preparation. Participants should actively engage with these resources to supplement video lectures and hands-on exercises. These materials also provide insights into real-world scenarios, case studies, and architectural best practices.

Collaboration and communication platforms, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, can be valuable for group exercises and discussions. Many course modules include interactive components where learners work together to solve complex problems, exchange ideas, and evaluate multiple approaches to architectural challenges.

Finally, learners are encouraged to maintain a personal lab environment to experiment with advanced scenarios and simulate enterprise data architecture challenges. This practice allows participants to test hypotheses, validate strategies, and gain confidence in applying concepts before implementing them in professional environments.

By leveraging these tools and resources, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of Salesforce data architecture, hands-on experience with practical tasks, and the readiness to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while preparing for certification success.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course opens up numerous career opportunities for professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem and broader data management landscape. Organizations increasingly rely on well-designed, scalable, and high-performing Salesforce data architectures to drive decision-making, manage customer relationships, and maintain operational efficiency. As a result, certified data architects are in high demand across various industries.

Salesforce Data Architect roles are among the most sought-after positions. These professionals are responsible for designing and implementing robust data models, ensuring data quality, and managing large data volumes. Their expertise allows organizations to maintain reliable systems, optimize performance, and support complex enterprise requirements.

Solution Architect and Technical Architect positions also benefit from the skills gained through this course. These roles require a deep understanding of data architecture principles, large data volume management, and governance practices. Professionals in these positions guide the design and implementation of Salesforce solutions across multiple orgs, ensuring that systems are scalable, compliant, and aligned with business needs.

Advanced Salesforce Administrators can also advance their careers by gaining expertise in data architecture. While administrators often manage day-to-day operations, understanding complex data models, governance, and performance optimization enables them to take on more strategic responsibilities and contribute to long-term enterprise planning.

Platform Developers benefit from the course by acquiring the ability to integrate custom applications, automate processes, and manage complex data flows. Knowledge of best practices for data modeling, master data management, and migration strategies allows developers to build solutions that are efficient, scalable, and aligned with enterprise standards.

Organizations across industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology, actively seek Salesforce professionals who can manage large-scale data architectures and ensure data integrity. Certified professionals can find opportunities as consultants, project leads, and enterprise solution designers. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also provide exposure to high-impact projects that influence organizational strategy and operational efficiency.

Freelance and consulting opportunities also increase for certified Salesforce Data Architects. Professionals can leverage their certification to provide expertise to multiple clients, implement data solutions, and guide organizations in building scalable Salesforce systems. This flexibility allows for career diversification, greater earning potential, and the ability to work across industries and geographic regions.

Additionally, the certification enhances professional credibility, opening doors to leadership and managerial roles. Certified data architects are often tasked with mentoring teams, defining data strategy, and collaborating with executives to align IT systems with business objectives. These roles emphasize not only technical expertise but also strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder management.

Conclusion

The Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course provides a comprehensive learning journey for professionals seeking to master enterprise-level data management on the Salesforce Customer 360 Platform. By covering core concepts such as data modeling, master data management, large data volume strategies, governance, and performance optimization, the course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to design and maintain scalable, high-performing Salesforce architectures.

Participants gain hands-on experience with Salesforce tools, including Data Loader, ETL platforms, and declarative solutions, enabling them to manage data efficiently, consolidate information across multiple orgs, and ensure data quality and compliance. The course emphasizes real-world scenarios and practical exercises, ensuring that learners can apply concepts to complex enterprise environments while preparing effectively for the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect exam.

Beyond technical skills, the course also develops critical soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Learners gain the ability to present architectural decisions, justify design trade-offs, and align solutions with organizational goals. These skills are essential for advancing into leadership roles and contributing to enterprise data strategy.

Earning the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect credential demonstrates professional expertise, increases career opportunities, and validates the ability to manage complex data architecture challenges. Certified professionals are well-positioned for roles such as Salesforce Data Architect, Solution Architect, Technical Architect, Advanced Administrator, and Advanced Platform Developer. The certification also opens avenues for consulting, freelance work, and leadership positions, offering both career growth and the opportunity to impact organizational success.

By combining theoretical learning, practical exercises, and exam-focused preparation, the course ensures that participants are fully equipped to excel in their careers. Organizations benefit from professionals who can design scalable data models, implement governance frameworks, manage large data volumes, and ensure reliable and high-quality data management.

The Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course is ideal for anyone looking to advance their Salesforce career, deepen their understanding of enterprise data solutions, and achieve recognition as a certified expert. The knowledge and skills gained from this course are applicable across industries, making learners valuable assets in finance, healthcare, technology, retail, and many other sectors.

Enroll Today

Enrolling in the Salesforce Certified Platform Data Architect course is the first critical step toward mastering enterprise-level Salesforce data architecture and establishing professional recognition in the rapidly growing Salesforce ecosystem. This course offers a structured and comprehensive learning path designed to equip learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle complex enterprise data challenges. Participants will benefit from hands-on exercises, scenario-based practice, real-world case studies, and guidance from seasoned Salesforce instructors who bring years of industry experience to the training.

The course provides all the essential resources needed for successful exam preparation. These include extensive practice questions that simulate the official Salesforce certification exam environment, detailed explanations of correct answers to deepen understanding, and access to Salesforce tools for practical application of concepts. Learners will gain experience in configuring data models, managing large datasets, implementing master data management, and applying governance best practices in a controlled Salesforce environment. The combination of hands-on practice and conceptual understanding ensures participants can translate their learning directly into real-world enterprise solutions.

This program is ideal for professionals aspiring to roles such as Salesforce Data Architect, Solution Architect, Technical Architect, Advanced Salesforce Administrator, or Advanced Platform Developer. It is also highly valuable for consultants and freelance professionals seeking to expand their expertise and deliver scalable, high-quality Salesforce solutions to a diverse set of clients. By completing this course, learners not only gain the knowledge required for certification but also acquire the practical skills necessary to design, implement, and optimize enterprise Salesforce data architectures.

By joining this course, participants make a meaningful investment in their professional development, opening doors to advanced career opportunities, higher earning potential, and recognition as a subject matter expert in Salesforce data architecture. The structured approach ensures learners understand the foundational principles, advanced data modeling techniques, performance optimization, governance strategies, and best practices for large data volume management. Each module builds upon the previous one, progressively enhancing learners’ proficiency and confidence.

The course also emphasizes strategic thinking and problem-solving, teaching participants how to assess business requirements, make informed architectural decisions, and communicate solutions effectively to both technical teams and business stakeholders. These soft skills are critical for advancing in enterprise roles and assuming leadership responsibilities. Furthermore, learners develop a holistic view of Salesforce data architecture, enabling them to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and implement solutions that align with organizational goals.

Enrolling today gives learners immediate access to high-quality content, interactive learning experiences, and a supportive community of fellow Salesforce professionals. Participants are encouraged to collaborate, share insights, and discuss real-world scenarios to enhance their understanding further. The cumulative knowledge and practical skills gained from this program empower learners to excel in enterprise environments, contribute to strategic decision-making, and deliver measurable business value.

By completing this course, learners position themselves as experts capable of designing robust, scalable, and secure Salesforce data solutions. They will be able to implement best practices for data modeling, governance, master data management, large data volume optimization, and migration strategies. These competencies are essential for ensuring the success of complex Salesforce implementations and for maintaining the integrity, performance, and compliance of enterprise data systems.

Enroll today to embark on your journey toward becoming a certified Salesforce Platform Data Architect. Unlock new career possibilities, enhance your professional credibility, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to deliver impactful enterprise data solutions. Whether you are aiming for certification, career advancement, or expanding your Salesforce expertise, this course provides the roadmap, tools, and guidance to achieve your professional goals and establish yourself as a leader in the field of Salesforce data architecture.