Salesforce Developer I (CRT-450)   Training: Practical Approach to Certification Success

Comprehensive guide designed to build confidence, pinpoint areas for improvement, and equip you for success on the actual exam.

What you will learn from this course

• Gain a solid understanding of Salesforce Platform fundamentals and its architecture
• Learn how to design, develop, and deploy custom applications using Apex and Visualforce
• Build responsive, reusable, and maintainable components using Lightning Web Components
• Master declarative development tools, including workflows, validation rules, and process automation
• Understand the Salesforce data model and implement efficient data management strategies
• Develop proficiency in SOQL and SOSL queries to retrieve and manipulate data effectively
• Learn to write Apex triggers, manage execution order, and handle exceptions
• Explore testing strategies, deployment best practices, and application lifecycle management
• Gain knowledge of Salesforce security features such as sharing rules, profiles, and field-level security
• Prepare for the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (CRT-450) exam with scenario-based practice

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of core programming concepts within Salesforce
• Write, test, and deploy Apex classes and triggers following best practices
• Design and develop Lightning Web Components that enhance the user experience
• Apply declarative development tools effectively to solve business requirements
• Optimize data handling and manage governor limits for scalable application performance
• Implement security and sharing rules to ensure robust and secure applications
• Use Salesforce testing frameworks to validate code and ensure high-quality deployments
• Apply deployment and application lifecycle management practices to maintain long-term solutions
• Confidently attempt the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam and achieve certification

Target Audience

This course is specifically designed for:
• Aspiring Salesforce developers preparing for the Platform Developer I certification exam
• Professional developers looking to enhance their Salesforce development skills
• Administrators who want to expand their capabilities into programmatic and declarative development
• IT professionals aiming to gain recognition as certified Salesforce developers
• Individuals seeking hands-on experience with Apex, Visualforce, Lightning Web Components, and automation tools
• Developers who want to advance their careers with real-world Salesforce development expertise
• Professionals aiming to understand Salesforce best practices for scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions

Overview

Salesforce has become one of the leading customer relationship management (CRM) platforms in the world. Its robust platform allows organizations to customize and extend the system according to unique business needs. The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I credential validates a developer’s ability to build custom applications using both programmatic and declarative capabilities.

This course provides comprehensive training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, hands-on projects, and real-world scenarios. Participants will gain expertise in designing and developing custom applications, understanding the Salesforce data model, working with Apex and Visualforce, and creating responsive Lightning Web Components. Declarative development techniques, such as workflows, process automation, and validation rules, are also covered in detail.

Through this course, learners will gain insights into writing optimized Apex code, managing governor limits, and implementing efficient data handling strategies. The focus on Salesforce security ensures that applications are built with proper access control and protection of sensitive information. Participants will also explore testing frameworks, deployment procedures, and application lifecycle management, ensuring they can deliver maintainable and production-ready solutions.

The course emphasizes scenario-based learning to help learners connect theory with real-world business use cases. By combining both declarative and programmatic development skills, participants will be equipped to design solutions that not only meet business requirements but are scalable, secure, and maintainable.

With the growing demand for skilled Salesforce developers, achieving the Platform Developer I certification positions learners as highly capable professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem. This certification also acts as a foundation for more advanced certifications like Platform Developer II, enabling career growth and higher earning potential in a competitive IT landscape.

Prerequisites

Before starting this course, learners should have:
• Basic understanding of programming concepts and object-oriented design
• Familiarity with the Salesforce Platform and CRM concepts
• Knowledge of core business processes that can be automated using Salesforce tools
• Understanding of basic database concepts such as tables, records, and relationships
• Experience with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS is helpful for Lightning Web Components
• Access to a Salesforce Developer Edition or sandbox environment to practice hands-on exercises
• Motivation to learn both declarative and programmatic development skills in Salesforce
• Willingness to work on real-world scenarios and projects to reinforce learning

This course is structured to take learners from foundational concepts to advanced development practices. Each module is designed to provide detailed explanations, practical examples, and exercises that reinforce learning. Participants will progress through creating custom objects, building Apex classes and triggers, developing Visualforce pages, and working with Lightning Web Components. Declarative automation tools and security best practices are integrated throughout the course to provide a holistic understanding of Salesforce development.

Upon completing the course, learners will have the confidence, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to pass the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam. More importantly, they will be able to apply these skills to build real-world Salesforce applications that are functional, efficient, secure, and maintainable.

Course Modules / Sections

This Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course is structured into carefully designed modules that take learners from foundational knowledge to advanced Salesforce development techniques. Each module combines theoretical concepts with practical exercises to ensure learners develop real-world skills applicable to the certification exam and professional development tasks.

The course begins with an introduction to the Salesforce Platform, where learners gain an understanding of its architecture, core functionalities, and best practices. The focus is on how Salesforce supports both declarative and programmatic development to create robust, scalable applications for businesses of all sizes. Learners are introduced to key concepts such as objects, fields, relationships, and the data model, setting the stage for deeper development work.

The next module focuses on Apex programming. Learners explore the fundamentals of Apex, including syntax, data types, and control structures. They progress to writing Apex classes, methods, and triggers that respond to specific events within Salesforce. Emphasis is placed on understanding execution order, handling exceptions, and writing testable, maintainable code. Learners also study governor limits and best practices for creating efficient, scalable applications that operate within Salesforce constraints.

Following Apex, the course introduces Visualforce development. Learners gain experience in creating dynamic user interfaces using Visualforce pages, controllers, and extensions. Key topics include page layouts, component usage, and integration with Apex controllers to manipulate data and provide a seamless user experience.

Lightning Web Components (LWC) constitute another major module. Learners are trained to develop responsive, reusable, and maintainable components using modern web standards. The module covers component structure, communication patterns, event handling, and integration with Salesforce data and Apex logic. Learners gain hands-on experience building components that enhance Salesforce applications’ user interfaces and overall performance.

The course also includes a detailed module on declarative development. Learners study automation tools such as workflows, process builder, and flows to implement business logic without coding. This section emphasizes understanding when to use clicks versus code to achieve business objectives efficiently. Validation rules, approval processes, and process automation are also covered to ensure developers can maintain data integrity and streamline operations.

Security and access control are critical aspects of Salesforce development and are addressed in a dedicated module. Learners explore profiles, permission sets, sharing rules, and field-level security to build applications that protect sensitive information and comply with organizational security policies. Emphasis is placed on implementing security without compromising application usability.

Testing, deployment, and application lifecycle management are covered in advanced modules. Learners explore unit testing frameworks, test classes, and coverage requirements to ensure code quality. Deployment strategies, including change sets, Salesforce CLI, and metadata management, are discussed to help learners deploy solutions efficiently and safely in production environments.

The final modules focus on exam preparation and real-world application. Learners engage in scenario-based exercises, mock exams, and hands-on projects that simulate challenges faced by professional Salesforce developers. These practical exercises reinforce theoretical knowledge and ensure learners are prepared for both the certification exam and real-world development tasks.

Key Topics Covered

This course is designed to cover all essential topics required to succeed in the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam, while also providing practical skills for professional development. The key topics include:

• Salesforce Platform fundamentals, architecture, and best practices
• Core programming concepts, object-oriented design, and Apex syntax
• Apex classes, methods, triggers, and exception handling
• Governor limits, bulk processing, and efficient data management
• SOQL and SOSL queries for retrieving and manipulating data
• Visualforce pages, components, controllers, and extensions
• Lightning Web Components, component architecture, event handling, and data integration
• Declarative automation tools, including workflows, process builder, and flows
• Validation rules, approval processes, and business process automation
• Security and access control, including profiles, permission sets, sharing rules, and field-level security
• Testing strategies, test classes, and code coverage requirements
• Deployment methods, metadata management, and release lifecycle
• Application lifecycle management and best practices for maintainable solutions
• Scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world business challenges
• Hands-on projects to reinforce theoretical knowledge and practical skills

Through these topics, learners gain a deep understanding of both declarative and programmatic development within Salesforce. They learn how to design, implement, and maintain applications that meet business requirements, comply with security policies, and operate efficiently within platform constraints.

Teaching Methodology

The teaching methodology for this course is designed to maximize learner engagement and knowledge retention while preparing participants for real-world Salesforce development challenges. A blended approach is used, combining theoretical instruction with practical, hands-on exercises to reinforce learning.

Lectures are delivered using a step-by-step approach, ensuring learners understand each concept before moving to more advanced topics. Complex ideas, such as Apex triggers, execution order, and governor limits, are broken down into easy-to-understand explanations with illustrative examples. Learners are encouraged to practice code alongside instruction to solidify understanding.

Hands-on labs and exercises are integrated throughout the course, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real Salesforce environments. These exercises include building Apex classes and triggers, creating Visualforce pages, developing Lightning Web Components, and implementing declarative automation processes. By working directly in Salesforce Developer Edition or sandbox environments, learners gain practical experience that translates to professional work.

Scenario-based learning is a core component of the methodology. Learners are presented with real-world business problems and tasked with designing and implementing solutions using both declarative and programmatic tools. This approach ensures that learners can think critically, make informed decisions, and apply best practices when designing Salesforce applications.

Project-based learning is also emphasized. Learners complete comprehensive projects that incorporate multiple modules and topics, simulating end-to-end development of Salesforce applications. These projects encourage problem-solving, creative thinking, and integration of multiple skills learned throughout the course.

Regular assessments, including quizzes, assignments, and practice exams, provide ongoing feedback on learner progress. These assessments identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing learners to focus on topics that require additional attention. Mock exams simulate the format and difficulty of the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam, helping learners build confidence and refine test-taking strategies.

Interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions are encouraged to create a collaborative learning environment. Learners can engage with instructors and peers to clarify doubts, discuss challenges, and share solutions, enhancing the overall learning experience.

The course also incorporates industry best practices, coding standards, and Salesforce development guidelines. Learners are taught how to write maintainable, efficient, and scalable code, implement secure solutions, and follow deployment and release management processes used in professional Salesforce projects.

By combining theoretical instruction, hands-on practice, scenario-based exercises, and project work, the teaching methodology ensures that learners not only prepare for the Salesforce certification exam but also develop skills that are immediately applicable in real-world Salesforce development roles.

Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment and evaluation are critical components of this course, designed to measure learner understanding and readiness for the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam. Multiple methods of assessment ensure that learners are evaluated comprehensively on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Quizzes are included at the end of each module to reinforce key concepts and ensure learners retain critical information. These quizzes cover topics such as Apex programming, Visualforce development, Lightning Web Components, declarative automation, and Salesforce security. By testing knowledge incrementally, learners can identify areas requiring additional focus before moving on to advanced topics.

Hands-on assignments are provided throughout the course to evaluate practical skills. Learners complete tasks such as writing Apex classes and triggers, building Visualforce pages, developing Lightning Web Components, and implementing process automation. These assignments allow learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real Salesforce environments and develop confidence in their problem-solving abilities.

Scenario-based exercises simulate real-world business challenges, requiring learners to design and implement solutions using both declarative and programmatic approaches. These exercises assess learners’ ability to integrate multiple skills, apply best practices, and deliver functional, maintainable, and secure Salesforce applications.

Comprehensive projects are assigned at key points in the course, providing an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of multiple modules. Projects incorporate real-world requirements, allowing learners to design, develop, and deploy end-to-end Salesforce solutions. These projects are evaluated on criteria such as code quality, adherence to best practices, functionality, maintainability, and effective use of Salesforce features.

Practice exams and mock tests mirror the format and difficulty of the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam. These assessments provide a realistic exam experience, helping learners build confidence, manage time effectively, and refine test-taking strategies. Detailed feedback on mock exams highlights areas for improvement, ensuring learners can focus on topics that require additional study.

Instructor feedback and evaluation are integral to the assessment process. Learners receive personalized guidance on assignments, projects, and practice exams, helping them identify strengths and address weaknesses. Collaborative discussions and peer reviews further enhance the evaluation process, providing multiple perspectives on learner performance.

By combining quizzes, hands-on assignments, scenario-based exercises, projects, mock exams, and instructor feedback, this course ensures a comprehensive assessment of learner readiness. Participants are fully prepared to attempt the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam and are equipped with practical skills for professional Salesforce development roles.

Benefits of the Course

This Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course provides numerous benefits for learners aiming to enhance their development skills and achieve professional recognition in the Salesforce ecosystem. One of the primary advantages is that it equips learners with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to build custom Salesforce applications efficiently. Participants develop expertise in both declarative and programmatic development, making them capable of delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions that meet complex business requirements.

The course also significantly enhances career prospects for participants. Salesforce development skills are in high demand across industries, and achieving the Platform Developer I certification positions learners as competent professionals sought by employers worldwide. Certified developers gain credibility, which often leads to promotions, salary increases, and opportunities to work on high-impact projects.

Another key benefit is exam readiness. The course is designed to align with the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam objectives, covering all topics in detail and providing scenario-based exercises and practice tests. This focused approach helps learners identify knowledge gaps, reinforce critical concepts, and build the confidence necessary to succeed on the certification exam.

Hands-on experience is a major benefit of this course. Learners gain practical exposure to Salesforce Developer Edition or sandbox environments, allowing them to implement Apex classes and triggers, create Visualforce pages, and develop Lightning Web Components. Working on real-world projects helps participants understand best practices, coding standards, and application lifecycle management, ensuring their solutions are professional-grade and production-ready.

The course also emphasizes declarative development, enabling learners to leverage workflows, process automation, and validation rules effectively. By learning when to use clicks versus code, participants can make informed decisions that optimize development time while maintaining application quality.

Additionally, learners gain a deep understanding of Salesforce security features, including profiles, permission sets, sharing rules, and field-level security. This knowledge allows developers to design applications that protect sensitive data and comply with organizational security policies.

The course further supports long-term professional growth by serving as a foundation for advanced Salesforce certifications, such as Platform Developer II. Mastery of the skills covered in this course enables learners to pursue higher-level certifications and specialized roles within the Salesforce ecosystem, enhancing career mobility and earning potential.

Course Duration

The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course is structured to provide comprehensive training within a practical timeframe. The total duration of the course is approximately 40 to 50 hours of instruction, combining live or recorded lectures, hands-on labs, scenario-based exercises, and practice exams. This duration ensures that learners have adequate time to understand concepts, apply skills, and reinforce learning through practical exercises.

The course is divided into modules, with each module designed to focus on specific areas such as Apex programming, Visualforce development, Lightning Web Components, declarative automation, security, and testing. Learners can complete modules sequentially at their own pace or follow a structured schedule provided by the instructor.

Hands-on exercises and projects are interspersed throughout the course to ensure learners apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These practical sessions are included within the course duration and are critical for reinforcing learning and building confidence in using Salesforce tools and development techniques.

Additionally, learners are encouraged to dedicate extra time to self-study, revision, and practice tests. This independent study complements the guided instruction and allows participants to master concepts and address any knowledge gaps before attempting the certification exam.

Overall, the course duration is designed to balance comprehensive content coverage with sufficient practice time, ensuring learners can achieve both exam readiness and practical development skills by the end of the training.

Tools & Resources Required

To maximize learning and hands-on experience in this Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course, participants will need access to several essential tools and resources. A Salesforce Developer Edition account is required to practice Apex coding, create Visualforce pages, and develop Lightning Web Components. This account provides a full Salesforce environment for experimentation and project implementation without impacting production data.

For development and coding exercises, learners should have a computer with a modern web browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. A stable internet connection is necessary to access Salesforce Developer Edition, online course materials, and supplementary resources.

A code editor or integrated development environment (IDE) is recommended for Apex and Lightning Web Component development. Salesforce provides the Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extension pack for Salesforce, which includes tools for code editing, debugging, and deployment. Using an IDE streamlines development and helps learners follow professional coding practices.

Learners will also require access to course materials such as lecture slides, practical exercises, project guides, and reference documents. These resources provide detailed explanations, examples, and step-by-step instructions to reinforce learning and guide hands-on practice.

Additional resources may include Salesforce Trailhead modules, which offer interactive tutorials and badges that complement the course content. Trailhead provides a structured approach to learning Salesforce development concepts, reinforcing topics such as Apex, Lightning Web Components, declarative automation, and security.

Practice exams and scenario-based exercises are essential tools for evaluating knowledge and readiness for the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I exam. These assessments allow learners to identify areas for improvement, build confidence, and refine test-taking strategies.

Communication and collaboration tools may also be required for interactive learning. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet can be used for live lectures, discussions, and Q&A sessions with instructors and peers. Collaborative tools enable learners to share ideas, clarify doubts, and engage in group exercises, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Finally, learners should maintain a notebook or digital documentation to record key concepts, code snippets, and solutions to exercises. Keeping a personal reference repository supports long-term retention, provides a quick guide for future development projects, and aids revision before the certification exam.

By ensuring access to these tools and resources, learners can fully engage with the course content, complete hands-on exercises effectively, and gain the practical experience necessary to excel in Salesforce development and achieve the Platform Developer I certification.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the Salesforce ecosystem and the broader IT and business technology landscape. Organizations across industries rely on Salesforce for customer relationship management, sales automation, service management, and business process automation. Certified developers with skills in both declarative and programmatic Salesforce development are highly sought after to build and maintain custom solutions that drive efficiency and enhance business performance.

One of the most common career paths for graduates of this course is becoming a Salesforce Developer. In this role, professionals design, develop, and deploy custom applications on the Salesforce Platform. They use Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Web Components to extend Salesforce functionality, automate business processes, and create intuitive user interfaces. Salesforce Developers are responsible for integrating data from multiple sources, optimizing performance applications, and ensuring security compliance.

Salesforce Administrators who enhance their skillset with development expertise also benefit significantly. By combining administration and development capabilities, professionals can take on hybrid roles that involve both managing user access, data, and configurations, while also building custom applications and automated processes. This combination makes them highly valuable within organizations that require flexibility and a deep understanding of the Salesforce Platform.

Consulting roles represent another opportunity for certified developers. Salesforce consultants work with clients to understand business requirements and implement tailored Salesforce solutions. They advise on best practices for platform customization, automation, and integration. Platform Developer I certification demonstrates technical proficiency and credibility, enabling professionals to confidently engage with clients and deliver complex solutions that meet business goals.

Application architects and technical leads can also emerge from learners who gain mastery of the Platform Developer I skills. These professionals oversee the design and implementation of Salesforce applications at an organizational level, ensuring adherence to best practices, scalability, and maintainability. They guide development teams, review code, and contribute to strategic decision-making for Salesforce implementation projects.

Beyond technical roles, Salesforce certified professionals can also explore opportunities in product management, project management, and business analysis within Salesforce-focused organizations. Their technical understanding of the platform allows them to bridge the gap between business needs and technical execution, making them effective contributors to project planning, requirement gathering, and solution design.

Freelance and independent consulting opportunities are increasingly popular for Salesforce Platform Developer I professionals. The global demand for Salesforce expertise enables certified developers to take on short-term projects, remote consulting assignments, and contract work with organizations of varying sizes. Freelance developers can choose projects aligned with their interests while building a diverse portfolio of Salesforce implementations.

Salary potential for certified developers is another significant advantage. Organizations recognize the value of certified Salesforce developers, often offering competitive salaries, bonuses, and career growth opportunities. The Platform Developer I certification acts as a stepping stone for higher-level credentials, such as Platform Developer II or Salesforce Technical Architect, which further enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Learning Salesforce development also equips professionals with transferable skills applicable to other technology platforms. Skills such as object-oriented programming, web component development, data modeling, and automation are valuable in broader software development, cloud computing, and enterprise technology roles. This versatility allows certified developers to explore opportunities beyond Salesforce while maintaining a strong foundation in CRM and cloud-based applications.

Conclusion

The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course provides a comprehensive pathway for learners to master both declarative and programmatic development on the Salesforce Platform. By completing this course, participants gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and practical skills required to build scalable, secure, and maintainable Salesforce applications. The training covers a broad range of topics, including Apex programming, Visualforce, Lightning Web Components, declarative automation, security, testing, and deployment. Each module is designed to equip learners with real-world development skills while preparing them for the certification exam.

Achieving the Platform Developer I credential establishes professional credibility, demonstrating proficiency in Salesforce development to employers and clients. It serves as a foundation for advanced certifications and specialized roles, offering a clear pathway for career growth in the Salesforce ecosystem. Certified professionals are positioned for roles such as Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Consultant, Application Architect, Technical Lead, and hybrid Administrator/Developer positions. The course also prepares learners to excel in freelance consulting and independent project opportunities, leveraging their skills in a global market where Salesforce expertise is in high demand.

Beyond certification, this course empowers learners to design and implement Salesforce solutions that align with best practices, organizational requirements, and security standards. Participants gain confidence in applying their skills to real-world scenarios, from building Apex triggers and classes to developing Lightning Web Components and implementing automation processes. They also acquire expertise in testing, deployment, and application lifecycle management, ensuring that their solutions are not only functional but also maintainable and scalable.

The combination of theory, hands-on labs, scenario-based exercises, and practice exams ensures that learners leave the course with both technical proficiency and exam readiness. By working directly in Salesforce environments, participants experience practical application of concepts, making them effective contributors in professional development teams from day one.

Certification also provides access to a supportive Salesforce community. Learners can connect with peers, mentors, and professionals worldwide, exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on development challenges. This network enhances learning and provides ongoing support as professionals advance their careers.

The Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I course represents a strategic investment in professional growth. Participants develop skills that are immediately applicable, gain a recognized industry credential, and open doors to diverse and lucrative career opportunities. Whether the goal is to advance in an existing role, transition to a Salesforce development career, or pursue higher-level certifications, the course provides a structured and practical path to success.

Enrolling in this course ensures that learners are not only prepared to pass the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification exam but are also equipped with the practical skills and confidence to excel in professional roles. The combination of hands-on experience, expert instruction, and scenario-based learning empowers participants to create custom Salesforce solutions that drive business efficiency, innovation, and value.

Enroll today

Enroll today to begin your journey toward becoming a certified Salesforce Platform Developer I. Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to design, build, and deploy custom Salesforce applications. Achieve professional recognition, unlock career opportunities, and position yourself for growth in the Salesforce ecosystem. Take the first step toward mastering Salesforce development and securing a competitive edge in the industry.