Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder Practice Test

No, the exam focuses exclusively on declarative (point-and-click) development tools like Flows, Process Builder, validation rules, and the schema builder. However, an understanding of fundamental programming logic is beneficial for designing efficient automations and formulas.

While there is overlap, the Administrator exam focuses on configuration, maintenance, and user management of the Salesforce system. The Platform App Builder exam delves deeper into designing and building custom applications, data models, and complex automations from the ground up. It is the logical next step for an Administrator looking to specialize in application development.

Obtain a free Salesforce Developer Edition org and use Trailhead's guided projects and superbadges. Challenge yourself to build a complete application for a real or simulated business need, ensuring you implement proper data model design, security, automation, and a user interface.

Process Automation and Logic, which includes Lightning Flow (now the primary automation tool), is a significant portion of the exam, typically 20% or more. You must be proficient in designing flows for various use cases, understanding different flow types, and managing flow logic.

It is highly recommended, though not strictly mandatory. The Administrator certification provides the essential foundational knowledge of the Salesforce platform upon which the App Builder material builds. Most candidates find the App Builder exam more manageable after mastering the Administrator objectives.