Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder + Practice Test

In this lesson, we will learn essential data modeling and management concepts in Salesforce, focusing on creating objects with multiple record types, establishing junction objects, and implementing master-detail relationships. We will explore how to determine appropriate data models, understand the implications of different relationship types on record access and reporting, and master the Schema Builder's capabilities. Additionally, we will dive into field data type considerations and learn effective strategies for importing and exporting data from external sources.

In this lesson we will learn how to build and configure a custom emergency response resource management application in Salesforce. We will explore the creation of specialized record types for different organization categories, establish junction objects for personnel assignments, and implement location tracking for response sites. The lesson covers master-detail relationships, lookup fields, and search filters to efficiently manage personnel assignments across various response locations.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create and configure a Response Site record type in Salesforce for handling emergency response locations that may not have traditional addresses. We will explore setting up custom fields, page layouts, and field-level requirements for capturing essential geolocation coordinates.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create and configure lookup relationships in Salesforce, specifically focusing on establishing hierarchical connections between response sites and different types of organizational accounts. We will explore setting up custom lookup fields with filtered search results, ensuring that response sites can only be associated with appropriate vendor accounts while maintaining proper organizational hierarchies.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create and manage master-detail relationships in Salesforce, specifically focusing on junction objects and their implementation. We explore the process of creating a Personnel Assignment custom object that connects Response Sites (Accounts) with Contacts, enabling many-to-many relationships for tracking staff assignments at emergency response locations.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create and configure a junction object in Salesforce using master-detail relationships. We will explore how to connect contacts to accounts through a personnel assignment system, set up appropriate access levels, customize page layouts, and visualize these relationships using the schema builder. Through this process, we will understand how to effectively manage complex object relationships in Salesforce and create a functional system for assigning personnel to response sites.

In this lesson we will learn how to create and utilize roll-up summary fields in Salesforce to track related records through master-detail relationships. We will explore how to configure these fields to count records, customize field-level security, and add them to specific page layouts, while also discovering how to leverage them in list views and reports for enhanced data visibility.

In this lesson we will learn how to create and customize reports and dashboards using junction objects in Salesforce, specifically focusing on master-detail relationships between accounts and contacts. We will explore how to build both tabular and summary reports, add charts and visual representations, create dashboards with multiple widgets, and understand how relationship types impact field availability and reporting capabilities in Salesforce.

In this lesson, we will learn how to effectively import data into Salesforce using both the Data Import Wizard and Data Loader tools. We will explore the process of mapping CSV fields to Salesforce objects, handling record types, and managing relationships between accounts and contacts. Through hands-on practice with Fortune 500 company data, we will understand the considerations and limitations of different import methods, including the 50,000 record limit for the Data Import Wizard and the proper handling of field mappings for complex data sets.

In this lesson, we will learn how to export and manage data in Salesforce using various tools and methods. We will explore the built-in data export functionality, which allows for scheduled exports of all or specific data, and discover how to use both the desktop Data Loader application and the cloud-based dataloader.io platform for more advanced operations like filtered exports, imports, updates, and mass deletions.

In this lesson, we will learn how to establish connections between Salesforce and external data sources using MuleSoft's Anypoint Platform. Through hands-on practice, we will explore the setup process for connecting Salesforce organizations to Anypoint Platform, including enabling Einstein integration and automation capabilities. The lesson covers essential integration patterns and provides resources for understanding API design and external system connectivity fundamentals.

In this lesson, we will explore business logic and process automation in Salesforce, focusing specifically on implementing automation tools and business rules for emergency response resource management. We will cover formula fields, validation rules, approval processes, and both declarative and programmatic automation solutions including Apex. The content will teach us how to create checkboxes for headquarters designation, track response site distances, build flows for resource deployment, and implement personal stipend approval processes - all while ensuring operational efficiency and data integrity in complex business scenarios.

In this lesson, we create a formula field to calculate the distance from a response site to it's parent account in both miles and kilometers.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create and implement roll-up summary fields in Salesforce, specifically focusing on calculating currency totals across related records. We will explore how to set up roll-up summary fields to aggregate daily stipend amounts from personnel assignments to response sites, configure field-level settings, and understand how these calculations work in practice.

In this lesson, we create a validation rule to prevent the end date of a personnel assignment from being entered as a date that falls before the start date, which results in a negative duration days formula amount. In creating and testing the validation rule, we recognize that our duration days formula needs to be improved so as to reflect a duration of 1 day when the start and end dates are the same.

In this lesson, we will explore how to set up and manage approval processes in Salesforce for daily stipend requests. We will learn how to configure approval thresholds, create hierarchical relationship fields for approver assignment, and implement automated workflows for record locking and email notifications. The lesson covers essential aspects of process automation, including managing approval criteria, configuring page layouts for approval submission, and setting up proper user permissions through profiles.

In this lesson we will learn about managing and customizing Salesforce user profiles through the Enhanced Profile interface. We will explore how to navigate between Classic and Lightning Experience interfaces, adjust CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) permissions for objects, and modify system permissions to enable specific user experiences. The lesson demonstrates how to effectively utilize custom profiles to maintain precise control over user access and interface preferences within Salesforce.

In this lesson we will learn the fundamentals of creating screen flows in Salesforce, focusing on process automation. We will explore how to utilize pre-built templates, understand the Flow Builder interface including its various elements like screens, actions, and logic components, and learn how to create and manage case creation flows that can search for existing contacts and create new records when needed.

In this lesson, we will learn to customize and enhance the Salesforce user interface through both declarative and programmatic approaches. Through hands-on experience with page layouts, custom buttons, and quick actions, we will master the Lightning App Builder to create dynamic pages for desktop and mobile environments. The lesson covers advanced UI customizations using Lightning Web Components (LWCs) with Agent Force for Developers support, enabling us to build powerful real-time experiences that streamline workflows for different organizational roles.

In this lesson, we will learn how to build and implement a complex record-triggered flow in Salesforce that automates the opportunity management process. Through hands-on examples, we will explore how to create conditional logic that generates appropriate contracts and tasks based on opportunity stages and amounts, set up automated task assignments with custom due dates, and troubleshoot common flow issues to ensure proper record relationships.

In this lesson, we will explore the art of customizing the Salesforce user interface to create intuitive and efficient experiences. Throughout our journey, we will master essential tools like page layouts, Lightning App Builder, and Lightning Web Components while learning to optimize interfaces for different user roles and record types. We will discover how to build dynamic pages for both desktop and mobile platforms, implement quick actions, and create custom buttons that streamline workflows—all within the context of Emergency Response Resource Management.

In this lesson, we will learn about user interface settings within Salesforce Setup, including how to locate and modify essential interface configurations. We will explore various checkboxes that control org-wide UI features such as inline editing, hover details, and related list hover links, while also understanding critical dependencies like the Classic 2010 theme's relationship with Chatter functionality. The lesson covers Enhanced Page Layout editor settings and their importance in creating page layouts based on record types and profiles.

In this lesson, we will learn about customizing Salesforce page layouts based on record types and profiles within the Account object. We will explore how to modify field placements, adjust related lists, and customize requirements for different types of accounts such as response sites, government organizations, and vendors. Through hands-on configuration in the Enhanced Page Layout Editor, we will discover how to optimize the user interface by showing or hiding relevant information based on the specific needs of each account type.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create custom actions in Salesforce to streamline record creation processes. We'll explore how to set up predefined field values, configure action layouts, and add custom actions to page layouts specifically for response site account records. The focus will be on automating personnel assignments through a custom action that pre-populates key fields and enhances user workflow efficiency.

We create a Custom Button, which we then add to the page layout and confirm is visible in Classic but not Lightning.

We then edit the Lightning Page using the Lightning App Builder and enable dynamic actions in the Highlights Panel and then add the Custom Button along with a variety of object-specific and global actions to the page. We then activate it and test it out.

Here's the code for the Google Search which the Custom Button performs by using the Account Name as the search term:
https://www.google.com/search?q={!Account.Name}

We then do the same code for a custom link for a Google Search which the Custom link performs by using the Account Name as the search term:

https://www.google.com/search?q={!Account.Name}

In this lesson, we click and drag several standard Lightning Web Components onto a Lightning Page.

In this lesson, we leverage a Trailhead project to create a Hello World Lightning Web Component and add it to a Lightning Page.

In this video, we get an overview of the App Deployment knowledge area for the Platform App Builder exam, covering topics like Salesforce sandboxes, change sets, application lifecycle management, and both managed and unmanaged packages.

In this video, we learn how to create a new Lightning application in Salesforce using App Manager, walking through the setup process of an emergency response application including branding, navigation options, utility items, and profile assignments. The instructor demonstrates how to configure various settings and shows the final result, including enabling notes functionality.

In this video, we learn how to create a console navigation version of an emergency response application by cloning and configuring an existing Salesforce app, demonstrating how the console interface helps users manage multiple records efficiently through features like sub-tabs and history tracking.

This video is a technical tutorial explaining Salesforce sandboxes. The instructor demonstrates different types of sandboxes (Developer, Developer Pro, Partial Copy, and Full sandboxes) using their consulting company's Salesforce instance. They cover sandbox creation, templates, data limitations, refresh intervals, and deployment strategies. The presentation includes practical demonstrations and references to exam-related content about sandbox management in the Salesforce development lifecycle.

In this video, you'll learn how to create and package an unmanaged Salesforce package, allowing you to bundle and deploy custom components across different orgs. The tutorial covers setting up a namespace, selecting components like apps, record types, buttons, links, Lightning Web Components, and page layouts, and handling dependencies. You'll also see how to upload and generate an installation link for easy sharing. This process ensures flexibility, letting users modify and extend the package after installation.

In this video, you'll learn how to configure deployment settings in Salesforce after provisioning a developer sandbox. The tutorial covers identifying sandbox statuses, understanding deployment connections between production and sandbox environments, and enabling inbound changes for smooth deployments. You'll also see how to verify and troubleshoot deployment paths to ensure successful updates between orgs.

In this video, you'll learn how to determine the appropriate deployment plan based on different scenarios, a key objective for the exam. The tutorial references Trailhead resources and a downloadable certification prep guide, covering topics such as application lifecycle management, sandboxes, change sets, and packaging. You'll also find interactive questions and practice tests to help reinforce your understanding of deployment strategies.

In this lecture, I walk you through the Exam Guide for the Platform App Builder Certification, and how it relates to the structure of this course. I also discuss the maintenance schedule for credentialed professionals and the timeframe for new features to make their way to the certification exam. We also discuss specifics on the exam, as described in the Exam Guide.

In this lecture I walk you through signing up for your own free Salesforce account, which you can keep for life.

In this lecture I discuss the ins and outs of the Force.com platform, and shared resources and limits. Check the Resources section of this lecture, as well.

In this lecture I discuss the MVC Design Pattern, and how it applies to Salesforce. Understanding this design pattern will help you comprehend the structure of Salesforce as a whole, and how the different pieces and functionality fit together. Check the Resources section for this lecture.

In this lecture I discuss the Salesforce Schema. We visualize this by getting introduced to the Schema Builder.

In this lecture I show you how to install a few good applications off of the AppExchange. These apps contain good reports and dashboards that we will demonstrate and work with further in subsequent lectures. I provide links to these apps as well as additional ones from the Resources section of this lecture.

In this lecture, I walk you through Sample Exam Question #3 from the exam guide.

In this lecture I show you how to reset your security token. You will need your security token in order to log in to certain applications, such as the Data Loader and the Force.com IDE.

In this lecture, I introduce you to the Data Modeling and Management Introduction section of the course.

This lecture introduces you to the concept of objects, and specifically, the two types of objects you must be familiar with in order to not only pass the Administrator exam, but to also effectively administer the Salesforce platform. Those two types of objects are:

• Standard Objects
• Custom Objects

We go through common Standard Objects that you will find in any Salesforce instance, as well as how those objects relate to one another. You may have previously heard about the concept of "Object Oriented". It is these standard and custom objects and how they relate to one another that make Salesforce an object oriented solution, through which you can build and automate solutions.

In this lecture I introduce you to the Object Manager in Lightning Experience. I walk you through how to identify standard vs. custom objects in the Object Manager. We also switch to Salesforce Classic and look at how the Setup menu has the Customize menu for Standard Objects and Create for Custom Objects. 

In this lecture I discuss custom objects in Salesforce. We explore the api name of custom objects as well.

In this lecture, I walk you through the process of creating custom objects that we will use for our IMDb Clone app.

In this lecture we review Standard fields. We also investigate the different types of standard fields that are available on different standard objects and custom objects.

In this lecture I introduce you to Custom Fields. We walk through the steps of creating a custom field on our Productions app that we are building, that we will use to capture the Year of a production. I also show you how to make a field required, which may be a topic you find on your certification exam.

In addition to creating the new Custom Field, I also show you how to add the field to the page layout.

In this lecture I discuss the different field types that are available to you whenever you create a custom field. I enter a new Production record into Salesforce and show you how our new Year custom field displays in the interface, along with how the field is displayed as required. I also show you how you cannot currently change a custom field's field type from within Lightning Experience.

In this lecture, I walk you through how to create different text fields. I also show you how to create a URL field.

In this lecture I set the Field Level Security (FLS) on the Description custom field on the Production object. This is done from the Detail page for the field. The FLS specifies if a field is Visible, and if it is Read Only and you can make these designations at the Profile level. We also cover further how to make a field required, and how when you do so, the required field has to be set to visible for users.

The Field Accessibility provides you a list of all profiles for a field and what the Field Access is. You can also select other fields from the dropdown. I also discuss the differences between Field Level Security (FLS) and Field Accessibility.

In this lecture I show you how to set up history tracking for field values on an object. History Tracking can be set on the object level and you have a limit of 20 fields that you can track history on. I also update the Page Layout on our Productions page layout to include the Production History related list, which displays any changes to a record.

In this lecture I show you how to create an auto-number field. We create a custom field with a field type of auto-number on our custom object of Production Position. To change a Name field from Text to auto-number, you click Edit from the object level to change the field type of the Name field. I also show you how to set the numbering format and starting point.

Before we create a basic formula field, which we will pull in an ID field, I felt it would be helpful for you to understand more related to Salesforce IDs at this point in the course. I talk through the 15 and 18 digit characteristics of the Salesforce ID, and also how to access via the URL in your browser, and also the Salesforce Workbench.

In this lecture we get hands on experience with accessing an ID for a record by creating a formula field. We also update the page layout to display the formula field for the ID in the Details section of the page layout. We also utilize the Advanced Formula tab in the formula editor.

In this lecture I show you how to create a checkbox field, which is also commonly referred to as a Boolean value.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a Currency field. Currency fields are used to hold currency values, and vary depending on if you have enabled multiple currencies in your organization, which we cover in the next lecture.

In this lecture I show you how to enabled multiple currencies in your free Salesforce account (do not enable multiple-currencies in your workplace organization if you do not have the proper authorization). I also address how to log a case for a free developer account, helpful support phone numbers for Salesforce support, and how to enter initial exchange rates as well as add additional currencies to your org.

In this lecture, we dive into Advanced Currency Management. I show you how to manage dated exchange rates manually. I then introduce you to a good currency update application that you can download and install off of the AppExchange. 

We work through the installation and configuration of this app, including setting up a remote endpoint URL via Remote Site Settings.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a Date field. I also cover how to create a Date / Time field. We finish this lecture by reviewing the differences between these two field types, and how they look to the end user.

In this lecture, I show you how to create an email field. Email fields are useful for leveraging in email alerts and hold email addresses for records.

In this lecture I show you how to create a geolocation field, which you can use to record longitude and latitude values. These fields are useful for location based values and can be leveraged for such things as beacons in the Marketing Cloud.

In this lecture, we use the Schema Builder to review the various custom objects we have created thus far for our app. We then create an additional custom object, using the Schema Builder. We also add number fields to the new custom object via the Schema Builder.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a percentage field. I demonstrate how values are entered and the how they display as percentages in the interface.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a phone field. I then demonstrate how phone numbers are formatted and display in the user interface.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a picklist field. I then demonstrate the behavior and usability of a picklist field from the user interface.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a multi-select picklist field.I then demonstrate the behavior and usability of a multi-select picklist field from the user interface.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a dependent picklist. We explore field dependencies and how they are set.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a lookup relationship between two objects.

In this lecture, I show you how to create an external relationship field.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a master-detail relationship. Master-detail relationship fields are always created on the detail (child) object, and are connected to the master (parent) object.

I walk through the steps of creating an encrypted field. In our scenario, we are adding an encrypted field for a Contact's Social Security Number. This would be for contact records for our internal employees. We also cover the different mask types for the encryption.

In this lecture, I walk you through creating a Roll-Up Summary Field. I cover how to specify matching filters so that you only pull in the relevant records you want in a Roll-Up Summary field. I have also included the link to the online help page that contains more details and rules around this powerful field type.

In this lecture we walk through Sample Exam Question #4 from the Study Guide. This scenario deals with Roll-Up Summary fields between two custom objects. I cover the different possible answers and how they are either right or wrong. I also discuss how to strategically approach this question, first ruling out the obvious incorrect answers and then deciding between the remaining possible correct options.

I then create another sample production record, this time for a TV show, and then add a couple of episode records via the Master-Detail relationship field. I also create a roll-up summary field on the Production object to demonstrate the total number of episodes dynamically rolling up to the Production whenever new Episodes are added.

This is a conceptual lecture that talks through some of the common scenarios and reasons that data loss could result from changing a custom field's data type. I also demonstrate how data is lost when changing a field from a multi-selectpick list to a pick list. I also provide a helpful resource link for extensive notes on caveats related to changing field types.

In this lecture, I show you how to find the install link for the Data Loader from within Salesforce. The Data Loader is a local installation onto your own computer, and is used for the mass inserting, updating, and deleting of records in Salesforce. I also share a helpful resource that contains many considerations for installing the Data Loader.

NOTE: The Data Loader requires that the Java Run-Time Environment 1.8 is also installed on your machine.

In this lecture I show you how to log into the Data Loader. You have to append your Security Token to the end of your password in order to log in via the Data Loader.

In this lecture I show you some of the important settings you'll want to set in the Data Loader configuration.

In this lecture, I give you best practices and advice on what tool you should use when faced with different scenarios related to the importing of data. Limits and possible exam questions are discussed.

In this lecture I demonstrate how to mass transfer records from an objects home screen. I also demonstrate how to mass transfer the ownership of records via the Data Loader.  I also show you how to form a SOQL query using the Data Loader during this lecture.

We first perform an export, and then update the OwnerId field for leads on our exported CSV file. We then perform an update via the Data Loader. I also show you how to map fields in the Data Loader.

We also enable Field History Tracking on the Lead object and track history on the Owner field. I round out this lecture by introducing you to a good 3rd party tool that is useful for Data Management in Salesforce - DataLoader.io.

External IDs are useful for integrating with external systems. You can specify a field as a unique identifier as well. In this lecture, I show you how to create an external ID that is a unique identifier.

In this lecture, I show you how to export data records out of Salesforce. Different data export options are explored.

In this lecture we discuss the implications of relationship types on Record Access. I revisit the Schema Builder and review and demonstrate the different relationship types. I also share a helpful resource from the Salesforce online help that gives a lot more details around considerations for relationships, which I encourage you to explore fully.

In this lecture we discuss the implications of relationship types on the User Interface. We view a topic from the SOAP API Developer's Guide that provides UI information related to relationship types.

In this lecture we discuss the implications of relationship types on reporting.

In this lecture, I demonstrate the various approaches and ways you can mass delete records in Salesforce.

In this lecture I introduce you to External Objects and External Data Sources. I also introduce the Lightning Connect Tutorial on GitHub that we will be working through in the next lecture, which can be accessed here 

http://developerforce.github.io/lightning-connect-tutorial/index.html

In this lecture I show you how to create an external object and a data source using Salesforce Connect with Heroku.

In this lecture I introduce you to the Schema Builder. The Schema Builder is a powerful tool that not only represents your schema/data model in Salesforce visually, but it also allows you to create custom objects, fields, and more.

In this lecture we create an additional custom object for our application in the Schema Builder. We also create a couple of Junction Objects for our application by setting up two Master-Detail Relationships for each.

In this lecture, I introduce the Security section of this course. I discuss the various topics related to Security that we will be going through together.

System and App Permissions related to Profiles are covered in-depth. I also show you how to enable the Enhanced Profile Layout.

In this lecture I demonstrate how to create a custom profile.

This lecture covers Roles and the Role Hierarchy, which governs what individual records a user may see. The roll-up nature of records in the Role Hierarchy is covered and example scenarios are addressed.

In this lecture, I show you how to create new Roles. We then assign users to these new Roles.

Newer Salesforce developers often confuse Profiles and Roles. We cover cloning a profile in order to create a custom profile and then we assign that custom profile a Login IP Range. Scenarios are discussed that you may find on the exam.

In this lecture I introduce you to Permission Sets. Permissions Sets are like Profiles in that they grant users certain rights via Objects Settings and System Settings. How they differ from Profiles is that users can be assigned to multiple Permission Sets. You can also assign users from different profiles to the same Permission Set, thus giving you the ability to give more granular system control to your user base without having to resort to creating hundreds of permissions.

In this lecture, I show you how to create a Permission Set.

In this lecture, we discuss the base level from which all security is set on in Salesforce - the Organization Wide Defaults, also commonly referred to as OWD. Be sure to check the Resources section of this lecture for the diagram that I show you in this lecture.

In this lecture, I cover another way that a user can grant access to a record, and that is by manually sharing a record with others. I demonstrate the manual sharing process in Salesforce, as well as how to see who has access to a record, and why. This is helpful when troubleshooting access issues that you'll inevitably encounter while working on the Platform.

In this lecture, I talk about CRUD - Create, Read, Update, and Delete operations. CRUD operations are an integral part of security settings in Salesforce, and it's important that you understand where these settings are controlled, and the impact that these settings have.