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Salesforce Technical Architect  Exam Guide

Salesforce Technical Architect Exam Guide

Gear up for the Salesforce Technical Architect certification exam with our concise Exam Guide. This invaluable resource will be your go-to companion for understanding the exam requirements and preparing effectively. Enhance your proficiency in architecting and designing complex solutions on the Salesforce Platform. Master the intricacies of system integration, performance optimization, and security considerations to deliver innovative and scalable solutions. Delve into the exam format, objectives, and recommended training materials to ensure success in attaining your Salesforce Technical Architect certification. Take your career to new heights as a certified Technical Architect, leading the way in designing cutting-edge solutions within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Salesforce Technical Architect Exam and Program Overview

The Salesforce Certified Technical Architect program is a comprehensive certification designed to validate the skills and expertise of experienced Salesforce architects. This program is targeted towards professionals who have a deep understanding of Salesforce architecture and possess the ability to design secure, high-performance technical solutions on the Lightning Platform. The program aims to assess a candidate's knowledge in areas such as customer architecture assessment, effective communication of technical solutions to business stakeholders, and implementing a delivery framework for successful project execution.

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The Technical Architect exam evaluates candidates on a wide range of topics related to Salesforce architecture. It covers areas such as solution design, integration, data modeling, security, and scalability. Candidates are required to demonstrate their proficiency in assessing customer requirements, making design tradeoffs, and providing innovative and efficient solutions. The exam format consists of multiple-choice questions and scenario-based questions to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

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To excel in the Technical Architect program, candidates are recommended to have substantial hands-on experience working with the Salesforce platform and engaging in real-world architectural projects. In addition to practical experience, candidates should also leverage various resources, including training courses, Trailhead modules, and self-study materials, to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Salesforce architecture best practices.

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By successfully completing the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect program, architects can showcase their expertise and credibility in designing robust and scalable Salesforce solutions. This certification not only validates their technical skills but also demonstrates their ability to effectively communicate with business stakeholders and drive successful project outcomes. It serves as a mark of distinction in the Salesforce ecosystem and opens up new career opportunities as sought-after Salesforce architects.

 

Who is it for

The Salesforce Certified Technical Architect program is designed for experienced Salesforce architects. It is intended for professionals who have a strong background in Salesforce architecture and want to showcase their expertise in various areas. This program is suitable for individuals who have extensive experience in assessing customer architecture, designing secure and high-performance technical solutions on the Lightning Platform, effectively communicating technical solutions to business stakeholders, and providing a delivery framework for successful implementation.

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The program is targeted towards individuals who have advanced knowledge and skills in Salesforce architecture and are looking to validate their expertise. It is particularly beneficial for architects who are involved in designing complex and scalable solutions, as well as those who play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and success of Salesforce implementations.

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Candidates for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect program are expected to have a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform, its capabilities, and its integration with other systems. They should possess strong problem-solving skills, the ability to analyze and assess customer requirements, and the expertise to design innovative and efficient solutions. This program is tailored for individuals who are dedicated to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in Salesforce technology and architecture.

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Key capabilities expected from the candidate include:
  1. Extensive Implementation Experience: The candidate should have a solid background in software development and implementation, with at least 5 years of experience across the full software development lifecycle. This experience should encompass various stages, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.

  2. Architectural Expertise: The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in an architect role, with at least 2 years of experience on the Lightning Platform. They should have a deep understanding of Salesforce applications and technologies and the ability to architect solutions that meet complex business requirements.

  3. Technical Leadership: The candidate should have experience in a lead architect role, guiding development teams and providing technical direction. They should be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, guiding the appropriate use of platform technology and mitigating technical risks across the architecture.

  4. Development Skills: The candidate should possess strong development skills, including experience developing code on the Force.com platform. They should have a good grasp of object-oriented design patterns and be familiar with multiple development languages and design frameworks.

  5. Integration and Security Expertise: The candidate should have a solid understanding of common integration patterns and experience with integration on the Lightning Platform. They should also possess the ability to architect solutions that address security complexities and mechanisms on the platform, ensuring a robust and functional security model.

  6. Data Migration and Scalability: The candidate should have an awareness of data migration considerations and design trade-offs. They should be familiar with common ETL tools and have an understanding of large data volume considerations, as well as strategies to mitigate risks associated with data volume.

  7. Mobile Solutions: The candidate should have a general understanding of mobile solutions and architecture. They should also be knowledgeable about on-platform mobile solutions and considerations specific to the Lightning Platform.

  8. Project and Development Lifecycle Methodologies: The candidate should be well-versed in project and development lifecycle methodologies. They should understand how to apply these methodologies effectively to ensure successful project outcomes and delivery.

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These key capabilities reflect the expertise and skills expected from a candidate pursuing the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect certification, demonstrating their ability to architect and implement advanced solutions on the Salesforce platform.

 

Purpose of this Exam Guide

The purpose of this Exam Guide is to assist candidates in their preparation for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam. It serves as a comprehensive resource that provides important information about the exam, including the target audience, recommended training and documentation, and a detailed list of exam objectives.

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The Exam Guide aims to guide candidates on the path to success by offering valuable insights into the knowledge and skills required to pass the exam. It emphasizes the significance of hands-on experience, completion of training courses, engagement with Trailhead trails and Trailmixes, and self-study in specific areas outlined in the Recommended Training and Resource section.

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By familiarizing themselves with the Exam Guide, candidates can gain a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements of the certification exam. They can utilize the provided resources, align their preparation efforts with the outlined objectives, and plan their study approach accordingly. The Exam Guide acts as a roadmap to help candidates maximize their chances of achieving a passing score and obtaining the prestigious Salesforce Certified Technical Architect certification.

 

About the Exam

The Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam is the final step in the journey to becoming a Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA). This exam is designed to assess a candidate's ability to apply their knowledge and expertise to solve real-world scenarios in a presentation format. The exam consists of a hypothetical scenario that the candidate must review, analyze, and develop a solution for.

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The exam format involves a presentation to a panel of CTA judges, where the candidate will present their solution for the given scenario. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session with the judges to further evaluate the candidate's understanding and decision-making process. An exam facilitator and proctor will be present onsite to ensure a smooth examination process.

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The exam is divided into three segments, with specific time allocations for each:

  1. Scenario review and solution preparation: The candidate will have 3 hours to thoroughly review the scenario and prepare their solution. This includes a 15-minute break.

  2. Scenario presentation: The candidate will have 45 minutes to present their solution to the panel of judges. This is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their architectural skills and articulate their solution effectively.

  3. Scenario Question and Answer session: Following the presentation, there will be a 40-minute session where the judges will ask questions to further evaluate the candidate's understanding and validate their solution.

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During the exam, the candidate is provided with specific materials to aid in their presentation and solution development. These include Google Suites with access to Slides, Docs, and Sheets for creating and presenting their solution. Flip chart paper, blank paper, pens, highlighters, markers, and a timer are also provided.

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It is important to note that no hard-copy or online materials may be referenced during the exam, and smart devices such as watches and phones must be removed and stored prior to starting the exam.

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The Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam is a rigorous assessment that tests the candidate's ability to analyze complex scenarios, develop innovative solutions, and effectively communicate their ideas to a panel of experts. Successfully passing this exam is a significant achievement and demonstrates the candidate's proficiency as a Salesforce Technical Architect.

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Recommended Training and References

Recommended Training and References for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam:

  1. Trailhead Trailmix: The Architect Journey Trailmix is a comprehensive collection of Trailmixes specifically designed to build and enhance your skills as a Salesforce architect. These Trailmixes cover various domain-specific areas and provide a structured learning path to help you prepare for the exam. It is highly recommended to utilize these Trailmixes not only for the Architect Designer credential exams but also for the CTA Review Board exam.

  2. Certified Technical Architect Preparation Workshop: This workshop is designed to support your exam preparation by helping you internalize the exam objectives and reinforce your knowledge of key topics. The workshop focuses on honing your ability to create solutions that address real-world customer requirements, using scenarios that have been used in previous exams. It provides a participant-centered learning experience with coaching from a CTA facilitator. The workshop also guides you in creating a personalized action plan for your exam preparation.

  3. Prepare for your Technical Architect Credential (CTA601): This resource is a comprehensive course specifically tailored for candidates aiming to become Salesforce Certified Technical Architects. It covers a wide range of topics and provides in-depth knowledge and guidance on the skills and capabilities required for the exam. The course helps you understand the exam objectives and prepares you to meet the expectations of the CTA Review Board. It is a valuable resource to enhance your technical architecture expertise.

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These recommended training and reference materials offer a combination of hands-on experience, structured learning, and practical guidance to prepare you for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam. Utilizing these resources in conjunction with hands-on experience, training course completion, Trailhead trails, and self-study will significantly enhance your chances of success in the exam.

 

Exam Outline

Exam Outline for the Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam:

System Architecture (25%):
  • Determine appropriate system mix, considering Salesforce platform capabilities and constraints.

  • Design considerations and risks for reporting, analytics, and mobile solutions.

  • Architectural considerations for single or multi-org environments.

  • Selecting the correct mix of license types based on requirements.

  • Designing document management solutions.

Security (25%):
  • Architecting secure solutions using platform security mechanisms.

  • Designing secure portal architectures for internal and external users.

  • Meeting record-level security requirements using declarative platform security features.

  • Leveraging programmatic platform security features.

  • Implementing object and field access permissions in a solution.

  • Designing end-to-end identity management solutions.

Data (15%):
  • Architectural considerations and optimization methods for large data volumes.

  • Data modeling concepts and implications for database design.

  • Data migration strategies and tools.

Solution Architecture (15%):
  • Selecting the appropriate mix of declarative and programmatic functionality.

  • Incorporating external applications into solution architecture.

Integration (10%):
  • Recommending enterprise integration landscapes and associated considerations.

  • Justifying the use of integration technologies and patterns.

  • Selecting platform-specific integration technologies and understanding their capabilities, limitations, and trade-offs.

Development Lifecycle and Deployment Planning (10%):
  • Identifying project risks and mitigation strategies.

  • Technical considerations and impact on work streams.

  • Designing comprehensive test strategies.

  • Understanding technical solution impact on customer project governance.

  • Environment management best practices.

Communication (10%):
  • Articulating solution architecture benefits, limitations, and design choices.

  • Handling objections and addressing roadblocks effectively.

  • Utilizing visualization and documentation tools to communicate the technical solution.

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The Salesforce Certified Technical Architect Review Board Exam assesses the candidate's proficiency in system architecture, security, data, solution architecture, integration, development lifecycle, deployment planning, and communication. It evaluates the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world scenarios and make appropriate design decisions. To succeed in the exam, candidates should have hands-on experience as an architect on the Lightning Platform and demonstrate their expertise in each of the outlined objectives.

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