All AWS certifications use the same registration flow and policies. Only the per-exam fee, length, and question count differ. Exams are delivered exclusively through Pearson VUE since the PSI handover completed.
1. Registration process
Create a free AWS Certification Account at aws.amazon.com/certification (uses your aws.training / AWS Builder ID).
Sign in, click Certification in the top nav, then AWS Certification Account → Schedule New Exam.
Choose the exam, then click Schedule with Pearson VUE — the only delivery partner since the PSI handover completed. You will be redirected to Pearson VUE to pick a delivery mode, date, and pay.
AWS Skill Builder Subscription members get a 50% discount voucher on one exam per year.
2. Delivery options
Online proctored (Pearson VUE OnVUE): 24/7 availability in most regions. Requires a quiet, walled, private room; webcam; mic; stable broadband; Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+; admin rights to install OnVUE; no second monitor; phone reachable for the proctor.
In-person test center (Pearson VUE): business hours; locate via the Pearson VUE site.
ID: one government-issued photo ID (in-center) or two IDs, one with photo, both with matching name (online).
No materials allowed. Built-in on-screen calculator only where applicable. No scratch paper online (a digital whiteboard is provided); test centers supply an erasable note board.
Online appointments are typically available within 24 hours. Test centers depend on local capacity (often within 1–2 weeks).
Reschedule/cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the appointment, otherwise you forfeit the fee.
5. Exam day
Check in 30 minutes early (online: launch OnVUE; in-center: arrive at the testing facility).
Online: room scan, ID scan, biometric photo, then the secure browser locks the machine.
No bathroom breaks are scheduled, but unscheduled breaks are allowed online (the timer keeps running). Foundational/Associate exams do not include built-in breaks; some Professional/Specialty offerings include one optional 10-minute break that does not count against your time.
Time limits include extra unscored survey/intro time. Non-native English speakers can request an additional 30 minutes ESL accommodation before scheduling.
6. Results
Foundational/Associate: pass/fail shown on screen at exam end; full score report in the AWS Certification Account within 5 business days.
Professional/Specialty: typically delivered within 5 business days via the AWS Certification Account.
Scores are scaled 100–1000.
7. Retake policy
Wait 14 calendar days after a failed attempt. No cap on lifetime attempts. Full fee per attempt.
After passing an exam, you cannot re-sit the same exam for 2 years.
8. Validity
All AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the current version of the same exam, or by passing a higher-level exam in the same path before expiration.
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