IBM Certification - How to Register & Take the Exam

• Open the exam's certification page on ibm.com/training and select Register / Schedule.
• Create or sign in to your Pearson VUE account (linked to your IBMid).
• Choose online-proctored or a nearby test center, pick a date, and pay the $200 fee.
• IBM periodically offers free exam vouchers via SkillsBuild, watsonx Challenges, and partner events - apply the voucher at checkout.

• Online proctored via Pearson VUE OnVUE, or in person at a Pearson VUE test center.
• Online requires a quiet private room, webcam, microphone, and a stable connection.
• Government-issued photo ID required at check-in.
• No notes, external resources, or second monitors allowed during the exam.

Schedule through Pearson VUE any time after registration; online slots are often available within a day or two. You can reschedule via the Pearson VUE dashboard up to 24 hours before the appointment.

• All three watsonx exams: $200 each (C1000-185, C1000-180, C1000-177).
• Vouchers from IBM SkillsBuild, watsonx Challenges, and partner programs can reduce or waive the fee.

If you do not pass, you must wait 14 days before retaking the same exam. Each attempt requires a new registration and the full fee unless covered by a voucher.

• C1000-185 (GenAI Engineer): ~60 questions, 120 minutes. C1000-180 (AI Assistant Engineer): 45 questions, 75 minutes. C1000-177 (Data Scientist): 61 questions, 90 minutes.
• Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.
• Passing is roughly 70% (e.g., 30/45 for C1000-180, 43/61 for C1000-177).
• A pass/fail result is shown at the end; the digital badge is issued via Credly shortly after.

IBM Professional Certifications are valid for 3 years. Renew by passing the current version of the exam (or a newer version of the credential) before it expires.

• IBM Training learning paths map module-by-module to each exam's objectives.
• IBM SkillsBuild and Cognitive Class offer free watsonx courses and labs.
• IBM watsonx documentation (watsonx.ai, watsonx.data, watsonx.governance, watsonx Assistant) covers the tested features.
• IBM provides official certification prep videos and sample questions linked from each certification page.