Schedule an AWS Certification exam through your AWS Certification account. Choose an exam, continue to Pearson VUE to select online or test-center delivery and an appointment, then confirm the booking and review the confirmation email. AWS currently delivers its certification exams through Pearson VUE.

This guide reflects AWS and Pearson VUE policies checked on October 4, 2026. Button names can change; follow the current instructions in your certification account and appointment email.

1. Choose the exam that fits your goal

Start with the current AWS Certification catalog, then read the exam guide for the credential you are considering. AWS currently groups certifications into Business, Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty categories. Exam names, versions, and availability can change, so confirm the current exam code and objectives before you book. The AWS exam guides describe the topics and intended candidate for each exam.

Use the guide's recommended experience to judge your readiness; AWS does not require a training course to sit an exam. For help choosing between two engineering paths, see our comparison of AWS Developer and Solutions Architect certifications.

2. Sign in and schedule through Pearson VUE

Use your individual certification sign-in

Open AWS Certification and choose the option to schedule an exam. Sign in using AWS Builder ID or another method offered on the page, then open exam registration. An AWS Builder ID is a free personal identity for AWS training and certification. It is separate from an AWS account that holds cloud resources and their billing; you do not need to create an AWS resource account just to take an exam. See AWS's explanation of AWS Builder ID sign-in.

Use the first and last name that appear on the ID you will present. AWS requires those names to match the name in your certification profile. Fix a mismatch through your account or AWS Training and Certification support before scheduling; a test administrator can refuse admission if the names do not match.

Request any accommodation before registering

If you need an accommodation for a disability, request it from the test-delivery provider before registering for the exam. AWS says approved Pearson VUE accommodations come with instructions for scheduling. Begin with the current AWS accommodation instructions.

For an exam in English, AWS offers a one-time ESL +30 accommodation for eligible non-native English speakers. Request it from the Accommodations area of your AWS Certification account before your first exam registration; AWS says it then applies to future registrations. Check the current instructions for the request steps and any accommodation that applies to your situation.

Choose online or test-center delivery

AWS exam options include Pearson VUE online proctoring for its certification exams and in-person appointments at testing centers. Online testing lets you use your own computer in a private room; a test center provides the computer and an in-person check-in. Appointment times and center locations vary by language and location. Check that the delivery option and language you want are available before continuing.

For online testing, read Pearson VUE's AWS OnVUE requirements before you book. You need a compatible computer, a working camera and microphone, a stable connection, and a quiet private space. Run the Pearson VUE system test on the computer and network you plan to use. A failed system test or a late arrival can prevent you from testing and may forfeit the fee.

Select an appointment

  1. In exam registration, find your chosen exam and select the option to schedule with Pearson VUE.
  2. On Pearson VUE, choose online or a test center, then select an available language, location or online appointment, date, and time.
  3. Review the appointment details, the test-delivery rules, and the AWS Certification Program Agreement. Check the time zone shown for your appointment.
  4. Pay by an accepted card or apply an eligible voucher at checkout. Finish the registration and save the confirmation email; the appointment is not complete until Pearson VUE confirms it.

The current Pearson VUE AWS instructions route candidates from AWS Certification into exam registration; AWS's Certification FAQ also explains how to reach the account dashboard and manage Pearson VUE appointments.

Check the exam fee

As of October 4, 2026, AWS lists standard U.S. prices of US$100 for Business and Foundational exams, US$150 for Associate exams, and US$300 for Professional and Specialty exams. Taxes may apply, and local-currency prices differ. Verify the fee and currency shown for your exam before paying in the current AWS pricing and scheduling information.

Use an eligible voucher

AWS Certified individuals can access a 50% discount voucher for recertification or another AWS exam. Find it in the Benefits section of your AWS Certification account and check its expiry, eligible exams, and other terms before booking. Vouchers can have different terms; do not assume a discount is automatically added to every exam. See AWS Certification benefits. For more on the career and cost trade-offs, read our guide to AWS certification costs and job-market impact.

3. Prepare for check-in and your appointment

Confirm your name and identification

For both delivery methods, your first and last name on the ID must match your AWS Certification account. AWS requires one primary ID for online proctoring; at a test center, bring either two primary IDs or one primary and one secondary ID. The precise document rules vary by country, so check AWS's ID and check-in policy and Pearson VUE's instructions before exam day.

Follow the check-in instructions

For an online exam, run the system test in advance and follow Pearson VUE's room and equipment requirements. AWS's test-day policy allows you to launch the exam up to 30 minutes early for self check-in, ID verification, and a room check. You may be unable to start and may forfeit the fee if you are more than 15 minutes late or your computer fails the system test.

For a test-center appointment, arrive 15–30 minutes early and bring the required IDs. Staff will check you in and tell you where to store personal items.

Review your appointment confirmation

For either delivery option, read the confirmation email and note the appointment time and time zone. For a test center, confirm the address and travel time; for an online exam, set up the required private room and equipment before exam day.

Know how to change or retake an appointment

You can cancel or reschedule without an additional fee before the 24-hour window starts. Each exam appointment can be rescheduled at most twice; after that, cancel it and make a new booking. During the final 24 hours, you cannot cancel or reschedule under the normal policy. Missing the appointment normally forfeits the fee and requires you to wait 24 hours after the appointment before registering again. For a documented illness or other emergency, contact Pearson VUE promptly about its exception process. Manage an existing booking from your AWS Certification account using Manage Pearson VUE exams. Check a voucher's expiry before changing an appointment.

If you fail, AWS requires a 14-calendar-day wait before you may retake the exam, and you pay the registration fee for each attempt. AWS places no limit on failed attempts. After you pass, you cannot retake the same exam for two years; if AWS publishes a new exam guide and series code, you may take the new version. Review the current rescheduling and retake policy before making a change.

4. Use the exam guide to prepare

Use current AWS preparation resources

AWS recommends practical experience and provides optional training and preparation resources through AWS Skill Builder. The AWS Certification FAQ confirms that a course is not required to earn a certification.

Build a plan from the exam guide

After booking, make a short study plan around the exam's domains and your knowledge gaps. Use practice questions to spot areas to review, then return to the current guide for the authoritative exam scope.

FAQs

Can I take an AWS Certification exam from home?

Yes. Pearson VUE offers online proctoring for AWS certification exams, subject to appointment, language, and location availability. You need to meet the current computer, identification, and private-room requirements. Run the system test before exam day and read the AWS OnVUE instructions before selecting this option.

How long does an AWS Certification last?

AWS generally sets a three-year validity period. Recertification routes differ by credential, and AWS lists an additional one-year maintenance option for some eligible certifications. Check the current AWS recertification table for the credential you hold.

Do I have to take a course before I schedule an exam?

No. AWS recommends preparation and hands-on experience, but does not require a course. Review the current exam guide and target-candidate profile to decide what preparation you need.