What happens if you fail the AWS certification?
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AWS certification exams are challenging, and failing on the first attempt is not uncommon. If you don't pass an AWS certification exam, you must wait 14 days before retaking it. While there's no limit on total attempts, each retake requires paying the full registration fee. However, AWS offers some options to reduce the financial burden of retaking exams. Certified individuals can get a 50% discount on their next exam, and AWS occasionally runs promotions offering free retakes or discounted vouchers. Understanding these policies and discount opportunities can help you plan your certification journey more effectively, whether you're preparing for your first attempt or strategizing for a retake.
14-Day Retake Waiting Period
After failing an AWS certification exam, candidates must observe a mandatory 14-day waiting period before attempting a retake. This cooling-off period allows time for reflection and additional preparation. While there's no cap on the total number of attempts, each retake incurs the full registration fee
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. It's important to note that exam results are not instantly available upon completion. AWS evaluates the validity of results before officially posting them to the candidate's Certification Account, a process that can take up to 5 business days2
. The Solutions Architect Professional exam, in particular, may not always provide same-day results3
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Score Report and Improvement
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Within 5 business days of completing the exam, candidates can access a detailed score report in their AWS Certification Account. This report provides valuable insights by breaking down performance across different exam domains, helping identify specific areas for improvement
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. Analyzing this feedback is crucial for addressing knowledge gaps and refining study strategies for subsequent attempts. Candidates are encouraged to use this information to tailor their preparation, focusing on weak areas to increase their chances of success in future retakes2
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Unlimited Retakes Policy
While there's no limit on the total number of exam attempts, candidates should be aware of potential requirements after multiple failures. If an individual does not pass within 3 attempts, AWS may request proof of additional training or an alternate certification before allowing further retakes
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. This policy encourages thorough preparation and ensures candidates are adequately equipped for success. Despite these guidelines, AWS maintains a generally flexible approach, allowing persistent learners to continue pursuing their certification goals without a hard cap on attempts.1 source
AWS Certification Discounts
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Several options exist for obtaining discounts on AWS certification exams. Certified individuals receive a 50% discount voucher for their next exam, accessible through the Certmetrics portal
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. Periodically, AWS offers limited-time promotions, such as a recent 33% discount on foundational and associate exams1
. Some employers and AWS partner organizations may provide vouchers or reimbursement programs for certification costs1
. Previously, the AWS Educate program offered pathways to discounts through the Emerging Talent Community, but this option is currently unavailable1
. It's advisable to check for current promotions and carefully review terms and conditions, as discounts often have specific eligibility criteria or time limitations1
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