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Welcome — I’m Michael Forrester. This guide walks you step-by-step through registering for an AWS certification exam for the first time: from locating the AWS Training & Certification site to scheduling your date, applying vouchers, and completing payment. Follow these instructions to avoid surprises with online proctoring, time zones, and checkout. Quick overview: the process covers account sign-in, choosing delivery mode (test center vs. online proctoring), accepting policies, selecting language and time, applying promo codes, and confirming payment. Use the checklist at the end to ensure you’re ready on test day. Summary table — what you’ll do Step 1 — Find AWS Training and Certification
  • Open your browser and go to the AWS Training & Certification hub: https://www.aws.training/.
  • Look for the “Get Certified” or “Schedule an Exam” link/button and follow it to begin scheduling.
Step 2 — Sign in with an AWS Builder ID
  • The scheduling flow redirects to sign-in. Use an AWS Builder ID to continue. If you don’t have one, create it — the process is straightforward and will guide you through email verification and any required MFA enrollment.
  • During sign-in you may be prompted to complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) or other account protections.
A web browser screenshot of the Amazon Web Services sign-in page showing a centered "Get started" form with an email field and Continue / Continue with Google / Continue with Apple buttons on a dark blue background.
After sign-in you’ll typically be taken to the Pearson VUE scheduling site (you may see “Alpine” in the upper-left and AWS branding on the right). From the Pearson VUE dashboard you can access digital badges, certification benefits, certification history, and exam registration. Step 3 — Choose “Schedule an Exam”
  • Click “Schedule an Exam” and pick the certification you plan to take. The scheduling flow is the same across AWS exams (for example, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional).
  • You’ll be offered delivery options: in-person at a test center or online via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform. Consider the pros and cons of each.
A screenshot of a Pearson VUE exam scheduling page showing buttons to take the test in person or online with OnVUE. Below are icons and brief instructions about your computer, testing space, photo ID, and what to expect.
Online proctoring enforces strict rules: no extra monitors, no one else in the room, no pets, no phones, and restricted or no breaks depending on the exam. Review online proctoring policies before choosing the online option.
Step 4 — Read and accept testing policies
  • If you select online proctoring, you must accept the Terms & Conditions and policies such as the Limited License, Facial Comparison, and Testing Space Verification policies.
  • These policies explain how your identity and testing environment are verified (including photo capture), what forms of ID are acceptable, and rescheduling/cancellation rules (e.g., many exams cannot be rescheduled within 24 hours).
A webpage screenshot showing exam registration policies (Facial Comparison Policy and Testing Space Verification Policy) for Pearson VUE/ AWS certification. The page lists terms and conditions and admission information for online proctored exams.
Step 5 — Select language and proctor language
  • Choose the exam language and the proctor communication language. These can be different if you prefer the exam in one language and proctor support in another.
A screenshot of the AWS Training and Certification exam registration page prompting the user to select a proctor language with radio options (English, Mandarin, French‑Canadian, Japanese, Spanish‑Latin America). English is selected and there are Previous and Next buttons at the bottom.
Step 6 — Choose time zone, date, and time
  • Confirm your preferred time zone (for example, America/New_York) and select an available appointment date and time that fits your schedule.
  • If you anticipate travel or a busy period, schedule well in advance to secure your preferred slot.
A Pearson VUE exam scheduling webpage asking to confirm the preferred time zone (America/New_York - EST) with options to change or accept. Below it is a calendar for selecting an appointment date in April 2026.
Step 7 — Confirm appointment details and proceed to checkout
  • Review the appointment summary (date, start time, check-in time, time zone) and the exam fee. Checkout shows the price and estimated total due.
  • Note the check-in time (you’ll typically need to join early to complete identity and environment checks).
A screenshot of the AWS Training and Certification cart showing an exam booking for DEA-C01: AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate scheduled for April 15, 2026 (check-in 7:30 AM, start 8:00 AM EDT). The exam price and estimated total due are USD 150.00.
Step 8 — Apply vouchers or promo codes (if available)
  • If you have certification benefits—such as a 50% discount voucher—apply the voucher code on the checkout page to reduce the fee.
  • Find available vouchers under Certification Benefits in your AWS/Alpine dashboard. Each voucher displays an expiry date and whether it’s claimable or already used.
A web dashboard showing AWS/Alpine certification benefits with multiple cards listing individual tokens offering "50% Discount on your next Exam," expiry dates, and voucher codes. A left navigation menu displays sections like Home, Profile, Exam Registration, and Benefits.
If you have a 50% discount voucher, claim and apply it at checkout to reduce the exam fee. Always verify the voucher’s expiry date and claim status—only active, unused vouchers can be applied.
Step 9 — Enter payment details and confirm
  • Provide payment information and complete the checkout to confirm your appointment.
  • For online exams, you’ll usually be offered Pearson VUE’s OnVUE system check (recommended) to verify your computer, webcam, microphone, and testing space before exam day. Run the system test well ahead of the appointment.
Step 10 — Add the appointment to your calendar
  • Add the confirmed appointment to your calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.) so you receive reminders for check-in and start times.
A screenshot of a Google Calendar event for an AWS certification exam titled "DEA-C01: AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate." It shows the date and time, notification and guest permissions, and a short appointment note.
After registration — returning to your dashboard
  • When you go back to the AWS Training and Certification dashboard, you’ll see upcoming appointments and quick links to manage or start the exam. Use the dashboard to access OnVUE system checks, exam details, and any certification benefits.
Step 11 — Authorizations or exam-specific confirmations
  • Some exams require additional authorizations or acknowledgements before scheduling (for example, new beta exams or some professional-level exams with special rules).
  • If an exam doesn’t appear in the scheduler, check for required acknowledgements in your dashboard or the exam details page.
A screenshot of an Alpine/AWS exam scheduling webpage showing upcoming exams and appointment details for an "AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate." A highlighted banner notes the "AWS Certified Generative AI Developer - Professional" beta exam duration and last day to take it.
Pre-exam checklist (quick)
  • Verify your AWS Builder ID login and MFA works.
  • Confirm the exam delivery option (test center vs. OnVUE) and review related policies.
  • Run the OnVUE system check at least 24–48 hours before the test (for online exams).
  • Have the required ID ready and accessible per the proctoring guidelines.
  • Apply any vouchers and confirm payment/payment receipt.
  • Add the exam event to your calendar and confirm check-in time.
Resources and references If you want, I can walk you through the sign-in flow, run through the OnVUE system check steps, or help locate and apply a voucher in your Alpine dashboard.

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