What is the AWS Certified Developer – Associate Certification?
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate validates hands-on proficiency in developing, optimising, packaging and deploying applications on AWS using CI/CD workflows, as well as systematically diagnosing and fixing application issues.
AWS recommends that candidates have one or more years of hands-on experience developing and maintaining applications with AWS services, familiarity with at least one high-level programming language, and a good understanding of application lifecycle concepts.
Exam at a glance:
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Questions: 65 (multiple-choice or multiple-response)
- Structure: 50 scored questions + 15 unscored pilot questions
- Delivery: Pearson VUE test centre or online-proctored
- Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America)
- Price: USD $150
Why is the AWS Certified Developer – Associate so popular?
- It’s hands-on and role-based. The exam aligns with real-world developer tasks on AWS such as building and optimising code, deploying via CI/CD, securing applications, and troubleshooting effectively.
- Flexible testing options. You can book your exam at a Pearson VUE test centre in Australia or take it online with live proctoring, offering 24/7 appointment availability.
- Recognised and verifiable. Successful candidates receive an AWS Certification digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, email signatures, and websites for easy employer verification.
- Strong ecosystem momentum. AWS reports more than 1.42 million active AWS Certifications globally as of January 2025, reflecting strong employer recognition and trust.
Is the AWS Certified Developer – Associate worth it today?
If you work with APIs, build serverless back-ends, package container workloads, or automate deployments, this certification is immediately relevant. It validates skills in using AWS service APIs, SDKs, the CLI, and CI/CD pipelines — core areas of modern cloud-native development.
From a career perspective, AWS Certification offers digital badges and recognised verification that hiring managers understand, helping your resume stand out. If you actively develop on AWS, this credential is a practical and valuable investment.
Pros of AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Job availability
The exam is available globally through Pearson VUE, both online and in testing centres, making it convenient to sit and maintain the credential anywhere.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate salary potential
While AWS doesn’t publish salary data, organisations that employ AWS Certified professionals report improved productivity and faster troubleshooting — outcomes that often correlate with better compensation and advancement opportunities.
Global recognition
AWS Certification is industry-recognised, with shareable digital badges for instant verification — beneficial for promotions, client projects, or contracting roles.
Career pathways
After achieving the DVA-C02 certification, many professionals progress to AWS Professional or Specialty certifications. AWS provides a 50% discount voucher for a future exam, encouraging continued skill growth.
Cons of AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Cost considerations (including Australia)
The global price for the Associate-level exam is USD $150. Pearson VUE’s Australian store lists an AWS Associate exam voucher at approximately AUD $229, with local terms and validity at purchase.
Evolving industry demands
AWS services evolve rapidly. While the certification remains current, ongoing learning is necessary to stay up-to-date. AWS provides recertification guidance and digital badges tied to validity.
Certification difficulty
This is a scenario-based exam with multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, including 15 unscored items. Effective time management and question analysis are essential for success.
Where to begin to get your AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- Review the official exam page for updated details on duration, question count, and delivery options.
- Download the DVA-C02 exam guide to understand the key competencies and question types.
- Choose your preparation route using AWS Skill Builder, which offers exam prep plans, labs, and practice questions.
- Schedule your exam through your AWS Certification Account with Pearson VUE — either online or at a local centre.
- Claim your digital badge upon passing to verify your achievement with employers.
Key topics covered in AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02)
The exam validates the ability to:
- Develop and optimise applications on AWS
- Package and deploy using CI/CD workflows
- Secure application code and data using AWS services and IAM best practices
- Identify and resolve application issues effectively
Key study areas include AWS SDKs/CLI, Lambda, container deployment strategies, Secrets Manager, Parameter Store, CloudWatch, and X-Ray for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Is an AWS Certified Developer – Associate enough to get a job?
While experience is always important, this certification demonstrates your ability to use AWS tools — APIs, SDKs, CLI, and CI/CD — to build and deploy secure cloud applications. Its digital badge also helps hiring managers verify your skills quickly.
Is AWS Certified Developer – Associate worth it in Australia?
Yes. The certification maps directly to practical developer tasks on AWS and is accessible through local Pearson VUE centres or online. It’s a valuable credential for professionals looking to strengthen their cloud development expertise and career potential.
Does having an AWS Certified Developer – Associate pay well?
AWS doesn’t set salaries, but organisations with AWS Certified talent consistently report higher productivity and efficiency — factors that typically translate into better pay and career growth.
Is the AWS Certified Developer – Associate very difficult?
With the right preparation, it’s achievable. Focus on practicing under timed conditions, managing multiple-response questions, and understanding scaled scoring, which ranges from 100–1000 to account for exam variations.
Is the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification stressful?
It can be, especially for timed, proctored exams. Choose an environment that suits you best — either a quiet home setting for online exams or a Pearson VUE test centre for structured conditions.
How many fail AWS Certified Developer – Associate?
AWS does not publish pass rates. Candidates receive a scaled score report with pass/fail status and feedback on their strengths and weaknesses to guide further study.
The future of networking jobs in Australia (and why developers should care)
As software becomes more distributed and event-driven, the boundary between development and networking continues to blur. Developers increasingly need to understand networking principles like VPC design, latency, and zero-trust connectivity. The DVA-C02 certification reinforces these concepts while positioning you for advanced AWS Professional or Specialty certifications.