AWS Developer Associate Retake Rules (DVA-C02) – Waiting Period, Cost & Attempts Explained
What are the AWS DVA-C02 retake rules?
You must wait 14 days after failing before retaking DVA-C02. Each retake costs the full $150 USD. There’s no limit on attempts, and nobody sees your failed attempts except you. AWS does not offer free retakes for this exam.
Failed the AWS Developer Associate exam? Here’s the short version: you can retake it after 14 days, there’s no limit on attempts, and each try costs the full $150 (unless you have a voucher). Nobody sees your failed attempts except you. Now let me break this down properly.
The 14-Day Waiting Period
After failing DVA-C02, you have to wait 14 calendar days before you can take it again. That includes weekends and holidays. If you failed on January 1st, your earliest retake is January 15th.
Does the Waiting Period Get Longer After Multiple Failures?
Nope. Unlike some certification providers that make you wait longer after each failure, AWS keeps it simple: 14 days every time. Whether it’s your second attempt or your fifth, same rule applies.
Can You Get Around the Waiting Period?
No. The waiting period is enforced automatically when you try to book through Pearson VUE. You literally won’t be able to select a date within those 14 days. There’s no appeal process, no exceptions, no way to pay extra to skip it.
Honestly? The 14 days is probably a good thing. It gives you time to actually prepare differently instead of rushing back and failing again for the same reasons.
How Many Times Can You Retake?
There’s No Limit
AWS doesn’t cap the number of attempts. You can take DVA-C02 as many times as you need to pass. There’s no point where they’ll cut you off or tell you to give up.
What Happens After Multiple Failures?
Procedurally? Nothing changes. Same 14-day wait, same exam fee, same exam content. AWS doesn’t flag your account, restrict access, or notify anyone. The only consequences are the time and money you’ve spent.
Common Myths People Believe
“AWS bans you after three failures.”
Completely false. There’s no ban. Keep trying as long as you want.
“The waiting period increases each time.”
False. It’s 14 days every time, regardless of how many attempts.
“AWS tells your employer if you fail multiple times.”
False. AWS doesn’t share results with anyone unless you specifically authorize it through a verification service.
“Failed attempts show on your certification record.”
False. Only passed certifications appear publicly. Failed attempts are visible only to you in your personal AWS account.
What Does a Retake Cost?
Full Price Every Time
The DVA-C02 exam costs $150 USD. That’s the price for your first attempt and every retake. AWS doesn’t offer discounted retakes as a standard thing.
Prices might vary slightly by region due to taxes and currency conversion. Check Pearson VUE’s booking page for exact pricing in your location.
What About Vouchers?
If you used a voucher the first time, it’s gone. Vouchers are single-use. You’ll need either a new voucher or direct payment for your retake.
Some vouchers specifically include a free retake benefit — but this is rare and only applies to certain promotional or partner vouchers. Check the terms of your specific voucher if you’re not sure.
The 50% Discount Benefit
If you already hold an active AWS certification, you get a 50% discount voucher as a certification benefit. You can use this for any AWS exam, including a DVA-C02 retake.
Catch: you only get one voucher per active certification, and it doesn’t stack with other discounts. If you use it and fail again, you won’t get another until you pass a different certification.
If Your Employer Paid
Company policies vary. Some employers cover all attempts, some only cover the first one, some make you pay for retakes. AWS has nothing to do with these decisions — check with your HR or manager.
AWS doesn’t automatically share results with employers. You control what you disclose.
Who Can See Your Failed Attempts?
Only You
Your failed attempt is visible only in your personal AWS Certification account. When anyone verifies your certifications — employers, recruiters, clients — they see only passed certifications. Failed attempts don’t appear.
Can Employers Find Out?
Only if you tell them, or if they paid for the exam and have their own tracking system (not through AWS). AWS doesn’t proactively share exam results with anyone.
Impact on Other Certifications
Zero. Failing DVA-C02 doesn’t affect any other AWS certifications you hold. If you’re already a Solutions Architect Associate or Cloud Practitioner, those remain valid. You can also take other exams while waiting for your DVA-C02 retake window.
When Should You Actually Rebook?
Why Rushing to Day 14 Often Backfires
The 14-day minimum is a policy requirement, not a recommendation. Booking the absolute earliest slot often leads to repeat failure because:
- You haven’t had enough time to address weak areas
- You’re using the same prep approach that didn’t work the first time
- You’re still emotionally affected by the recent failure
- Your exam readiness hasn’t actually changed
If you scored close to passing, 14 days might be enough with focused study. If you scored way below, give yourself more time. Before scheduling, think about how long you realistically need to prepare.
Realistic Timelines
14–21 days: Works if you scored 650–699 (near-pass), have clear weak areas identified, and can study intensively.
21–30 days: Works if you scored 600–649, need to rebuild understanding in a couple of domains, and have consistent study time available.
30–45 days: Works if you scored below 600, struggled across multiple domains, or realized your prep approach was fundamentally wrong.
One Useful Tip
Book your retake date before you feel 100% ready. Having a fixed deadline creates accountability and prevents endless postponement. If you need more time later, Pearson VUE lets you reschedule up to 24 hours before without penalty.
That’s the full picture: 14-day wait, $150 per attempt, no limits on retries, and nobody sees your failures but you. The process is straightforward. If you just got your result and need help processing it, see what to do immediately after failing.