AWS Overhauls Three Certifications for the AI Era: MLA-C02, SAP-C03, and DVA-C03 Explained (2026)


AWS is overhauling three of its most popular certifications at once — and every one of the updates points in the same direction: generative AI and agentic AI are now part of the job. The Machine Learning Engineer, Solutions Architect Professional, and Developer exams are all getting new versions between now and early 2027. If you are planning to certify, the version you choose and the date you book matter more than usual. Here is what changed and how to time it.

The three updates at a glance

AWS Training and Certification announced the following in September 2026:

  • MLA-C02 (Machine Learning Engineer – Associate): beta registration opened September 1, 2026; general availability on January 14, 2027
  • SAP-C03 (Solutions Architect – Professional): registration opens October 27, 2026; launches November 17, 2026
  • DVA-C03 (Developer – Associate): registration opens October 27, 2026; launches December 1, 2026

These are not routine question refreshes. AWS describes them as redefining what each role is expected to do in an AI-first environment.

MLA-C02: generative AI joins the ML engineer exam

The current MLA-C01 focuses on classic machine learning pipelines. MLA-C02 adds generative AI, agentic AI, and foundation model (LLM) workloads on top of that base. The exam runs 170 minutes with 85 questions. The beta costs $75 — cheaper than the standard exam, with the usual beta trade-off of a longer wait for results. Note the deadline: the last day to sit the English MLA-C01 is September 28, 2026.

SAP-C03: architecture goes resilience-first

The Professional-level SAP-C03 is 180 minutes, 75 questions, and $300. Beyond generative and agentic AI architectures, AWS is raising the weight of resilience engineering and cloud-native design patterns. If your SAP-C02 prep is nearly done, you can still take it until November 16, 2026.

DVA-C03: the developer exam assumes AI-assisted coding

DVA-C03 is 130 minutes, 65 questions, and $150. The headline change is that AI-assisted development and AI security run across every domain of the exam. The test is less about writing every line yourself and more about shipping AI-generated code safely to production. DVA-C02 remains available until November 30, 2026.

Old version or new version: how to decide

Two situations, two answers:

  • If you are deep into studying for a current version, finish and book before the cutoff (September 28 for MLA-C01, November 16 for SAP-C02, November 30 for DVA-C02). Certifications you already hold keep their normal validity period
  • If you are starting from zero, wait for the new version. What you study will match what employers are actually asking for — and the MLA-C02 beta at $75 is a genuine bargain if you can tolerate the slower results

Beta exams are typically offered in English only at first, so check the official AWS certification page for language availability before you book.

Why this matters beyond AWS

This is the third major credential shake-up of the year. UBS made AI proficiency a hiring requirement, Microsoft rebuilt its AI certification track, and now AWS is rewriting three exams around the same premise: the baseline job now includes working with AI, not just building infrastructure for it. Certifications are lagging indicators — when they all move together, the underlying job market has already moved.

FAQ

Does my existing MLA-C01 or SAP-C02 certification expire early?

No. Credentials you have already earned keep their standard validity period. The only thing going away is the option to take the old exam version after its cutoff date.

Is the beta exam worth it?

If you want the newest content at a lower price ($75 for MLA-C02) and can wait longer for your score, yes. If you need the credential quickly for a job application, book a standard exam instead.

Should a beginner start with MLA-C02?

Probably not. It is an associate-level exam but assumes hands-on ML experience. If you are new to cloud entirely, an entry-level credential such as AWS Certified AI Practitioner is a gentler first step.

Related on AI Learning Lab: Microsoft Overhauled Its AI Certifications · Comparing the Big Three's Entry-Level AI Certifications · UBS Makes AI Proficiency a Hiring Requirement


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