The AWS Certified Developer Associate (DVA-C02) certification is one of the most sought-after credentials for developers looking to validate their cloud skills. Whether you’re building serverless applications, working with databases, or deploying APIs on AWS, this exam demonstrates your ability to design, develop, and troubleshoot AWS applications effectively.
This blog will guide you through the exam domains, provide hands-on tips, and share a free question resource to help you prepare.
What is the AWS DVA-C02 Exam?
The DVA-C02 exam is designed for developers who work on AWS cloud applications. It evaluates your practical skills, such as:
- Building and deploying applications using AWS services
- Debugging serverless applications
- Managing security and access control using IAM
- Optimizing application performance and cost
The exam is 130 minutes long, consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, and costs $150 USD. You can take it online or at a testing center.
Exam Domains
The exam focuses on four main areas:
- Development with AWS Services (32%) – Writing and deploying applications efficiently
- Security (26%) – Implementing best practices for authentication, authorization, and encryption
- Deployment (24%) – Using AWS deployment tools like CodePipeline, CodeBuild, and CloudFormation
- Troubleshooting and Optimization (18%) – Diagnosing issues and improving application performance
Tip: Spend extra time on Development and Security, as they carry the most weight.
Key AWS Services to Master
To pass the exam, you should get hands-on experience with the following services:
- AWS Lambda – Serverless computing
- Amazon API Gateway – Manage REST APIs
- Amazon DynamoDB – NoSQL database
- Amazon S3 – Object storage and static hosting
- AWS IAM – Permissions and access control
- AWS CloudFormation – Infrastructure as code
- AWS CloudWatch & X-Ray – Monitoring and debugging
Hands-on experience is essential. Using the AWS Free Tier to practice these services is highly recommended.
Study Plan and Preparation Tips
Here’s a simple approach to prepare effectively:
Follow a Study Guide – Start with a detailed DVA-C02 guide I created:
Complete AWS DVA-C02 Exam Guide
(Note: This is a community-authored guide, not an official AWS document.)
Practice Hands-On Labs – Experiment with Lambda functions, DynamoDB tables, and API Gateway endpoints.
Take Practice Exams – Practice tests help you identify weak areas and improve time management.
Free questions can be accessed here: AWS Developer Associate Exam Questions
Make Notes and Summarize – Focus on key commands, service limits, and best practices.
Stay Consistent – Study a little each day and review your mistakes regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing AWS services (like CodeBuild vs. CodeDeploy)
- Ignoring IAM roles and permissions in scenarios
- Overlooking cost optimization or performance considerations
- Rushing through scenario-based questions
- Always read the full question carefully and focus on AWS best practices.
Exam Day Tips
Get a good night’s sleep before the exam
Manage your time and don’t overthink individual questions
Flag questions you’re unsure about and revisit them
Focus on scenario-based reasoning, not just memorization
Remember, AWS tests practical knowledge, so hands-on experience is key.
Career Benefits After Certification
Passing the DVA-C02 exam can open up career opportunities like:
- AWS Cloud Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Application Architect
- Cloud Solutions Engineer
You can also progress to AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) or AWS DevOps Engineer – Professional (DOP-C02) to enhance your cloud expertise.
The AWS DVA-C02 exam is challenging but achievable with consistent study and practical experience. Using the study guide and free practice questions linked above will give you the confidence to pass on your first attempt.
Start your preparation today and take the first step toward becoming an AWS Certified Developer!
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