The complete map of the Claude Certification Program.
Three roles — Associate, Developer, Architect — across two levels. Every exam is 120 minutes, multiple-choice, scored 100–1000 with a 720 pass, valid 12 months, and delivered online-proctored or at a Pearson VUE centre.
Associate – Foundations
For consultants and sellers who scope, advise, and shape Claude engagements.
Developer – Foundations
For builders: Messages API, tool use, MCP servers, and production integrations.
Architect – Foundations
Scenario-based design: orchestration, isolation, reliability, and cost tradeoffs.
Architect – Professional
The enterprise capstone: governance, lifecycle, and stakeholder strategy at scale.
Side-by-side spec sheet
The numbers that decide which exam to book first.
| Spec | Associate | Developer | Architect F. | Architect P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Associate | Developer | Architect | Architect |
| Level | Foundations | Foundations | Foundations | Professional |
| Questions | 60 | 53 | 60 | 63 |
| Time | 120 min | 120 min | 120 min | 120 min |
| Exam fee | $99 | $125 | $125 | $175 |
| Passing score | 720 / 1000 | 720 / 1000 | 720 / 1000 | 720 / 1000 |
| Validity | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Format | MC / MR | MC / MR | Scenario (4 of 6) | Scenario + MR |
| Counts toward CPN tier | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prerequisite | None | None | None | Architect – Foundations (rec.) |
Prices are Anthropic exam fees paid to Pearson VUE at registration; AI BI Academy prep is a separate independent offering. Specs reflect the 2026 published blueprints and may change — always confirm on the official certifications page before booking.
Which one should you sit first?
If you're at a Claude Partner Network company, Developer or Architect count toward tier thresholds — start there. For individuals, Developer – Foundations is the best signal-per-dollar of the four.
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