AWS DVAAWS Certified Developer – Associate
Build and deploy applications on AWS
CertPath Score
8.8
/10
About this certification
The AWS Developer Associate (DVA-C02) validates skills in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications on AWS. It covers Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, S3, IAM, CloudFormation, CI/CD pipelines, and more — ideal for developers working in cloud environments.
What you'll validate
- ✓AWS Lambda and serverless
- ✓DynamoDB and RDS
- ✓API Gateway
- ✓CI/CD with CodePipeline and CodeBuild
- ✓IAM and security best practices
- ✓CloudFormation and SAM
- ✓Debugging with CloudWatch
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Validates practical AWS development skills
- +Highly valued in cloud-native engineering roles
- +Good complement to SAA for full-stack cloud work
Disadvantages
- −Requires hands-on AWS experience to pass
- −Narrower than SAA for architecture roles
Who it's for
Best for
- →Software developers working in AWS environments
- →Backend engineers moving to cloud-native development
- →DevOps engineers needing a development credential
Not ideal for
- ×Non-developers
- ×Those targeting infrastructure/architect roles (use SAA)
Career paths this unlocks
Study Resources
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Purchase directly on AWS Training — benefit codes sometimes available via AWS events
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Jobs for AWS DVA holders
AWS DVA holders report $10k–$30k+ salary uplift on average.
LinkedIn Jobs
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Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
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Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by CertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $300
- Exam Duration
- 130 minutes
- Questions
- ~65
- Passing Score
- 720/1000
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~120 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong ($10k–$30k+ uplift reported)
Prerequisites
- !1+ year of AWS development experience recommended
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