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Claude Certified Architect – Foundations

The Claude Certified Architect – Foundations certification validates that practitioners can make informed decisions about tradeoffs when implementing real-world solutions with Claude, testing foundational knowledge across Claude Code, the Claude Agent SDK, the Claude API, and Model Context Protocol (MCP).

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Questions60 items

Testing time120 minutes

ScoringPassing scaled score of 720 (criterion-referenced cut score set by standard-setting study)

Exam feeUSD 125 per attempt (before any partner-tier discount)

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Exam overview

What to know before choosing your prep

Who runs it: Anthropic
Category: AI & Machine Learning
Current version: Exam Guide v1.0, effective July 2026 (exam code CCAR-F)
Where it applies: Global
Exam languages: English
Score scale: 100–1,000 scaled
Testing provider: Pearson VUE
Format: Computer-based; proctored online or at a Pearson VUE test center
Availability: By appointment via Pearson VUE (choose online proctoring or a test center); cancel/reschedule permitted up to 24 hours before the appointment
Results: Score shown on screen at the end of the exam; test-center candidates also receive a printed score report
Credential validity: Credential valid 12 months from the date awarded; free non-proctored renewal assessment for on-time recertification
Remote testing: Available

Exam structure

60 multiple-choice and multiple-response items (each item states how many responses to select) presented as 4 scenarios drawn at random from a bank of 6, across five weighted domains: Agentic Architecture & Orchestration (27%), Tool Design & MCP Integration (18%), Claude Code Configuration & Workflows (20%), Prompt Engineering & Structured Output (20%), and Context Management & Reliability (15%).

Where rules vary

Worldwide vendor certification; no geographic restriction stated — registration is limited to Claude Partner Network organizations, and delivery is via Pearson VUE online proctoring or test centers

Eligibility

Age 18 or older; registration requires a partner email address on a recognized company domain of a Claude Partner Network organization; no mandatory courses or credentials required (recommended: 6+ months hands-on experience building with Claude APIs, Agent SDK, Claude Code, and MCP)

Retake policy

Waiting periods of 14 days after the first failed attempt, 30 days after the second, 90 days after the third; up to 4 attempts per exam in any rolling 12-month period; the exam fee applies to each attempt