The AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate (MLA-C01) is a popular mid-level certification, but the total cost isn't just the sticker price on the registration page. Between taxes, retake fees, and optional study materials, your actual spend can vary by $50–$150. Here's the honest, line-by-line breakdown so you can budget accurately.
Base Registration Fee
As of early 2026, the standard exam fee for AWS MLA-C01 is $150 USD. This is the price for a single attempt, whether you take it at a testing center or online proctored. AWS has kept this fee stable for the last two years, but always verify on the official AWS Training and Certification portal before booking.
- Testing center: $150
- Online proctored: $150 (same price)
- Practice exam (official): $40 (optional, sold separately)
Note: AWS occasionally offers discounted vouchers through partner events or AWS re:Invent. If you're not in a hurry, watch for those deals.
Retake / Re-evaluation Cost
If you fail the exam, you can retake it after 14 days. The retake fee is the same as the base fee — $150 per attempt. There is no discount for a second try.
- First attempt: $150
- Second attempt: $150 (total $300)
- Third attempt: $150 (total $450) — and so on
AWS does not offer a free retake unless you purchased a specific bundle (e.g., some AWS Skill Builder subscriptions include one free retake). Check your subscription benefits before paying again.
For re-evaluation (if you believe a question was scored incorrectly), AWS charges a $50 administrative fee, which is refundable if the score changes. This process takes 5–7 business days.
Taxes and Additional Charges
AWS adds applicable sales tax or GST based on your billing address and country. In India, that's 18% GST on the $150 fee, bringing the total to $177 USD (approximately ₹14,700 INR, but exchange rates vary). In the US, some states charge sales tax; in the EU, VAT is added.
- India: +18% GST
- US (most states): 0–10% sales tax
- EU: 20–25% VAT
Always check the final checkout amount — AWS shows the tax breakdown clearly before payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
AWS accepts a wide range of payment methods for exam registration:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, RuPay)
- PayPal (in select countries)
- AWS credits (if you have a training account)
- Bank transfer (for corporate bulk purchases, via AWS Training Partner)
- Vouchers and promo codes
For Indian candidates, RuPay cards work, but international transactions may incur a forex markup. Using a card with no foreign transaction fee can save you 1–3%.
Refund Policy
AWS's refund policy is strict but fair:
- Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled exam and get a full refund (minus any taxes already paid, which are non-refundable in some jurisdictions).
- No-show: If you miss the exam without canceling, you lose the full fee.
- Technical issues: If online proctoring fails due to AWS's fault, you get a free reschedule, not a refund.
- Rescheduling: You can reschedule for free up to 24 hours before the exam. After that, you must pay a $25 rescheduling fee.
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
Take a free AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
Hidden Costs to Plan For
Beyond the exam fee, most candidates spend on preparation:
- Official practice exam: $40
- Third-party mock tests: $20–$60 per pack
- AWS Skill Builder subscription: $29/month (includes practice questions)
- Books/courses: $10–$100
Budget at least $200–$250 total for a first attempt with proper prep. If you fail once, that jumps to $350–$400.
How to Save Money
- Use AWS's free exam guides and sample questions (no cost)
- Buy a practice exam bundle with a retake voucher (if available)
- Check if your employer covers certification fees (many do)
- Wait for AWS's seasonal discounts (often around re:Invent in December)
Final Checklist Before You Pay
- 1Confirm the current fee on the official AWS page (fees can change without notice).
- 2Calculate tax with your local rate.
- 3Decide between testing center and online proctored (online has more technical requirements).
- 4Set a reminder to cancel/reschedule 24+ hours in advance if needed.
See AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →