AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty (MLS-C01) is a computer-based exam delivered through Pearson VUE test centres. Unlike some AWS exams that offer online proctoring, MLS-C01 is typically available at physical centres across India and globally. If you're planning to take this exam, knowing which cities host test centres, how to book slots early, and what to do when centres fill up can save you weeks of waiting.
Where is the AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty exam conducted?
Pearson VUE is the official test delivery partner for AWS certifications. MLS-C01 is held at Pearson Professional Centres and approved third-party test centres. In India, these centres are present in most major metros and several Tier-2 cities.
Cities with Pearson VUE centres in India
- Metro cities: Delhi NCR (New Delhi, Noida, Gurugram), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad
- Tier-2 cities: Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Dehradun, and more
Availability varies by city and date. For the most current list, visit the Pearson VUE website and search for your nearest centre. AWS also lists test centres on the official AWS Certification portal.
Global availability
Outside India, MLS-C01 is conducted in most countries where Pearson VUE operates. If you're a global candidate, check the Pearson VUE global site for centre locations. Some regions may have fewer centres, so early booking is critical.
How to book your AWS ML Specialty exam slot
Booking a slot is straightforward, but timing matters. Here's a step-by-step approach:
- 1Create an AWS Certification account – Use the same email you plan to use for your AWS account.
- 2Schedule the exam – Go to the AWS Certification portal, select MLS-C01, and choose 'Schedule with Pearson VUE'.
- 3Pick your centre and date – The system shows available slots for the next few months. Choose a date that gives you enough prep time.
- 4Pay the exam fee – Fees vary by country and are subject to change. As of early 2026, the fee for MLS-C01 is around USD 300, but verify the current amount on the official AWS portal.
- 5Receive confirmation – You'll get an email with your booking details. Keep it safe.
Slot booking tips
- Book 4–6 weeks in advance. Slots fill quickly, especially in metros and during peak seasons (before AWS re:Invent or end-of-year).
- Check multiple centres. If your preferred centre is full, look at nearby cities. A 2-hour drive might save you 3 weeks of waiting.
- Use the 'earliest available' filter. Pearson VUE's scheduler lets you sort by date. Use it to find the soonest slot.
- Be flexible with time. Morning slots are popular. Afternoon or late-evening slots often have more availability.
- Set reminders. If you cancel or reschedule, do it at least 24 hours in advance to avoid fees.
What to do if your preferred centre is full
It's frustrating, but not a dead end. Here's what you can do:
1. Check for cancellations
Pearson VUE updates availability in real time. If someone cancels, a slot opens up. Check the booking portal daily, especially 1–2 weeks before your desired date.
2. Choose a different centre in the same city
Many cities have multiple Pearson VUE locations. For example, Bengaluru has centres in multiple areas. The scheduler will show you all options.
3. Expand your search radius
If your city has no slots, search for the nearest city. For instance, if you're in Mysuru, check Bengaluru. If you're in Nashik, check Pune or Mumbai.
4. Consider a different date
Sometimes shifting by a week or two opens up many slots. Early mornings on weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
5. Contact Pearson VUE support
In rare cases, you can call Pearson VUE customer support and ask for a waiting list. They don't guarantee anything, but it's worth a try.
6. Plan for a backup centre
Once you have a confirmed slot, you can still reschedule later if a better slot opens up. Just remember the 24-hour rescheduling policy.
What to expect on exam day
- Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may be turned away.
- Bring two valid IDs – one primary (passport, driver's license) and one secondary (PAN card, Aadhaar).
- No personal items – phones, smartwatches, and bags go in a locker.
- The exam is 3 hours – 65 questions, including 10 unscored. You'll get a break? No, there's no scheduled break. Manage your time.
Common questions about exam centres
Can I take the exam from home?
AWS offers online proctoring for some exams, but MLS-C01 is typically only available at test centres. Check the official AWS page for the latest policy – it may change.
Is the exam conducted at AWS offices?
No. AWS certifications are delivered through Pearson VUE, not AWS offices.
How far in advance should I book?
For metro cities, book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. For Tier-2 cities, 2–3 weeks is often enough. But if you have a deadline, book as soon as you're ready.
What if I need to reschedule?
You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your exam start time without penalty. After that, you lose the fee.
Are there any special accommodations?
Yes, Pearson VUE offers accommodations for disabilities. You must request them at the time of booking.
Start your prep before you book
Booking a slot is only half the battle. The other half is passing the exam. The MLS-C01 covers four domains: data engineering, exploratory data analysis, modeling, and ML implementation. It's a tough exam – the pass rate is low, and the questions are scenario-based.
Before you lock in a date, take a diagnostic mock to see where you stand. It'll tell you which domains need work and whether you're ready to book a slot.
Take a free AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
How to maximise your prep between booking and exam day
Once you've booked, you have a fixed date. Use it as a deadline. Here's a quick plan:
- Week 1–2: Review the official exam guide and identify weak areas.
- Week 3: Practice with timed mocks. Aim for 80%+ on each domain.
- Week 4: Focus on scenario-based questions and AWS service limits.
Recommended study resources
- AWS official sample questions
- AWS re:Invent sessions on ML
- Hands-on labs on SageMaker, Comprehend, and Rekognition
- PractiseExam's MLS-C01 mock tests
Where to next?
You've got the logistics sorted. Now focus on the exam itself.
- Take a free demo mock to gauge your readiness.
- Explore MLS-C01 mock-test packs with detailed explanations.
- Read our MLS-C01 study guide for a week-by-week plan.
See AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →
Good luck. Book early, prep smart, and you'll walk out of that centre with a pass.