AWS is updating the Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate exam from MLA-C01 to MLA-C02. The MLA-C02 beta has been running since 29 September 2026. Here are the key dates, the format, the four domains and their weights, the recommended experience, and a study plan.

The key dates

Event Date

MLA-C02 beta registration opens (English only) and exam guide released 1 September 2026

Last day to take MLA-C01 in English 28 September 2026

MLA-C02 beta delivery begins 29 September 2026

MLA-C02 general availability (all languages); MLA-C01 retired in all languages 14 January 2027

The 14 January 2027 date comes from AWS’s September 2026 announcement. The exam page still lists general availability as “TBD”, so check it before you plan around that date. Until then, MLA-C01 remains available in Japanese, Korean and Simplified Chinese.

The format

MLA-C02 beta: 85 questions in 170 minutes, USD 75 (beta pricing), English only

Question types: multiple choice and multiple response.…