Claude Certifications: Associate vs Developer vs Architect
The Anthropic certification path covers three roles. Facts from the official Certification FAQ, checked October 2, 2026.
| Certification | Role | Fee (before discount) | Counts for Partner Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Certified Associate – Foundations | Associate | $99 | No |
| Claude Certified Developer – Foundations | Developer | $125 | Yes |
| Claude Certified Architect – Foundations (CCA-F) | Architect | $125 | Yes |
| Claude Certified Architect – Professional | Architect | $175 | Yes |
Key differences
Architect – Foundations and Architect – Professional are separate credentials. Foundations does not upgrade to Professional automatically, and Professional has no formal prerequisite.
Only the Developer and the two Architect certifications count toward Partner Network eligibility. The Associate does not.
All exams are open only to people at Claude Partner Network organizations. See exam cost and eligibility.
This site covers the Architect – Foundations exam: exam guide, study guide and practice questions.