<![CDATA[IT Certification Exam Updates]]>https://marioavaj.hashnode.devhttps://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1593680282896/kNC7E8IR4.pngIT Certification Exam Updateshttps://marioavaj.hashnode.devRSS for NodeTue, 20 Oct 2026 06:34:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Pearson VUE Free Retake 2026: Which IT Certification Exams Qualify (and Which Don't)]]>https://marioavaj.hashnode.dev/pearson-vue-free-retake-2026-which-it-certification-exams-qualify-and-which-don-thttps://marioavaj.hashnode.dev/pearson-vue-free-retake-2026-which-it-certification-exams-qualify-and-which-don-tThu, 15 Oct 2026 11:57:27 GMTPearson VUE is running a free retake offer: if you fail an eligible exam, you get one free second attempt. You must opt in, use the promo code from the email, and pay for and take your first exam between September 29 and November 17, 2026. The retake must happen between January 4 and April 7, 2027. Microsoft and most AWS exams qualify. CompTIA, ISC2, HashiCorp and GitHub do not take part.

Key dates and rules

  • First attempt: scheduled, paid for and taken September 29 - November 17, 2026.
  • Free retake: January 4 - April 7, 2027. No retakes between November 18, 2026 and January 3, 2027.
  • One free retake per participating exam program.
  • You must be 18 or older. Normal retake policies of each program still apply.
  • It covers only exams you took and failed. Terminated or revoked sessions do not count.

Which exams qualify and which don't

Certification Free retake?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Cloud Practitioner, AI Practitioner, CloudOps, Data Engineer, DevOps Pro, Security Specialty Yes
AWS Solutions Architect Professional (SAP), Developer (DVA), Advanced Networking (ANS), ML Engineer (MLA), any beta exam No
Azure Administrator (AZ-104), AZ-305, Windows Server Hybrid Yes (ESI excluded)
Cisco CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, Security, Data Center No - only CCST exams
CompTIA, ISC2, HashiCorp, GitHub, CNCF exams No - not participating

The AWS fine print

AWS adds its own terms. The offer cannot be combined with other offers or vouchers. The terms also say, word for word: "Participating AWS exams will receive 50% off their first scheduled exam". Pearson VUE does not explain this sentence further, so check it with Pearson VUE before you book.

How to claim the free retake

  1. Open the official Pearson VUE offer page and find your program.
  2. Read its terms and opt in.
  3. Wait for the email with the promo code.
  4. Book and pay with the code. Take the exam by November 17, 2026.
  5. Check that the code shows on your order confirmation email.
  6. If you fail, book the same exam between January 4 and April 7, 2027.

Already booked for October or November? Opt in anyway. The confirmation email may ask you to cancel and rebook.

A safety net, not a plan

A free retake is a safety net, not a plan. Practise with realistic questions first, so you pass on the first attempt.

Want to check if you're ready before the November 17 deadline? Try the sample exam quiz.

Originally published on testimea

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