# CCD-F (CCDV-F) exam guide: 53 questions, 720 to pass

> AI/ML engineers & senior SWEs shipping production Claude apps, agents, and workflows.

**Format:** 53 questions · 120 minutes · 8 domains · 720 / 1000 to pass  
**List price:** $125 · **Validity:** 12 months · **Delivery:** Pearson VUE  
**Evidence badges:** Guide v1.0 · July 2026 (green) · 53 Qs · 120 min (yellow) · 720 / 1000 to pass (yellow) · Validity: 12 months (green) · Pearson VUE (orange)  
**Canonical:** https://claudearchitectcertification.com/exam-guide/ccdv-f  
**Certification hub:** https://claudearchitectcertification.com/certifications/ccdv-f

## Is this the right exam?

The CCD-F has no prerequisite courses, exams, or prior experience requirements - the credential is awarded on exam performance alone. Registration for these certifications is through the Anthropic Partner Network (on the Anthropic Partner Academy) - partner-network access is required; you then schedule your proctored session with Pearson VUE. Walk this path top to bottom before you schedule.

## Domains and weights

The same blueprint summarized as discrete Q&A so AI assistants can lift one domain at a time. Weights mirror the table above.

| Domain | Weight | What it covers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CCDVF-D1 · Agents & Workflows | 14.7% | Choosing between a workflow and an agent (and the decision criteria that drive it), constructing agents with the Claude Agent SDK, custom agent loops and harnesses, self-hosted vs. Anthropic-hosted deployment, and applying common agent design patterns - tool-use loops, sub-agents, memory, context-window management - via frameworks such as Strands, LangGraph, or PydanticAI. |
| CCDVF-D2 · Applications & Integration | 33.1% | By far the heaviest domain - about a third of the exam. Translating business/functional requirements and systems-lifecycle concepts into working code, Claude API mechanics (messages, tools, streaming, vision, thinking, caching, third-party invocation, Batches API), core software-engineering practice (REST APIs, JSON, async programming, version control, code review), Claude application design across interfaces (Claude Code, Desktop, claude.ai, API, SDKs), and configuration management (CLAUDE.md, settings.json, model version pinning, plugin dependencies). |
| CCDVF-D3 · Claude Code | 3.1% | A narrow but hands-on domain: Claude Code's core components (Rules, Skills, Commands, Agents, Agent Memory), its interaction modes (session management, built-in and custom slash commands, headless mode, streaming mode, auto-mode), the CLAUDE.md hierarchy, repository initialization, and settings.json configuration. Note this is only 3.1% here - it is CCA-F, the Architect exam, that weights the Claude Code CLI heavily (a dedicated 20% domain). |
| CCDVF-D4 · Evaluation, Testing & Debugging | 2.6% | The lightest domain on the exam: debugging and error-handling technique for Claude applications - identifying error types, selecting a recovery strategy, tracing failures to isolate whether the problem sits in the integration layer or in model output. |
| CCDVF-D5 · Model Selection & Optimization | 16.8% | LLM fundamentals (tokens, context windows, sampling, non-determinism), the technical fundamentals of wrapping REST APIs and websockets, choosing between Opus, Sonnet, and Haiku on quality-latency-cost trade-offs and adaptive-thinking support, and managing tokens and cost through budgeting, caching, and cache checkpointing. |
| CCDVF-D6 · Prompt & Context Engineering | 11% | Context and memory management (window management, preventing context drift and bloat via tool-output pruning/compaction, context isolation through subagents), prompt-engineering principles (instruction clarity, few-shot placement, iterative refinement, input sanitization), and output handling - structured-output patterns, response validation, defensive parsing, and skepticism toward confident-sounding output. |
| CCDVF-D7 · Security & Safety | 8.1% | AI application security (prompt-injection awareness and mitigation, untrusted-input handling, data-leakage prevention, PII handling), guardrails and secure-by-design deployment (content-policy layering, least-privilege identity and access management), Claude Hooks for deterministic guardrails against destructive actions, and identity/secrets/API-key management. |
| CCDVF-D8 · Tools & MCPs | 10.6% | Tool implementation practice (function calling, tool description writing, error handling, client-side vs. server-side tool patterns), MCP server development (authoring, deployment, resources, prompts, stdio vs. socket transports), and choosing among built-in tools, custom tools, Skills, and MCPs for a given use case. |

**Q: What is CCDVF-D2 (Applications & Integration) and how much of the CCD-F does it weight?**

Applications & Integration is by far the heaviest domain at 33.1% of the CCD-F - about a third of the exam. It covers translating requirements into code, Claude API mechanics (messages, tools, streaming, vision, caching), software-engineering foundations, application design across interfaces, and configuration management.

**Q: What is CCDVF-D5 (Model Selection & Optimization) and what weight does it carry?**

Model Selection & Optimization is 16.8% of the CCD-F, the second-heaviest domain. It tests LLM fundamentals (tokens, context windows, sampling), technical fundamentals of wrapping REST APIs and websockets, choosing between Opus/Sonnet/Haiku, and managing tokens and cost through caching.

**Q: What is CCDVF-D1 (Agents & Workflows) and what weight does it carry?**

Agents & Workflows is 14.7% of the CCD-F. It covers the workflow-vs-agent decision, constructing agents with the Claude Agent SDK, custom agent loops, and agent design patterns (tool-use loops, sub-agents, memory) via frameworks like LangGraph or Strands.

**Q: Why is Claude Code only 3.1% of the CCD-F exam?**

Claude Code (CCDVF-D3) is a narrow, hands-on domain at just 3.1% - it tests core components (Rules, Skills, Commands, Agents), interaction modes, and configuration, but not at the depth the CCA-F Architect exam tests it. Note the contrast: it is CCA-F, not the Developer exam, that dedicates a full 20% domain to Claude Code configuration and workflows.

**Q: What is the lightest-weighted domain on the CCD-F exam?**

Eval, Testing, and Debugging (CCDVF-D4) at just 2.6% - the smallest domain across any of the 4 Claude certifications. It still counts: it covers debugging and error-handling technique, identifying error types, and tracing failures to isolate whether a problem sits in the integration layer or the model output.

**Q: What is the full domain-weight breakdown for the CCD-F exam?**

The eight competency domains sum to 100%: Agents and Workflows 14.7%, Applications and Integration 33.1%, Claude Code 3.1%, Eval/Testing and Debugging 2.6%, Model Selection and Optimization 16.8%, Prompt and Context Engineering 11.0%, Security and Safety 8.1%, Tools and MCPs 10.6%. These are non-round percentages taken directly from the version 1.0 exam guide's blueprint table.

## Scenarios

CCD-F currently ships 6 dedicated scenarios: Production Claude Chat Application, Streaming and Tool-Use Integration, Custom MCP Tool Server, Model Selection and Cost Routing, Agent Evaluation and Testing Harness, and Prompt Injection Defense Layer - each walked as a full build (components, data flow, code-level decisions, failure modes). Filter to CCD-F on the scenarios hub to study them in isolation.

## Format, proctoring and scoring

The format is tightly defined in Anthropic's version 1.0 exam guide. Read the proctoring rules before you schedule - a clean workspace and a full room sweep are non-negotiable, whether you test online or at a Pearson VUE test center.

- **Items:** 53 scored questions (evidence 🟢) — Number of items on the live exam (exam guide §5, Exam Details at a Glance).
- **Time limit:** 120 minutes total (evidence 🟢) — Same across all 4 Claude certifications.
- **Item format:** Multiple-choice and multiple-response (evidence 🟢) — Each item states how many responses to select - read the instruction line on every item.
- **Passing score:** Scaled score of 720 on a 100-1,000 scale (evidence 🟢) — Criterion-referenced: a formal standard-setting study set the cut score against a fixed performance standard, not against other candidates.
- **Result reporting:** Pass/fail with scaled score, plus percent-correct by domain (evidence 🟢) — Domain-level percentages help you see your own performance but are NOT used to determine pass/fail - only the total scaled score is.
- **Delivery:** Online-proctored or test center via Pearson VUE (evidence 🟢) — Testing online, you must remain within view of the proctor and webcam for the entire session.
- **Identification:** Valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (evidence 🟢) — The name on your ID must match the name on your registration exactly.
- **Workspace rules:** Effectively closed and proctored (evidence 🟢) — Keep your workspace clear of notes, books, phones, and secondary monitors; refrain from communicating with anyone during the exam; do not capture, copy, photograph, or reproduce any exam content.
- **Prohibited items:** Mobile phones, smart watches, headphones, study materials, recording devices (evidence 🟢) — Any permitted items (e.g. proctor-provided scratch paper) are specified by Pearson VUE at your session.
- **Misconduct:** Invalidation of result, revocation of credential, ban from future exams (evidence 🟢) — Applies to cheating, attempting to access prohibited resources, or disclosing exam content.
- **Appeals:** Within 14 days, submitted to Pearson VUE (evidence 🟢) — 14 days of the decision notification, or of your exam date for a result concern. The standard-setting outcome and individual item content are not subject to appeal.
- **Cancel / reschedule:** Up to 24 hours before your appointment (evidence 🟢) — Changes made within 24 hours forfeit the exam fee. A no-show or late arrival past the permitted window also forfeits the fee and requires re-registration.

## Free practice

- Diagnostic: https://claudearchitectcertification.com/practice/diagnostic?start=1&cert=ccdv-f
- Quick check: https://claudearchitectcertification.com/practice/quick-check/ccdv-f
- Warm-up: https://claudearchitectcertification.com/practice/warmup/ccdv-f

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: What is the Claude Certified Developer - Foundations (CCD-F) exam?** _(definition)_

The CCD-F (exam code CCDV-F) is Anthropic's hands-on builder certification. It is a 53-question, 120-minute, proctored exam scored out of 1000 with a 720 pass mark, targeting AI/ML engineers and senior software engineers who build, integrate, and ship production-grade Claude applications, agents, and workflows.

**Q: How do I register for the CCD-F exam?** _(how-to)_

Registration and scheduling run through the Anthropic Partner Network (on the Anthropic Partner Academy) and Pearson VUE - partner-network access is required to register: go to the CCD-F certification page on the Partner Academy, review the exam guide and terms, register and complete checkout (the fee reflects your partner-tier discount), then use the confirmation instructions to create a Pearson VUE account and schedule your session (online-proctored or a test center).

**Q: How many questions are on the CCD-F exam?** _(definition)_

53 scored items, a mix of multiple-choice and multiple-response - each item states how many responses to select.

**Q: How long is the CCD-F exam?** _(definition)_

120 minutes total for 53 questions, about 2.3 minutes per question on average - the most time-per-question of any of the 4 Claude certifications.

**Q: What is the passing score for the CCD-F exam?** _(definition)_

A scaled score of 720 on a 100-1,000 scale, set by a formal standard-setting study - a criterion-referenced bar, not a percentile against other candidates.

**Q: How much does the CCD-F exam cost?** _(definition)_

$125 USD list price - the same as the CCA-F flagship exam. The checkout price shown reflects any discount that applies to your partner tier.

**Q: How long is the CCD-F certification valid?** _(definition)_

12 months from the date the credential is awarded, per Anthropic's version 1.0 exam guide (effective July 2026).

**Q: How do I renew my CCD-F certification?** _(how-to)_

Before your 12 months are up, review what has changed since you certified and complete a free, non-proctored assessment on the Anthropic Partner Academy - there is no fee for on-time renewal. If your credential lapses, you must retake the full exam at the full fee.

**Q: Can I retake the CCD-F exam if I fail?** _(how-to)_

Yes, after a waiting period that increases with each failed attempt: 14 days after the first fail, 30 days after the second, 90 days after the third. You can attempt the exam up to 4 times within a rolling 12-month period, and the exam fee applies to each attempt.

**Q: How many domains does the CCD-F exam cover?** _(definition)_

Eight - more than any other Claude certification: Agents and Workflows (14.7%), Applications and Integration (33.1%), Claude Code (3.1%), Eval/Testing and Debugging (2.6%), Model Selection and Optimization (16.8%), Prompt and Context Engineering (11.0%), Security and Safety (8.1%), and Tools and MCPs (10.6%).

**Q: What is the difference between the CCD-F and the CCA-F (Architect Foundations)?** _(comparison)_

CCD-F's heaviest domain, Applications & Integration, is weighted far above anything in CCA-F, and the two exams test different jobs: CCA-F tests broad agentic-architecture and design judgment, while CCD-F tests hands-on shipping - API integration, tool/MCP construction, model selection, and the testing/security work of a working production system.

**Q: What is the difference between the CCD-F and the CCA-P (Architect Professional)?** _(comparison)_

CCA-P tests senior architecture, governance, and stakeholder communication - owning a system's design and lifecycle. CCD-F is squarely aimed at engineers who write and ship the code: API integration, agent construction with the Claude Agent SDK, tool/MCP server development, and debugging Claude applications day to day.

**Q: Who is eligible to take the CCD-F exam?** _(definition)_

There are no mandatory prerequisites or courses - the credential is awarded on exam performance alone. Anthropic recommends (but does not require) 1-5 years of software engineering experience, 6+ months hands-on with Claude or a comparable LLM system, proficiency in Python and/or TypeScript, and fluency with REST APIs and CLI tools.

**Q: Who should NOT take the CCD-F exam?** _(scope)_

The certification is not intended for non-technical or casual users of Claude-based applications, or individuals without hands-on software development experience. It also excludes roles limited to prompt writing or other isolated tasks without broader application-development responsibility.

**Q: What proctoring vendor delivers the CCD-F exam?** _(definition)_

Pearson VUE, named directly in the exam guide's registration and scheduling section. You create a Pearson VUE account after registering through the Anthropic Partner Academy, then choose online proctoring or a Pearson VUE test center.

**Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled CCD-F exam?** _(troubleshoot)_

A no-show, or arriving after the permitted late-arrival window, forfeits the exam fee and requires you to re-register. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid this - changes inside that window also forfeit the fee.

**Q: Can I appeal my CCD-F exam result?** _(how-to)_

Yes, within 14 days of being notified of a decision, or within 14 days of your exam date for a concern about your result - submitted to Pearson VUE support. The standard-setting outcome and the content of individual exam items are not subject to appeal.

**Q: Is the CCD-F exam open-book?** _(definition)_

No. The exam is proctored and effectively closed: your workspace must be clear of notes, books, phones, and secondary monitors, and prohibited items include mobile phones, smart watches, headphones, study materials, and recording devices.

**Q: Is the CCD-F certification worth it for a software engineer?** _(comparison)_

If you build, integrate, and ship Claude-powered applications, agents, or workflows for work, the CCD-F is Anthropic's hands-on builder credential for exactly that scope - distinct from CCA-F's architecture focus and CCA-P's senior-ownership focus. At $125 it matches CCA-F's list price and undercuts CCA-P's $175.

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