Recertification ensures your credentials stay up-to-date with changes in HashiCorp products. You must pass an exam to maintain or renew their credentials. Below is an overview of the policies, options, and steps for recertification.
Recertification policies
- Expiration: Credentials expire 2 years after issuance.
- Eligibility: Recertification can begin 18 months after earning credentials.
- One credential rule: A single certification account can only hold one valid credential per exam at a time. Using multiple accounts to bypass rules may result in a ban.
Key definitions
- Certification: Proof of meeting HashiCorp Cloud Engineer standards.
- Credential: Includes your badge (digital) and certificate (printable).
- Exam: The test for earning certification.
- Level: Indicates expertise. Options: Associate (foundational skills) and Professional (advanced skills).
- Version: A new version of an exam is created when the product has gone through major updates that affect the exam's objectives, sub-objectives, length, sections, and more.
Recertification options
Recertification options vary depending on the level of your certification and whether it is still active or already expired.
Associate-level certifications
Unexpired credentials
-
Retake the same exam
- When: After 18 months but before expiration.
- Result: Expiration extended by 2 years from the new pass date.
-
Take the professional-level exam for the same product
- When: Anytime before expiration.
- Result: Earn Professional credentials; Associate credentials extended by 2 years.
-
Take a newer exam version
- When: Anytime, regardless of current credential status.
- Result: Get credentials for the new version; older credentials remain valid until their expiration date.
Expired credentials
-
Retake the same exam
- When: Anytime after expiration.
- Result: New credentials issued; expired ones remain unchanged.
-
Take a newer exam version
- When: Anytime.
- Result: New credentials issued for the updated exam; expired ones remain unchanged.
Professional-level certifications
Unexpired credentials
-
Retake the same exam
- When: After 18 months but before expiration.
- Result: Expiration extended by 2 years from the new pass date.
Expired credentials
-
Retake the Same Exam
- When: Anytime after expiration.
- Result: New credentials issued; expired ones remain unchanged.
Automated recertification reminders
HashiCorp sends email reminders:
- 6 months before expiration.
- 3 months before expiration.
- 1 month before expiration.
Make sure your email address is up to date in your Exam Portal.
Viewing your certifications
- Credly: Log in to view and share badges and certificates.
- HashiCorp Certification Exam Portal: Check account history, exam transcripts, and certification status.