Question 1

Where should I start with Atlassian certification?

Accepted Answer

Start with an ACA certification: ACA-900 (Jira Essentials) or ACA-915 (Cloud Foundations) at $100 each. These are 60-minute, 25-question exams. For administrators, proceed to ACP-120 (Jira Administration Cloud, $249, 180 min, 60-80 questions).

Question 2

Do Atlassian certifications expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Atlassian certifications are valid for 24 months. To maintain certification, earn a related Pro Skills Badge (APB: online proctored exam, or ASB: free Skillbuilder assessment) before the suspension date. Renewing extends certification for another 24 months.

Question 3

Are Atlassian exams available online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Atlassian exams are delivered via online proctoring. Professional-level exams (ACP) run 180 minutes with 60-80 questions. Associate exams (ACA) are 60 minutes with 25 questions. In-person options may be available at events like Team '25.

Question 4

What is the passing score and exam format?

Accepted Answer

ACA exams: 25 questions, 60 minutes, $100. ACP exams: 60-80 questions, 180 minutes, $249. Cut scores vary by exam. Atlassian recommends completing the free on-demand courses before attempting exams. On-demand course prices recently dropped from $300 to $39.

Question 5

How much do Atlassian certifications cost?

Accepted Answer

ACA exams: $100 USD. ACP exams: $249 USD. All on-demand courses are now $39 (reduced from $300). Live instructor training for up to 15 team members starts at $3,000. Discounted exam sessions (e.g., $79 at Team events) are occasionally offered.

Question 6

What is the hardest Atlassian certification?

Accepted Answer

ACP-520 (Cloud Organization Admin) is considered the most advanced, covering organization-wide account setup, billing, user provisioning, SSO, and compliance across all Atlassian Cloud products. ACP-200 (Confluence Admin DC) and ACP-100 (Jira Admin DC) are also challenging due to enterprise-scale cluster management topics.

Question 7

What are Atlassian Designations?

Accepted Answer

Designations are stacked credentials earned by passing multiple related ACP certifications. They demonstrate multi-product proficiency at an enterprise level. For example, earning ACP-120, ACP-620, and ACP-520 together could qualify for a Jira-focused designation. Designations command the highest salary premiums ($160,000-$220,000 for architects).

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