Missed Your AWS Exam on Pearson VUE? Here’s Exactly What to Do When You Can't Reschedule
Missed an AWS certification appointment on Pearson VUE and can't find a way to reschedule? This guide explains the no-show policy, why the reschedule button disappears, and the only path forward.
Why You Can’t Reschedule a Missed AWS Exam
When you schedule an AWS certification exam through Pearson VUE, you agree to a strict rescheduling policy. **You must cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment start time.** If you miss that window—or simply don’t show up—your exam appointment is marked as a no-show.
Once a no-show occurs, the appointment is closed. The “Reschedule” or “Cancel” options disappear because the exam date has passed. You **cannot reschedule the same registration**. That exam attempt is forfeited, and the fee is non-refundable.
The Official Rule
AWS Certification’s FAQ states:
> “If you miss your scheduled exam appointment (no-show) or fail to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance, you will not receive a refund and you will not be able to reschedule the same appointment.”
Source: [AWS Certification FAQ](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/faqs/)
Pearson VUE’s help center confirms: “Appointments cannot be rescheduled after the scheduled start time has passed.” The system automatically disables the reschedule function as soon as your appointment time lapses.
The Only Solution: Register for a New Exam
Because the missed appointment counts as a completed attempt (with a result of “no-show”), you must purchase a **new exam registration** and schedule a fresh appointment.
Here’s the step‑by‑step:
1. **Sign in** to your [AWS Certification Account](https://www.aws.training/certification).
2. Check your **Exam History** to confirm the no-show status.
3. Click **“Register for an exam”** (or the equivalent button for the same certification).
4. Complete the purchase—use an existing voucher or pay the exam fee again.
5. Choose **“Schedule at Pearson VUE”** and pick a new date and time.
⚠️ **Important:** You can attempt the same exam again only after the mandatory **wait period**. For most associate-level exams, the wait period is 14 days; for professional and specialty exams it may be longer. Refer to the [AWS Exam Retake Policy](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/policies/retake/) for exact intervals.
Can You Ask for an Exception?
In rare circumstances—such as a verified medical emergency or a technical failure on Pearson VUE’s side—you can file an appeal. Contact **Pearson VUE Customer Service** (details in your original confirmation email) or open a case with AWS Training & Certification support. Be prepared to provide documentation. Approval is **not guaranteed**, and most no-shows are upheld.
How Sapior Keeps Your Certifications on Track
At Sapior, we build tools that remove the friction from certification management. Our [Exam Monitor](https://sapior.com) helps teams track exam windows, send 24‑hour reschedule alerts, and maintain compliance without manual spreadsheets. If you’re an individual candidate, set at least two calendar reminders—one 48 hours ahead and one 6 hours before the exam—to avoid missing the cutoff.
The Bottom Line
Missing an AWS exam is painful, but the system doesn’t allow a simple “undo.” Treat a no-show like a failed attempt: you need a fresh registration. The best defense is aggressive reminders and early rescheduling—Pearson VUE’s 24‑hour cutoff is absolute.