Five real AWS Developer Associate projects mapped directly to the DVA-C02 exam objectives. Mark a step complete and HandsOnCert commits the evidence — Lambda function code, SAM templates, deployment pipelines — straight to your own GitHub repo. The portfolio employers actually click into.
$49 one-time · Project 1 free · No subscription
Every project maps to an official DVA-C02 exam domain. Each one ends with evidence committed to your GitHub repo automatically.
Build and deploy an AWS Lambda function using AWS SAM, configure environment variables and a function URL, and test it with sample events. Commit your SAM template, function code, and test output.
Development with AWS Services — 32% of examCreate a DynamoDB table, write a Lambda function that performs CRUD operations against it, and configure a Global Secondary Index for an access pattern. Commit your DynamoDB schema, Lambda code, and query test results.
Development with AWS Services — 32% of examConfigure an IAM role for a Lambda function with least-privilege permissions, store a secret in AWS Secrets Manager, and retrieve it programmatically from your function. Commit your IAM policy JSON and secrets retrieval code.
Security — 26% of examSet up a CI/CD pipeline using AWS SAM and GitHub Actions that deploys your Lambda function on every push to main. Configure a staging and production environment with manual approval between stages. Commit your pipeline workflow file.
Deployment — 26% of examConfigure CloudWatch Logs and X-Ray tracing for your Lambda function, identify a performance bottleneck using X-Ray traces, and apply a fix (e.g., connection reuse, memory tuning). Commit your X-Ray trace screenshots and optimization notes.
Troubleshooting & Optimization — included across domainsEvery completed step auto-commits evidence to your own repo. No fake portfolio templates — real configs, real screenshots, real history.
No simulators. You work in the actual AWS console and tools, the same ones you'll use on the job and in the DVA-C02 exam.
Stuck on a step or an exam concept? Cert Buddy is trained on DVA-C02 objectives and helps you debug and understand — not just copy-paste.
Every chargeable resource has a clear alert telling you exactly when to stop, deallocate, or delete — so a lab break doesn't become a surprise bill.
Get the full DVA-C02 lab guide as a PDF — step-by-step instructions, screenshots to capture, and an exam quick-reference section.
$49 once. No subscription, no recurring charges. Or get All-Access to all 21 cert paths for $199.
Are the DVA-C02 hands-on labs free?
Project 1 (Lambda Functions) is completely free, including unlimited access to Cert Buddy for that project and the manual GitHub commit workflow. The remaining 4 projects unlock for a one-time payment of $49.
Do I need an AWS account for DVA-C02 labs?
Yes, you need an AWS Free Tier account. Lambda, DynamoDB, and Secrets Manager all have generous free tiers — total cost should be minimal if resources are cleaned up promptly.
How does the GitHub portfolio auto-commit work for DVA-C02?
When you mark a lab step complete, HandsOnCert commits your actual Lambda function code, SAM templates, and CI/CD pipeline YAML directly to your own GitHub repository — giving you working serverless code in your portfolio, not just screenshots.
How long does the DVA-C02 path take to complete?
The 5 projects take approximately 8 hours total, covering Lambda development, DynamoDB applications, security/IAM, CI/CD deployment, and troubleshooting/optimization — the same domains tested on the DVA-C02 exam.
Do I need CLF-C02 or SAA-C03 before DVA-C02?
Neither is a hard prerequisite, but basic AWS familiarity helps. DVA-C02 is development-focused (Lambda, DynamoDB, CI/CD) while SAA-C03 is architecture-focused — they're complementary but independent associate-level certifications.
Is DVA-C02 good for someone moving into serverless development?
Yes. DVA-C02 covers the core AWS serverless stack — Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, Step Functions — and HandsOnCert's labs build real working code using AWS SAM, directly applicable to serverless development roles.
Start Project 1 free — no credit card required. See exactly how the GitHub auto-commit works before you pay anything.
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