AI & Machine Learning

Study Dashboard & Exam Overview

lex@lexgaines.com · · 3 min read
Your starting point for the CCA Foundations exam: domain weights, scenario overview, study strategy, and progress tracker.

Exam At a Glance

Detail Info
Certification Claude Certified Architect – Foundations
Format Multiple choice (1 correct + 3 distractors)
Scoring Scaled 100–1,000 · Pass: 720
Penalty None for guessing — always answer
Structure 4 scenarios randomly selected from 6

Content Domains

Domain Weight Note
Agentic Architecture & Orchestration 27% Largest domain — prioritize this
Claude Code Configuration & Workflows 20% Tied second-heaviest
Prompt Engineering & Structured Output 20% Tied second-heaviest
Tool Design & MCP Integration 18% Mid-weight
Context Management & Reliability 15% Smallest but still significant

Exam Scenarios

Four of these six scenarios are randomly selected per exam sitting. Each frames a set of questions around a realistic production context.


Study Resources


Study Strategy

  1. Start with the heaviest domain — Agentic Architecture & Orchestration is 27% of your score
  2. Study scenarios, not just concepts — every question is grounded in a realistic production scenario
  3. Prioritize practical judgment — the exam tests tradeoff decisions, not memorization
  4. Work the exercises — hands-on experience is the single best preparation
  5. Review sample questions — understand why each distractor is wrong, not just which answer is right
  6. Cross-link your knowledge — concepts overlap heavily across domains (e.g., error handling appears in Domains 1, 2, and 5)

Progress Tracker

  • ☐ Domain 1: Agentic Architecture & Orchestration
  • ☐ Domain 2: Tool Design & MCP Integration
  • ☐ Domain 3: Claude Code Configuration & Workflows
  • ☐ Domain 4: Prompt Engineering & Structured Output
  • ☐ Domain 5: Context Management & Reliability
  • ☐ Sample Questions reviewed
  • ☐ Preparation Exercises completed
  • ☐ Practice Exam completed
CCA exam overview study guide Claude Certified Architect