Content
# MCPA Exam Prep
[](LICENSE)
[](https://github.com/davila7/model_context_protocol_associate_exam_prep/stargazers)
A community study guide for the **Model Context Protocol Associate (MCPA)** certification, issued by the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), part of the Linux Foundation.
🌐 **Read the guide online: [model-context-protocol-associate-ex.vercel.app](https://model-context-protocol-associate-ex.vercel.app/)**
📖 Official exam page: [training.linuxfoundation.org — MCPA](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/model-context-protocol-associate-mcpa/)
## About the exam
| | |
|---|---|
| Format | Online, remotely proctored, multiple choice |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Level | Beginner — no formal prerequisites |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Eligibility | 12 months to schedule, one retake included |
Recommended background: JSON-RPC or other message-based protocols, LLM APIs, agentic AI concepts (ReAct, tool use), and basic security topics such as API keys and OAuth 2.1.
## Exam domains covered
| # | Domain | Weight | Content |
|---|--------|--------|---------|
| 1 | MCP Fundamentals | 16% | Purpose & scope, core concepts, interoperability & value |
| 2 | Architecture & Components | 14% | Hosts/clients/servers, model interaction flow, schemas & structured data |
| 3 | Interactions & Execution | 26% | Protocol primitives, tool invocation lifecycle, interaction patterns, error handling |
| 4 | Security & Governance | 24% | Trust boundaries, permissions & consent, risk & safety controls, auditability |
| 5 | Use Cases & Ecosystem | 20% | Operational use cases, roles & adoption, ecosystem & portability |
Interactions & Execution and Security & Governance together account for half of the exam — prioritize them.
## How to use this guide
1. Start with [About the Exam](src/content/docs/getting-started/about-the-exam.mdx) to understand format and scope.
2. Follow the [Study Plan](src/content/docs/getting-started/study-plan.mdx) — a 4-week schedule that follows the domain weights, with hands-on exercises each week.
3. Work through the domain pages. Each competency page has key concepts, exam tips, and review questions.
4. Test yourself with the [Practice Questions](src/content/docs/practice/practice-questions.mdx).
5. Review the [Exam Day Checklist](src/content/docs/practice/exam-day-checklist.mdx) before you sit the exam.
6. Keep the [Resources](src/content/docs/getting-started/resources.mdx) page handy for links to the official MCP specification and related material.
## Content structure
```
src/content/docs/
├── index.mdx # Landing page
├── getting-started/ # About the exam, study plan, resources
├── fundamentals/ # Domain 1 (16%)
├── architecture/ # Domain 2 (14%)
├── interactions/ # Domain 3 (26%)
├── security/ # Domain 4 (24%)
├── use-cases/ # Domain 5 (20%)
└── practice/ # Practice questions & exam day checklist
```
## Reading the guide locally
The published site lives at [model-context-protocol-associate-ex.vercel.app](https://model-context-protocol-associate-ex.vercel.app/). To run it locally, the site is built with [Astro Starlight](https://starlight.astro.build):
```sh
npm install
npm run dev # http://localhost:4321
```
## Contributing
Content lives in `src/content/docs/` as Markdown/MDX. PRs that improve explanations, fix inaccuracies against the [MCP specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/specification/latest), or add practice questions are welcome.
## Support this guide
If this material helps you prepare for the exam:
- ⭐ **Leave a star** on the repo — it helps other candidates find it: [star this repository](https://github.com/davila7/model_context_protocol_associate_exam_prep/stargazers)
- 💜 **Become a sponsor** to support keeping the content updated as the MCP specification and the exam evolve: [github.com/sponsors/davila7](https://github.com/sponsors/davila7)
- 🗣️ Share it with anyone studying for the MCPA
## License
Released under the [MIT License](LICENSE).
## Disclaimer
This is an unofficial community study resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Linux Foundation. Always check the [official exam page](https://training.linuxfoundation.org/certification/model-context-protocol-associate-mcpa/) for current exam details.
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