AWS offers 12 certifications across four levels, each testing knowledge of different parts of Amazon's cloud platform

AWS certifications are offered by Amazon Web Services and measure your knowledge of how to build, deploy, and manage applications on AWS. They are not required to use AWS—you can build and run cloud infrastructure without any certification. But they do give you a way to prove to employers that you understand specific AWS tools and practices, and they are recognized across the tech industry.

The certifications are organized into four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Each level tests deeper knowledge than the one before it. You do not have to start at Foundational and work your way up—you can take any certification that matches your current knowledge—but most people find the progression logical.

Key Takeaways

  • AWS has four certification levels: Foundational (1 exam), Associate (3 exams), Professional (2 exams), and Specialty (6 exams), each testing different depths of cloud knowledge.
  • The Associate level certifications—Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator—are the most common starting point for people with some AWS experience.
  • Each exam costs between $100 and $300 and tests your knowledge through multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, with results available within 5 business days.
  • You can study using AWS training courses, practice exams, and documentation, all available on the AWS Certification website.
  • Certifications expire after three years, and you can renew them by passing the exam again or by passing a newer version of the same certification.

Foundational Level: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the entry-level certification and the only one at the Foundational level. It tests basic knowledge of AWS services, cloud concepts, and how AWS billing works. You do not need hands-on experience to pass it—it is designed for people who are new to cloud computing or AWS.

The exam has 65 questions and lasts 90 minutes. It covers AWS services at a high level (what they do, not how to build with them), cloud security basics, and AWS pricing models. Most people study for two to four weeks before taking it. The cost is $100.

Cloud Practitioner is useful if you work in sales, project management, or business roles and need to understand what AWS does. It is also a reasonable first step if you are completely new to cloud and want to test whether you enjoy the subject before investing time in a deeper certification.

Associate Level: Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator

The Associate level has three certifications, and they are the most popular entry point for people with some AWS experience. Each one focuses on a different job role and tests hands-on knowledge—you are expected to have built things on AWS or studied the services in depth.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate tests your ability to design systems on AWS. The exam covers how to choose the right services for a workload, how to make systems reliable and find, and how to estimate costs. It is the broadest of the three Associate certifications. The exam has 65 questions, lasts 130 minutes, and costs $150. Most people study for four to eight weeks.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate focuses on writing and deploying code on AWS. It tests knowledge of AWS services that developers use directly—databases, messaging, containers, serverless functions—and how to integrate them into applications. The exam has 65 questions, lasts 130 minutes, and costs $150. Study time is typically four to eight weeks.

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate tests knowledge of operating and maintaining AWS infrastructure. It covers monitoring, logging, security, networking, and how to troubleshoot problems. The exam has 65 questions, lasts 130 minutes, and costs $150. Most people study for four to eight weeks.

Many people start with Solutions Architect because it is the broadest and does not require deep knowledge of a specific role. If you already know you want to focus on development or operations, you can start with the relevant certification instead.

Professional Level: Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer

The Professional level has two certifications and tests advanced knowledge. You are expected to have passed an Associate certification first, though it is not a requirement. These exams are longer, harder, and test your ability to solve complex problems and make trade-offs between different design choices.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional builds on the Associate version and tests your ability to design large, complex systems. The exam covers multi-region deployments, disaster recovery, security at scale, and cost optimization for enterprise workloads. The exam has 75 questions, lasts 180 minutes, and costs $300. Most people study for six to twelve weeks after passing the Associate exam.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional tests knowledge of deploying, managing, and operating applications on AWS at scale. It covers infrastructure as code, continuous integration and deployment, monitoring, and security automation. The exam has 75 questions, lasts 180 minutes, and costs $300. Study time is typically six to twelve weeks.

Specialty Certifications: Six Focused Areas

AWS also offers six Specialty certifications that test deep knowledge of specific services or use cases. These are not part of a progression—you can take any of them at any time if you have the relevant experience. They are harder than Associate exams but shorter than Professional exams.

The six Specialty certifications are: Advanced Networking, Data Analytics, Database, Machine Learning, Security, and SAP on AWS. Each one tests knowledge of a particular set of AWS services and how to use them for a specific purpose. The exams have 65 questions, last 170 minutes, and cost $300 each. Study time varies widely depending on your background—someone with data analytics experience might study two weeks for the Data Analytics exam, while someone new to the field might study eight weeks.

How to Prepare and Take the Exam

AWS publishes an exam guide for each certification that lists the topics covered and the percentage of questions for each topic. You can read these guides from the AWS Certification website for free. They tell you exactly what to study.

Study resources include AWS training courses (some free, some paid), practice exams, and AWS documentation. AWS offers official training courses through their website, and many third-party providers also offer courses. Practice exams are important—they show you the format and difficulty of the real exam and help you identify weak areas.

You take the exam online or at a testing center. Online exams require a quiet room, a webcam, and a proctor who watches you during the test. You schedule the exam through the AWS Certification website, and results are available within 5 business days. A passing score varies by exam but is typically between 70 and 80 percent.

Certification Expiration and Renewal

All AWS certifications expire after three years. You can renew by taking the exam again, or by passing a newer version of the same certification if AWS has released an updated version. Some people also renew by passing a higher-level certification—for example, passing the Solutions Architect Professional exam renews your Solutions Architect Associate certification.

AWS also offers a renewal exam option for some certifications, which is a shorter exam that costs less than the full exam. Check the AWS Certification website to see if your certification has a renewal option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AWS certifications to get a job in cloud?

No. Certifications are useful for proving knowledge to employers, but many people work in cloud roles without them. They are most helpful if you are changing careers, new to the job market, or explore for roles at companies that specifically value certifications. Hands-on experience building on AWS is usually more important than the certification itself.

Which certification should I take first?

If you have no AWS experience, start with Cloud Practitioner. If you have some hands-on experience, start with Solutions Architect Associate—it is the broadest and does not require deep knowledge of a specific role. If you already know you want to focus on development or operations, start with Developer Associate or SysOps Administrator Associate instead.

How much does it cost to get all the certifications?

The cost depends on which certifications you pursue. A single exam costs between $100 and $300. If you pursue all 12 certifications, the total exam cost would be around $2,500 to $3,000, but most people pursue only the certifications relevant to their role.

Can I take the exam if I fail the first time?

Yes. You can retake any exam. Most people wait at least two weeks before retaking to give themselves time to study the areas where they struggled. You pay the full exam fee each time you take it.

How long do certifications stay on my resume?

You can list a certification on your resume as long as it is valid (within three years of passing). Once it expires, you should remove it unless you renew it. Some people list expired certifications if they are recent and relevant to the role, but it is clearer to list only active certifications.