AWS Certification is a program that validates your expertise in cloud computing using Amazon Web Services (AWS). It offers a range of certifications for different roles and skill levels, from foundational to specialty, to help you demonstrate your cloud expertise to employers and clients.

Benefits of AWS Certification

  • Validate your cloud expertise to employers and clients.

    AWS Certification serves as tangible proof of your cloud proficiency, providing employers and clients with confidence in your abilities. By earning certification, you demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of AWS services and best practices, positioning yourself as a trusted expert in the field.

  • Increase your earning potential.

    Certified AWS professionals often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. Employers recognize the value of AWS Certification and are willing to compensate individuals who possess validated expertise. Whether you're negotiating a salary increase or seeking new career opportunities, AWS Certification can significantly enhance your earning potential.

  • Boost your career opportunities.

    In today's competitive job market, AWS Certification sets you apart from the crowd. It opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including roles such as Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, and more. Whether you're looking to advance within your current organization or explore new career paths, AWS Certification broadens your horizons and unlocks exciting possibilities.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of AWS services and technologies.

    Preparing for AWS Certification exams requires in-depth study and hands-on experience with AWS services and technologies. As a result, certified professionals develop a thorough understanding of cloud concepts, architecture principles, and deployment best practices. This deeper knowledge not only helps you excel in your current role but also equips you with the skills needed to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in your organization.

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest cloud trends.

    The cloud computing landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and best practices emerging regularly. AWS Certification ensures that you stay abreast of the latest industry trends and advancements. Through continuous learning and recertification, you remain relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing environment, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to any organization.

  • Enhance Your Problem-Solving Skills.

    Preparing for AWS Certification exams involves solving real-world scenarios and addressing complex challenges. This process strengthens your problem-solving skills and analytical abilities, enabling you to devise innovative solutions to business problems. Whether it's optimizing resource utilization, improving performance, or enhancing security, certified AWS professionals are equipped with the skills to drive meaningful impact and deliver value to their organizations.

Types of AWS Certifications:

1. Foundational Certification

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP):

    Description: This entry-level certification is designed for individuals with basic knowledge of AWS Cloud concepts and services. It validates overall understanding of the AWS Cloud, including its global infrastructure, architectural principles, billing and pricing models, and security best practices.

    Target Audience: Beginners, stakeholders, and individuals involved in non-technical roles such as sales, marketing, and finance who require an understanding of AWS Cloud fundamentals.

    Benefits: Provides a foundational understanding of AWS Cloud, serving as a stepping stone for further specialization and career advancement.

2. Associate Certifications

  • Solutions Architect:

    Description: Validates expertise in designing distributed systems and applications on AWS Cloud. Candidates demonstrate proficiency in architecting scalable, highly available, and cost-effective solutions using AWS services.

    Target Audience: Solutions architects, solution design engineers, and individuals responsible for designing and implementing AWS-based applications.

  • Developer:

    Description: Focuses on developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform. Candidates showcase proficiency in writing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS services.

    Target Audience: Software developers, software engineers, and individuals involved in application development on AWS.

  • SysOps Administrator:

    Description: Validates expertise in deploying, managing, and operating systems on AWS Cloud. Candidates demonstrate proficiency in tasks such as provisioning resources, managing data storage, monitoring system health, and optimizing performance.

    Target Audience: System administrators, systems engineers, and individuals responsible for managing AWS infrastructure and operations.

3. Professional Certifications

  • Solutions Architect:

    Description: Validates advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed systems and applications on AWS Cloud. Candidates demonstrate the ability to architect complex solutions that meet business objectives while adhering to best practices and security standards.

    Target Audience: Experienced solutions architects, solution design engineers, and individuals responsible for architecting enterprise-level applications on AWS.

  • DevOps Engineer:

    Description: Focuses on provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on AWS Cloud. Candidates demonstrate expertise in implementing and managing continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, automation, and monitoring tools.

    Target Audience: DevOps engineers, release engineers, and individuals responsible for building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure on AWS.

4. Specialty Certifications

AWS offers a range of specialty certifications tailored to specific domains and use cases, including but not limited to:

  • Big Data Specialty
  • Machine Learning Specialty
  • Security Specialty
  • Networking Specialty
  • Database Specialty
  • Advanced Networking Specialty
  • Alexa Skill Builder Specialty
  • Data Analytics Specialty

Each specialty certification validates advanced skills and expertise in its respective area, providing professionals with specialized knowledge and recognition in niche domains within the AWS ecosystem.

Cost of AWS Certification

Starting from April 1, 2024, AWS Certification will be revising the exchange rates for the Australian dollar (AUD), euro (EUR), Korean won (KRW), and Japanese yen (JPY).These adjustments will affect the prices of all exam purchases made directly through our test delivery provider, Pearson VUE. Below are tables displaying the exam prices in local currency both before and after the April 1, 2024 updates. Please consult our Exam Pricing Policies for further details.Please note that additional taxes may be applicable, and the prices are applicable for a single exam attempt only.

Exam prices before April 1, 2024Exam prices before April 1, 2024Exam prices starting April 1, 2024Exam prices starting April 1, 2024

Exam pricing policies

  • The adjustments to foreign exchange rates will affect countries utilizing the Australian dollar, euro, Korean won, and Japanese yen.
  • It's important to note that the foreign exchange rates provided on this page are not applicable to voucher purchases. For information regarding voucher pricing, please refer to the Xvoucher website, which is an authorized reseller and distributor of AWS Certification exam vouchers.
  • Vouchers intended to cover the entire exam cost will remain valid for the full exam price, regardless of any updates to foreign exchange rates. On the other hand, vouchers intended to cover 50% of the exam cost will be applicable for a 50% discount off the exam price at the time of purchase.
  • Individuals paying for exams using credit cards or cash will not need to make any additional payments if they choose to reschedule their exam after the exchange rate updates. However, it's important to note that AWS Certification exams can only be rescheduled twice.
  • Furthermore, individuals canceling their exams more than 24 hours before their scheduled appointment will receive a refund for the exam fee they originally paid at the time of purchase.

Exam Formats

AWS Certification exams are conducted both online and offline, providing flexibility and convenience to candidates. In the online format, candidates can take exams from anywhere with internet access, while the offline format requires visiting a physical testing center. Both formats ensure high levels of security and integrity to uphold the credibility of AWS Certification.

These exams are designed to assess candidates' knowledge and proficiency in various AWS services and concepts. The exam format primarily consists of multiple-choice questions, providing candidates with a range of answer options to choose from.

One notable aspect of AWS Certification exams is their adaptive nature. This means that the difficulty level of the questions may vary based on the candidate's responses. As candidates progress through the exam, the system dynamically adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions, tailoring the exam to the individual's skill level.

Typically, AWS Certification exams comprise 60-75 questions, covering a wide array of topics relevant to the certification. These questions assess candidates' understanding of AWS services, architectural best practices, security measures, troubleshooting techniques, and more.

To pass an AWS Certification exam and earn the associated credential, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. This passing score ensures that certified professionals demonstrate a solid understanding of the subject matter and are proficient in applying AWS solutions to real-world scenarios.

Throughout the exam duration, candidates have the opportunity to review and revise their answers before submitting their final responses. This allows candidates to carefully consider each question and ensure accuracy before completing the exam.

Additionally, AWS Certification exams have varying durations, typically ranging anywhere from 90 to 180 minutes, depending on the specific certification being pursued.

Overall, AWS Certification exams are designed to rigorously evaluate candidates' knowledge and skills in AWS Cloud technologies, providing a reliable measure of their expertise and proficiency in the field. By successfully passing these exams, candidates validate their capabilities and enhance their credibility as AWS professionals.

How to Prepare for an AWS Certification Exam?

  • 1. Choose the Right Exam

    Selecting the appropriate AWS Certification exam is crucial for aligning with your career goals and current skill level. Evaluate the various certification paths available and choose the one that best reflects your role, expertise, and career aspirations.

  • 2. Review the Exam Blueprint

    Familiarize yourself with the exam blueprint provided by AWS. The blueprint outlines the topics covered in the exam and serves as a roadmap for your preparation. Pay close attention to the domains and subdomains specified in the blueprint to ensure comprehensive coverage of exam content.

  • 3. Utilize AWS Training Resources

    Take advantage of AWS training resources to enhance your preparation. AWS offers a wealth of educational materials, including whitepapers, webinars, online courses, and practice exams. These resources provide valuable insights into AWS services, best practices, and exam objectives.

  • 4. Gain Hands-On Experience:

    Hands-on experience with AWS is essential for solidifying your understanding of cloud concepts and services. Create a free AWS account to access the AWS Free Tier and experiment with various AWS services in a risk-free environment. Practice implementing solutions, configuring services, and troubleshooting common issues to reinforce your learning.

  • 5. Join Study Groups or Communities:

    Engage with peers and fellow aspirants by joining AWS study groups or online communities. Participating in group discussions, sharing resources, and collaborating on projects can enhance your understanding of complex topics and provide valuable support during your exam preparation journey. Additionally, interacting with others allows you to gain different perspectives and insights that may benefit your learning process.

  • 6. Establish a Study Plan:

    Develop a structured study plan to effectively manage your time and resources. Break down the exam objectives into manageable sections and allocate dedicated study sessions for each topic. Set realistic goals and milestones to track your progress and ensure steady advancement towards exam readiness. Consistent and focused study habits are key to achieving success on your AWS Certification journey.

  • 7. Practice, Practice, Practice:

    Regularly test your knowledge and skills through practice exams and quizzes. AWS offers official practice exams that simulate the format and difficulty level of the actual certification exams. Taking practice tests helps familiarize you with the exam environment, identify areas of strength and weakness, and refine your test-taking strategies.

  • 8. Stay Updated and Adapt:

    Keep abreast of the latest developments in AWS technologies and services. AWS continuously evolves, and staying updated ensures that your knowledge remains relevant and up-to-date. Subscribe to AWS newsletters, follow AWS blogs, and attend virtual events to stay informed about industry trends, new releases, and best practices.

    By following these comprehensive preparation strategies, you can maximize your chances of success and confidently approach your AWS Certification exam. Remember to stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and persistently strive for excellence in your pursuit of AWS certification.