How much does AWS certification cost?
How much does AWS certification cost?
$100 – $300 average cost
AWS Certification cost
AWS Certification costs $100 for the entry-level Foundational exam, $150 for the Associate level for candidates with one year of experience, and $300 for the Professional or Specialty levels for experts with over two years of AWS experience. AWS Certification is a formal recognition from Amazon Web Services that validates expertise in cloud computing across four levels.
| Certification level | Exam cost |
|---|---|
| Foundational | $100 |
| Associate | $150 |
| Professional | $300 |
| Specialty | $300 |
Foundational level
The Foundational level is the entry point for AWS certifications, aimed at individuals with basic knowledge of AWS Cloud and the IT industry. It includes one primary certification, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, which costs $100 and validates a candidate's understanding of essential AWS concepts and services.
Certification: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Experience required: No experience needed, but prior IT or cloud experience can be beneficial
Focus areas: Basic AWS Cloud concepts, services, security, architecture, pricing, and support
Ideal for: Individuals in non-technical roles or beginners in cloud computing
Associate level
The Associate level certifications are designed for IT professionals to validate practical skills in implementing AWS solutions. This level includes several certifications, each costing $150.
Certifications:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
AWS Machine Learning Engineer – Associate (This exam is currently a beta version)
Experience required: 1 year of hands-on experience
Focus areas: Designing distributed systems, developing applications, managing AWS environments
Ideal for: IT professionals looking to deepen their cloud expertise
Professional level
Professional level certifications are advanced and targeted at experienced cloud professionals. This level includes two certificates, each costing $300, that validate expert-level skills in designing and troubleshooting complex AWS solutions.
Certifications:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
Experience required: At least two years of extensive AWS experience
Focus areas: Designing secure, optimized applications, automating processes on AWS
Ideal for: Experienced cloud architects and DevOps engineers
Specialty level
Specialty certifications focus on specific technical areas within AWS, allowing professionals to demonstrate deep expertise in niche domains. This level includes several certifications, each costing $300.
Certifications:
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty
Experience required: Varies; refer to specific exam guides for recommendations
Focus areas: Specialized knowledge in networking, security, machine learning, and more
Ideal for: Professionals seeking to differentiate themselves in specific technical fields
What is AWS Certification?
AWS Certification is a formal recognition from Amazon Web Services that validates an individual's expertise in cloud computing skills and knowledge related to AWS technologies. The certification is widely recognized in the IT industry.
AWS offers certifications at four levels, ranging from beginner to specialist, covering a wide range of topics to demonstrate proficiency in AWS services and best practices.
The AWS certification process involves passing proctored exams using various question formats, such as multiple-choice, multiple-response, ordering, matching, and case studies to assess practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
These certifications are valid for 3 years, after which recertification is required to maintain the credential.
Earning an AWS certification can lead to career advancement, higher salaries, and increased credibility in the cloud computing field.
AWS certificate training costs
Preparing for an AWS certification costs from $0 to over $2,500, depending on the training methods used. Most candidates combine self-study materials, online classes, hands-on practice, and mock exams based on their learning style and experience. Candidates typically spend $200 to $500 on affordable online courses and practice exams.
| Training method | Format | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Management Console | Online & mobile app | $0 |
| AWS Ramp-Up Guides | Downloadable guides | $0 |
| AWS Training and Certification on Twitch | Community learning forums | $0 |
| AWS Skill Builder | Subscription for mock exams | $29 per month |
| AWS Classroom Training | In-person or virtual | $1,500 – $2,500+ |
| Online courses (Udemy, Pluralsight, Coursera) | Self-paced | $10 – $200+ per class |
| Private tutoring | In-person or online | $40 – $120 per hour |
Hands-on practice in the AWS Console is essential for mastering AWS services. Start by signing up for an AWS account and using the Free Tier to explore various services without incurring costs.
AWS Certification FAQs
Is AWS certification worth it?
Yes, AWS certification is worth it. It shows that you know cloud computing and AWS tools, which can help you get better jobs and earn more money. The process of studying for the certification also helps you learn important skills in cloud technology.
Which AWS certification should I get?
The best AWS certification for you depends on your experience and goals. If you're a beginner, start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. If you have some experience, consider Associate-level certifications like Solutions Architect or Developer. For advanced users, look at Professional or Specialty certifications.
Where can I take the AWS certification exams?
You can take AWS certification exams at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. You can also take the exams from any private space, such as your home or office, using your own computer. A remote proctor monitors your exam via a screen-sharing application and your webcam.
How long does AWS certification last?
AWS certifications last for 3 years. After that, you need to renew your certification by taking the current version of the exam or by passing a higher-level certification exam to keep your status.
How hard is AWS certification?
The difficulty of AWS certification varies. Foundational and Associate-level exams are usually easier if you prepare well. Professional and Specialty certifications are harder and require more knowledge and hands-on experience. Studying regularly and practicing with AWS tools will help you succeed.
Questions to ask an AWS tutor
Before hiring an AWS tutor, be sure they have the qualifications necessary. They should be able to demonstrate strong technical knowledge, teaching ability, problem-solving skills, and practical experience applying AWS in real-world scenarios. Ask these questions:
What AWS certifications do you hold? Which ones do you think are most valuable?
What are the core AWS services you have the most experience with?
How do you stay up to date with new AWS features and services?
What experience do you have tutoring or teaching AWS concepts to others?
How do you tailor your teaching style to different skill levels and learning preferences?
How would you explain a complex AWS concept like VPCs to a beginner?
What resources or exercises do you typically use when tutoring?
Can you give an example of a challenging AWS problem you've helped a student solve?
How do you incorporate real-world scenarios and use cases into your tutoring?
What is your availability for tutoring sessions?
How do you structure your tutoring engagements (session length, frequency, etc.)?
What are your rates and payment terms?
Do you offer any guarantees or follow-up support between sessions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.