How Much Does AWS Certification Cost?

How Much Does AWS Certification Cost?

Nowadays, cloud computing has become the backbone of businesses, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) leads the industry as the most popular cloud service provider. Organizations are increasingly migrating their operations to AWS, driving the demand for certified professionals who can design, implement, and manage cloud solutions effectively. As a result, AWS certifications such as AWS Solution Architect Professional, Associate, etc. have become highly sought after by IT professionals looking to enhance their skills and job prospects.

If you're considering earning an AWS certification, understanding the AWS Certification cost is crucial to making an informed decision. 

So, we are here with this guide which compiles everything you need to know. Have a look!

AWS Certification Cost Breakdown

AWS offers different certification levels, each with its own pricing structure. So, below is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with various AWS certifications.

1. Foundational Level Certification

It is the first level of AWS certification, designed for beginners with little to no cloud experience. 

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is designed for individuals new to cloud computing. It validates fundamental AWS knowledge, including cloud concepts, security, pricing, and architecture, making it an ideal starting point. Furthermore, this certification is suitable for professionals seeking an introduction to AWS services, offering a strong foundation for further learning and career growth in cloud computing.

• Exam Cost: $100
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Ideal for: Beginners who want to understand AWS basics before pursuing advanced certifications.

2. Associate Level Certifications

It is the second level of AWS certification, ideal for individuals with some cloud experience. It validates skills in designing, deploying, and managing AWS solutions, eventually, bridging foundational knowledge to advanced expertise.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (AWS Solution Architect Associate)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (AWS Solution Architect Associate) validates the ability to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions on AWS. moreover, it is ideal for individuals with experience in cloud architecture, helping them advance their careers in cloud computing.

• Exam Cost: $150
• Duration: 130 minutes
• Ideal for: Individuals with experience in designing distributed applications on AWS.

• AWS Certified Developer – Associate

AWS Certified Developer – Associate validates expertise in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS services. Additionally, It is ideal for software developers who build and maintain AWS applications, ensuring optimal performance, security, and efficiency in cloud environments.

• Exam Cost: $150
• Duration: 130 minutes
• Ideal for: Developers who want to validate their AWS cloud application development skills.

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate validates expertise in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS. Also, it is ideal for system administrators responsible for monitoring, securing, and optimizing AWS infrastructure, eventually, ensuring high availability, scalability, and cost efficiency in cloud environments.

• Exam Cost: $150
• Duration: 130 minutes
• Ideal for: System administrators managing AWS environments.

3. Professional Level Certifications

Professional Level Certifications are advanced AWS credentials validating expertise in designing, deploying, and managing complex cloud solutions. Further, ideal for experienced professionals, they demonstrate high-level technical skills, strategic decision-making, and deep AWS architecture knowledge.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS Solution Architect Professional)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS Solution Architect Professional) validates advanced expertise in designing and deploying scalable, secure, and cost-optimized AWS solutions. It is ideal for experienced cloud architects managing complex architectures, therefore, ensuring high availability, and implementing best practices for enterprise-level cloud environments.

• Exam Cost: $300
• Duration: 180 minutes
• Ideal for: Advanced professionals designing AWS applications and infrastructure at scale.

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional validates expertise in automating AWS deployments, managing CI/CD pipelines, and implementing security, monitoring, and governance strategies. Additionally, ideal for experienced DevOps engineers, it ensures proficiency in building scalable, resilient, and efficient cloud operations using AWS services and best practices.

• Exam Cost: $300
• Duration: 180 minutes
• Ideal for: DevOps engineers managing and automating AWS environments.

4. Specialty Certifications

Specialty certifications are designed for professionals looking to specialize in a particular domain within AWS. so, the exam fee for each specialty certification is $300.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• AWS Certified Database – Specialty
• AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty (AWS SAP C02)

Additional Costs Associated with AWS Certification

Apart from the exam fees, there are additional expenses that candidates should consider:

1. Training and Study Materials

To pass an AWS certification exam, investing in quality study materials and training is essential. So, some options include:

• AWS Training Courses (AWS Academy, AWS Training and Certification) – Prices vary.
• Books and e-books – $20 to $80.

2. Practice Exams

Practice exams are crucial for understanding the exam format and identifying weak areas. Also, AWS offers official practice exams:

• Associate-Level Practice Exam: $20
• Professional/Specialty-Level Practice Exam: $40

3. Recertification Costs

AWS certifications are valid for three years. To maintain certification status, professionals must either retake the exam or pass a higher-level certification exam.

Is AWS Certification Cost Worth?

Yes! AWS certifications provide significant career benefits, including:

• Higher Salary Potential: AWS-certified professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified individuals.
• Job Opportunities: Many employers prioritize AWS-certified candidates for cloud-related roles.
• Industry Recognition: AWS certification validates your expertise, making you a valuable asset in the IT industry.

How to Save on AWS Certification Costs

1. AWS Free Training Resources: AWS provides free courses, whitepapers, and documentation to help candidates prepare.
2. AWS Exam Vouchers: Some organizations offer AWS exam vouchers as part of employee development programs.
3. Promotions & Discounts: AWS occasionally offers discounts and free exam retakes.
4. AWS Certification Pathway: Instead of taking multiple exams, choose a certification path that minimizes costs.

Conclusion

AWS certification is a valuable investment in your career, but it's essential to understand the AWS Certification cost. Whether you’re aiming for an AWS Architect Associate, Professional, or AWS SAP C02, planning your budget accordingly will help you achieve your certification goals efficiently. Furthermore, with the right preparation and resources, the benefits of AWS certification far outweigh the costs, eventually, making it a smart choice for anyone pursuing a career in cloud computing.

Cert Solution is a trusted training provider offering AWS certification programs to help professionals enhance their cloud expertise. With expert-led courses and hands-on practice, Cert Solution prepares candidates for AWS certifications, including Solutions Architect, Developer, and DevOps Engineer, eventually, ensuring career growth in the ever-evolving cloud computing industry.