Vendor
AWS certifications
Amazon Web Services is the world's largest cloud platform, holding roughly a third of the global cloud market. AWS certifications validate the ability to design, deploy, and operate infrastructure on the AWS platform. They are among the most in-demand and highest-paying IT credentials available, driven by the scale of AWS adoption across industries.
Why AWS certifications matter
AWS certifications correlate directly with compensation more than almost any other credential in IT. Cloud roles at organizations of all sizes require AWS knowledge, and the certification acts as a verified signal that candidates understand how to architect and operate on the platform—not just that they have read about it. AWS certifications are tiered from foundational to specialty, meaning there is a clear progression path from entry-level to expert. The hands-on nature of AWS exams (scenario-based architecture questions) means passing the cert genuinely demonstrates usable skill.
Certification tracks
Foundational
FoundationAWS Cloud Practitioner provides a high-level overview of AWS services, pricing, and the cloud value proposition. Best suited for non-technical professionals or those completely new to AWS.
Associate
AssociateSolutions Architect Associate, Developer Associate, and SysOps Administrator Associate. The associate tier is where most technical candidates start. SAA is the most widely held.
Professional
ProfessionalSolutions Architect Professional and DevOps Engineer Professional. Deep architectural knowledge and hands-on experience are prerequisites for success at this level.
Specialty
SpecialtyAdvanced Security, Networking, Machine Learning, Database, and Data Analytics specialties. Targeted certifications for practitioners with deep expertise in a specific domain.
Available guide
More AWS certifications
AWS Cloud Practitioner
FoundationHigh-level AWS overview covering services, pricing, and cloud concepts. Best for non-technical professionals or complete beginners.
AWS Developer Associate
AssociateDeveloping and deploying applications on AWS. Covers Elastic Beanstalk, DynamoDB, SQS, SNS, and deployment patterns.
AWS SysOps Administrator
AssociateDeploying, managing, and operating AWS workloads. Operations-focused counterpart to the Solutions Architect Associate.
AWS Solutions Architect Professional
ProfessionalAdvanced architecture design across complex AWS environments. Requires SAA and significant hands-on experience.
Frequently asked questions
Which AWS certification should I start with?
For most technical candidates: AWS Solutions Architect Associate. It is the most widely recognized, most studied, and most directly tied to cloud architect and engineer roles. AWS Cloud Practitioner is only recommended if you have zero IT background and need foundational orientation before SAA.
How much do AWS-certified professionals earn?
AWS certifications consistently rank among the top-paying IT credentials. Solutions Architect roles with AWS SAA or SAP certification typically earn $95K–$160K+ depending on experience and location. The combination of high demand and supply constraints keeps compensation elevated.
Do AWS certifications expire?
Yes. AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the current version of the same exam or a higher-level AWS exam before expiration.
Is hands-on AWS experience required to pass AWS exams?
It is not formally required, but it is practically necessary. AWS exams are scenario-based—they present architectural problems and ask which solution best addresses them. Candidates who have built things in AWS understand these scenarios at a level that purely theoretical study cannot replicate. Use the AWS free tier throughout your study period.
Related cert paths
Start with AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most in-demand cloud cert globally. Study path, exam details, free resources, and recommended courses—all in one place.
View AWS SAA guide