In today’s cloud-dominated IT environment, professionals and organizations are rapidly shifting towards Amazon Web Services (AWS) to harness scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. With this widespread adoption comes a growing demand for professionals who can design, deploy, and manage AWS environments efficiently. This is where AWS certifications come into play. An AWS certification validates your cloud expertise and demonstrates your ability to handle real-world, high-impact scenarios in an AWS environment. Whether you’re a cloud newbie or a seasoned IT professional, AWS certifications can elevate your career, open doors to new job roles, and increase your earning potential.
So, who should pursue AWS certification? If you’re a?
- System Administrator or DevOps Engineer
- Developer or Software Architect
- Data Engineer or Security Specialist
- IT student or career changer looking to enter the cloud field
Then AWS certification is a strategic move for your professional development
AWS Certification Learning Path 2025
So if you are starting your career, it is important to have clarity with reference to the career path.
Choose the Right AWS Certification Path
Amazon Web Services offers various levels of certifications
The AWS certification program is structured across four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Each level caters to different skill sets, roles, and experience levels.
Foundational (Beginner Level):
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – Aimed at individuals who want a basic understanding of AWS cloud concepts, services, pricing, and support. Perfect for sales, marketing, and non-technical roles.
Associate Level (Intermediate)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – Ideal for those designing distributed systems.
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate – Best for developers with experience in AWS services and application debugging.
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate – Focuses on managing and deploying systems on AWS.
Professional Level (Advanced)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional – Designed for experienced architects managing complex AWS environments.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional – Best for advanced DevOps professionals.
Specialty Certifications (Expert-Level)
- Includes certifications in Security, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Advanced Networking, and SAP on AWS.
AWS Active Exam List
Below is the list of AWS active exams with updated course outlines:
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Domain 1: Cloud Concepts 26% Domain 2: Security and Compliance 25% Domain 3: Technology 33% Domain 4: Billing and Pricing 16% New CLF-C02 Course Outline: Domain 1: Cloud Concepts 24% Domain 2: Security and Compliance 30% Domain 3: Cloud Technology and Services 34% Domain 4: Billing, Pricing, and Support 12% |
| AWS Certified AI Practitioner | (AIF-C01): Domain 1: Fundamentals of AI and ML (20%) Domain 2: Fundamentals of Generative AI (24%) Domain 3: Applications of Foundation Models (28%) Domain 4: Guidelines for Responsible AI (14%) Domain 5: Security, Compliance, and Governance for AI Solutions (14%) |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate | (MLA-C01): Domain 1: Data Preparation for Machine Learning (ML) (28%) Domain 2: ML Model Development (26% ) Domain 3: Deployment and Orchestration of ML Workflows (22%) Domain 4: ML Solution Monitoring, Maintenance, and Security (24%) |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Domain 1: Design Secure Architectures 30% Domain 2: Design Resilient Architectures 26% Domain 3: Design High-Performing Architectures 24% Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures 20% |
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate | Domain 1: Development with AWS Services 32% Domain 2: Security 26% Domain 3: Deployment 24% Domain 4: Troubleshooting and Optimization 18% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate | Domain 1: Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation 20% Domain 2: Reliability and Business Continuity 16% Domain 3: Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation 18% Domain 4: Security and Compliance 16% Domain 5: Networking and Content Delivery 18% Domain 6: Cost and Performance Optimization 12% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | Domain 1: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity 26% Domain 2: Design for New Solutions 29% Domain 3: Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions 25% Domain 4: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional | Domain 1: SDLC Automation 22% Domain 2: Configuration Management and IaC 17% Domain 3: Resilient Cloud Solutions 15% Domain 4: Monitoring and Logging 15% Domain 5: Incident and Event Response 14% Domain 6: Security and Compliance 17% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty | Domain 1: Network Design 30% Domain 2: Network Implementation 26% Domain 3: Network Management and Operation 20% Domain 4: Network Security, Compliance, and Governance 24% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty | Domain 1: Data Engineering 20% Domain 2: Exploratory Data Analysis 24% Domain 3: Modeling 36% Domain 4: Machine Learning Implementation and Operations 20% |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | Previous SCS-C01: Module 1 – Incident Response and its Application (12%) Module 2 – Process of Logging and Monitoring (20%) Module 3 – Infrastructure Security (26%) Module 4 – Identity and Access Management (20%) Module 5 – Data Protection Techniques (22%) New SCS-C02: Domain 1: Threat Detection and Incident Response 14% Domain 2: Security Logging and Monitoring 18% Domain 3: Infrastructure Security 20% Domain 4: Identity and Access Management 16% Domain 5: Data Protection 18% Domain 6: Management and Security Governance 14% |
Understand the Exam Blueprint and Use Official Learning Resources
Each AWS exam has a published Exam Guide or blueprint, outlining:
- Domains (major topic areas)
- Weightage (percentage of each domain)
- Task statements and learning objectives
Studying the exam blueprint helps you:
- Focus your learning
- Create a study plan
- Align your practical skills with theoretical knowledge
Download the official AWS exam guide from the AWS Certification website.
AWS offers a range of free and paid training resources to help you prepare:
- AWS Skill Builder – AWS’s official training platform. Start with free courses, then explore paid subscriptions for advanced labs and practice.
- AWS Whitepapers & FAQs – Covers architectural best practices, security, migration, and cost optimization. Vital for deep understanding.
- AWS Learning Plans – Role-based guides tailored to specific certification tracks.
These official materials ensure that your preparation is aligned with AWS’s exam standards.
Practice with Hands-On Labs and Practice Exams
AWS is a hands-on platform, so practice is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- AWS Free Tier – Create an account to explore core services like EC2, S3, and RDS at no cost.
- Qwiklabs – Guided labs that simulate real-world scenarios. Great for building confidence.
- Cloud Academy – Offers a blend of labs, videos, and exams.
- Testprep Training – Offers real-time practice exams and online courses
Register for the Exam
Once you feel prepared:
- Create an account at the AWS Certification Portal.
- Choose between Pearson VUE and PSI for test delivery.
- Opt for an in-person center or an online proctored exam.
Have a quiet space, valid ID, and good internet if you’re testing online. Read AWS’s exam rules and policies in advance.
After the Exam – What’s Next?
After submitting your test:
- You’ll receive a pass/fail notification almost instantly.
- Your AWS digital badge and certificate will be available within 5 business days.
- You can share them on LinkedIn, your resume, and digital portfolios.
Showcasing your achievement can help you get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
Career Benefits and Continuing Your AWS Journey
AWS-certified professionals are in demand across industries. Some perks include:
- Higher salaries (certified professionals can earn 20-30% more)
- Increased job opportunities
- Greater confidence in interviews and real-world projects
Don’t stop at one certification. AWS recommends renewing every 3 years and continuing your learning with advanced or specialty certifications to stay ahead in your career. AWS certifications offer a structured path to mastering the cloud. By choosing the right certification, using the right resources, and practicing consistently, you can confidently pass your exam and unlock new career opportunities in cloud computing. Start your journey today, and remember — every cloud expert was once a beginner who took the first step.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS/DOUBTS
Which is the most popular certification to begin ?
If you are serious about get into this field then go directly to the Associate certification. AWS Solution Architect Associate is considered the most popular AWS certification. It gives a a good understanding of the platform.
Can I go directly to the professional or a specialty certification?
No, you shouldn’t and you can’t move directly to the professional or specialty level. It is important to clear the associate level as a prerequisite
Also it is very important to have an in-depth about the subject and it becomes all the more difficult to fill the gap between associate and professional certification exam.
What are the various sources to prepare and pass the AWS solution architecture exam?
It is suggested to use a professional and comprehensive video training. This is considered as the fastest way to learn and evaluate. You can also use a soft or hard copy material of the official certification guide to prepare (suggested to use atleast 2-3 sources to prepare). Remember only going through the course content does not guarantee clearing the exam. However, it is also suggested to refer sources for practicing to have a glimpse of your actual preparation. I think one of the reasons for candidates to fail in the first attempt is because of lack of proper preparation and practice.
