Course path · 4 to 8 weeks per exam
AWS certification path
Most people start with the Solutions Architect Associate exam: it covers the widest set of services and is the one job descriptions name most often. After that, pick the associate exam that matches your role, and go for a professional or specialty exam once you have run real workloads on AWS.
Step 1. Solutions Architect Associate
The usual first exam: core services, networking, IAM and cost.
Updated 3y agoAWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect is one of the most valuable and in-demand cloud certifications available.70h 6m5/5
Updated 9mo agoUltimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate 2026
Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate 2026 — refreshed for the latest exam: SAA-C03 topics plus new AI/ML and Bedrock content.27h 12m
Step 2. A second associate exam for your role
Developer for people who build on AWS, SysOps for people who run it.
Updated 1mo agoAWS Certified Developer - Associate
Adrian Cantrill's in-depth path to the AWS Developer Associate certification, covering secure architecture design and serverless basics.68h 8m3/5
Updated 3y agoAWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
The AWS Certified Sysops Administrator Associate is one of the most valuable and in-demand cloud certifications, part of the AWS Associate (All-3) series.
Step 3. Professional and specialty exams
Worth it once you have production experience to draw on.
Updated 3y agoAWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
Enhance your skills - become a professional level Solutions Architect and pass the AWS SA Pro Exam.5/5
Updated 3y agoAWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
Become an AWS Certified DevOps Engineer. Learn to design, implement, and manage DevOps solutions on AWS. Gain essential skills for high-demand cloud expertise.5/5
FreeUpdated 3y agoAWS Certified Security - Specialty
Pass the AWS Security – Specialty exam (SCS-C01). EARLY ACCESS - NOT FINISHED. PRODUCTION COMMENCED IN APRIL 2022 - ETA 2-3 MONTHS.39h 15m5/5
One plan opens every course on this path
Plans are paid once for 1, 3 or 6 months and never renew on their own. For 4 to 8 weeks per exam of study, one or three months is usually enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our platform
For most people, Solutions Architect Associate. Developers who mainly write code on AWS can start with Developer Associate instead. Cloud Practitioner is optional if you already work in tech.
Roughly 4 to 8 weeks per associate exam at one to two hours a day, including practice tests. Plan more time if you have never used AWS, and build at least one small project so the services feel familiar.
Check the release date on each course page and compare the exam code, for example SAA-C03, with the current exam guide on the AWS certification site before you start.
AWS does not require it, but the professional exams assume associate-level knowledge and real experience, so most people take an associate exam first.