Ready to take your first step into the exciting world of cloud computing? AWS certifications can be a game-changer, but which should you start with? Fear not! This blog is your compass for navigating the easiest paths to AWS certification success. If you’re new to the cloud and looking for a gentle introduction, a few AWS certifications are particularly beginner-friendly. We are going to help you explore the easiest AWS certifications to get you started, providing insights into their exam formats, study materials, and tips for success.
What are AWS Certifications?
AWS Certifications are industry-recognized credentials. Â Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers to validate an individual’s expertise in cloud computing technologies. These certifications demonstrate a professional’s ability to design, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure on the AWS platform. AWS offers a range of certifications at different levels, catering to beginners and experienced cloud professionals. The most common levels include:Â Â Â
- Foundational- These certifications validate a basic understanding of AWS concepts and services.
- Associate- These certifications demonstrate proficiency in specific AWS roles, such as cloud practitioner, developer, or sysops administrator.Â
- Professional-AWS offers several professional-level certifications that validate advanced skills and knowledge in specific areas of cloud computing.
- Specialty- These certifications focus on specialized areas like data analytics, machine learning, or security.
Engage with the finest recommendations: AWS Certifications Roadmap- Accelerate Your Cloud Career
Benefits of Availing of AWS Certifications
By investing in AWS certifications, individuals can unlock exciting career opportunities, while organizations can reap the benefits of a skilled workforce and a more efficient, secure, and innovative cloud environment. AWS certifications offer a multitude of benefits for both individuals and organizations. Here are some of the key advantages:
 Enhanced Career Prospects
 AWS certifications are globally recognized as a standard of excellence. AWS-certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations worldwide. The AWS Credential often leads to significant salary increases and It can open doors to senior roles and leadership positions.
Validated Expertise
Certifications demonstrate a deep understanding of AWS services and their practical applications. This validation boosts credibility and confidence, making certified individuals valuable assets to any organization.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Preparing for and obtaining certifications requires dedicated study and hands-on practice. This fosters continuous learning and keeps professionals up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies and best practices.
Personal and Professional Growth
Achieving AWS certifications can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. It showcases dedication, technical proficiency, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Competitive Advantage
Having AWS-certified professionals on the team gives organizations a competitive edge. It demonstrates a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and staying ahead of the curve in the cloud computing landscape.
Reduced Risk and Improved Security
AWS certifications emphasize security best practices. Certified professionals can help organizations implement robust security measures, minimizing the risk of data breaches and other security threats.
Access to Exclusive Resources
AWS offers various benefits to certified professionals, such as access to training materials, technical support, and exclusive events.Â
Discover the best picks: Benefits of getting IT Certifications in 2026
A Breakdown of All the AWS Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2026
1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
It is an entry-level AWS Certification that comes under the Foundational level. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a foundational-level certification that provides a broad overview of Amazon Web Services (AWS). This credential is designed to validate a basic understanding of core AWS concepts, services, security, pricing, and support.
↪ Exam Overview
Aspects | Details |
Category | Foundational |
Exam Code | CLF-C02 |
Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice or Multiple Response |
Total Questions | 65 Questions |15 unscored questions |
Languages Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Bahasa (Indonesian), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin America), French (France), German, Italian, and Portuguese (Brazil) |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Cloud Concepts | 24% |
Domain No.2 | Security and Compliance | 30% |
Domain No. 3 | Cloud Technology and Services | 34% |
Domain No. 4 | Billing, Pricing, and Support | 12% |
↪ Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites to avail of this credential. However, it is recommended to have a basic understanding of IT services and their uses.
↪ Training Resources
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner provides various options for their candidates to prepare in a better way. Some of the official resources are as follows;
↪ Job Roles
An individual who has availed of the AWS Cloud Practitioner credential will have various options to start their career, some of the job roles are as follows;Â
- Junior Programmer
- Junior Software Engineer
- Junior or Associate Data Scientist
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Salary depends on an individual’s work experience.
The entry-level AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner salary is $85,866 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $23,000 to $166,000 with $41 per hour in 2026.
Learn more about Ultimate Guide to AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification: Tips, Benefits, and Free Resources for 2026
2. AWS Certified AI Practitioner
The AWS Certified AI Practitioner is a relatively new certification designed to validate a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and generative AI concepts and use cases. This certification is ideal for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of AI and ML and their ability to apply these technologies to real-world problems using AWS services.
↪ Exam Details
Exam Details for AWS AI Practitioner Certification | |
Aspects | Details |
Category | Foundational |
Exam Code | AIF-C01 |
Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, Ordering, Matching, and Case Study |
Total Questions | 65 questions | 15 Unscored questions |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Simplified Chinese |
Passing Score | 700 |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Major Exam Domains
AWS AI Practitioner Exam Domains | |||||
Fundamentals of AI and ML | 20% | ||||
Fundamentals of Generative AI | 24% | Applications of Foundation Models | 28% | Guidelines for Responsible AI | 14% |
Security, Compliance, and Governance for AI Solutions | 14% | ||||
↪ Prerequisites
There are no such prerequisites required but it is recommended that an individual should have up to 6 months of exposure to AI/ML technologies on AWS. It is recommended that the candidates must have the following AWS knowledge;
- Knowledge regarding the core AWS services which include Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, and Amazon SageMaker and AWS core services use cases.Â
- Knowledge regarding the AWS shared responsibility model for security and compliance in the AWS CloudÂ
- Knowledge regarding AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for securing and controlling access to AWS resources
- Knowledge regarding the AWS global infrastructure, including the concepts of AWS Regions, Availability Zones, and edge locations
- Knowledge regarding AWS service pricing models
↪ Training Resources
Candidates availing of the AWS AI Practitioner certification are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
Dive deeper into: Pro Tips for Passing the AWS AI Practitioner Certification Exam In the First Go!
↪ Job Roles
An individual who has availed of the AWS AI Practitioner Certification can land upto various job opportunities. Some of the job roles are as follows;Â
- Business Analyst
- IT support
- Marketing Professional
- Product or Project ManagerÂ
- Line of Business
- IT ManagerÂ
- Sales Professionals
↪ Salary Prospects
The salary of a Certified AWS AI Practitioner ranges from $110,000 to $220,000 per year in the United States. However, the cost may vary depending on the regions, locations, and other factors.
Discover insights on AWS AI Practioner Salary: How Much Can You Earn In 2026?
3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is an entry-level certification that validates your ability to design and deploy scalable and highly available applications on the AWS platform. This certification is ideal for individuals with a basic understanding of cloud computing concepts and who are looking to gain expertise in designing and implementing solutions on AWS.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Associate |
Exam Code | SAA-C03 |
Exam Duration | 130 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice or Multiple Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 questions | 15 unscored questions |
Passing Score | 720 |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Design Secure Architectures | 30% |
Domain No. 2 | Design Resilient Architectures | 26% |
Domain No. 3 | Design High-Performing Architectures | 24% |
Domain No. 4 | Design Cost-Optimized Architectures | 20% |
↪ Prerequisites
It is recommended to have prior hands-on experience of one year in designing cloud solutions. In case one does not have experience in the IT field it is recommended to earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates availing of the AWS Solutions Architect certification are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
↪ Job Roles
After pursuing the AWS Solutions Architect Credential, an individual will have various paths following job roles. Some of them are as follows;Â
- Software EngineerÂ
- Senior Software EngineerÂ
- Development Operations (DevOps) EngineerÂ
- Data Engineer
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Salary is $136,232 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $21,000 to $177,500 with $65 per hour in 2026.Â
Explore further: AWS Cloud Architect Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification is designed to validate an individual’s ability to deploy, manage, and operate scalable and fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform. This certification is ideal for individuals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of AWS systems, including system administrators, DevOps engineers, and cloud operations engineers.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Associate |
Exam Code | SOA-C02 |
Exam Duration | 130 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 720 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation | 20% |
Domain No. 2 | Reliability and Business Continuity | 16% |
Domain No. 3 | Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation | 18% |
Domain No. 4 | Security and Compliance | 16% |
Domain No. 5 | Networking and Content Delivery | 18% |
Domain No. 6 | Cost and Performance Optimization | 12% |
↪ Prerequisites
It is recommended to have one year of experience with deployment, management, networking, and security on AWS.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates availing of the AWS SysOps Administrator certification are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS SysOps Administrator Credential, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows;Â
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Systems Engineer, IT
- Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator’s Salary is $112,422 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $23,500 to $161,000 with $54 per hour in 2026.Â
Discover insights on Mastering the AWS SysOps Administrator Certification: Tips and Insights
5. AWS Certified Developer - Associate
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification validates a developer’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and debug applications on the AWS platform. This certification demonstrates proficiency in using core AWS services, such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and DynamoDB, to build scalable and resilient applications. Additionally, it covers best practices for security, performance optimization, and cost-efficiency in AWS environments.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Associate |
Exam Code | DVA-C02 |
Exam Duration | 130 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 720 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America). |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Developer Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Development with AWS Services | 32% |
Domain No.2 | Security | 26% |
Domain No. 3 | Deployment | 24% |
Domain No. 4 | Troubleshooting and Optimization | 18% |
↪ Prerequisites
It is recommended to have one or more years of prior hands-on experience is recommended in developing and maintaining applications by using AWS services.
↪ Training Resource
Candidates availing of the AWS Developer certification are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Developer certification, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows;
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Full Stack Software Developer
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
- Cloud Solutions Architect
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Developer Certified Salary is $112,422 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $23,500 to $161,000 with $54 per hour in 2026.Â
Discover insights on What’s new in the AWS DVA-C02 Certified Developer- Associate Certification Exam- 2026
6. AWS Certified Data Engineer- Associate
The AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate certification validates a data engineer’s ability to design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines on the AWS platform. This certification is ideal for individuals with practical experience in data engineering concepts and a solid understanding of AWS data services. Successful candidates will demonstrate their ability to ingest, transform, and analyze large datasets using AWS services such as AWS Glue, AWS EMR, AWS Lambda, and Amazon Kinesis. Additionally, they will possess the skills to optimize data pipelines for performance and cost-efficiency, ensure data quality and security, and troubleshoot common data engineering challenges.
↪ Exam Overview
Aspects | Details |
Category | Associate |
Exam Code | DEA-C01 |
Exam Duration | 130 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 720 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Data Engineer Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Data Ingestion and Transformation | 34% |
Domain No.2 | Data Store Management | 26% |
Domain No. 3 | Data Operations and Support | 22% |
Domain No. 4 | Data Security and Governance | 18% |
↪ Prerequisites
Candidates who are thinking of pursuing the AWS Data Engineer – Associate credential must have 2-3 years of experience in data engineering or data architecture and a minimum of 1-2 years of hands-on experience with AWS services.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates availing of the AWS Data Engineer – Associate credential are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Data Engineer – Associate credential, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows
- Senior Data Engineer
- Lead Software Engineer
- Software Engineering Manager
- Data Science Manager
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Data Engineer Certified Salary is $129,716 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $44,500 to $177,500 with $62 per hour in 2026.Â
Dive deeper into: The Complete Path To The New AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate Certification
7. AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer- Associate
The AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate is a role-based certification designed to validate the technical skills of machine learning engineers and MLOps engineers. This certification focuses on the practical implementation and operationalization of machine learning workloads on the AWS platform.
By obtaining this certification, individuals can showcase their ability to build, deploy, and manage robust machine learning solutions on AWS, making them valuable assets to organizations looking to leverage the power of AI and machine learning.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Associate |
Exam Code | MLA-C01 |
Exam Duration | 130 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice, Multi Response, Ordering, Matching and Case Study |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 720 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Machine Learning Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Data Engineering | 20% |
Domain No.2 | Exploratory Data Analysis | 24% |
Domain No. 3 | Modeling | 36% |
Domain No. 4 | Machine Learning Implementation and Operations | 20% |
↪ Prerequisites
Individuals who are thinking of pursuing the AWS Machine Learning Engineer Credential must have at least 1 year of experience using Amazon SageMaker and other ML engineering AWS services.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates availing of the AWS Machine Learning Engineer Credential are provided with various official training resources that are as follows;Â
- 4-step Plan
- Exam Guide
- Digital Courses
- AWS Builder Labs
- Exam Prep Courses
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Machine Learning Engineer Credential, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows:
- DevOps Engineer
- MLOps Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Software Developer
↪ Salary Prospects
The average salary of an AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate is $93,594 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $47,003 to $149,503 with $45 per hour in 2026.Â
Learn more about Exploring Salary Trends and Career Worth of AWS Machine Learning Engineer Associate Certification
8. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification validates advanced technical expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform. This credential recognizes individuals who can implement and manage continuous delivery systems on AWS, demonstrating proficiency in DevOps practices, automation tools, and AWS services. This certification signifies a deep understanding of AWS architecture, security, and operational best practices, making certified professionals highly sought-after in the industry.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Professional |
Exam Code | DOP-C02 |
Exam Duration | 180 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 75 Questions | 10 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 750 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | SDLC Automation | 22% |
Domain No.2 | Configuration Management and IaC | 17% |
Domain No. 3 | Resilient Cloud Solutions | 15% |
Domain No. 4 | Monitoring and Logging | 15% |
Domain No. 5 | ncident and Event Response | 14% |
Domain No. 6 | Security and Compliance | 17% |
↪ Prerequisites
It is important to have 2 or more years of experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments. It is also recommended to have experience with the software development lifecycle and programming and/or scripting. Other than this general IT knowledge and experience is recommended.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates who are seeking to pursue this credential will have various resources that can help them with their certification exam. Some of the resources are as follows;Â
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Developer certification, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows;
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Senior Software Engineer
- Development OperationsÂ
- Systems Administrators
↪ Salary Prospects
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Salary is $125,908 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $34,000 to $179,500 with $61 per hour in 2026.Â
Dive deeper into A Complete Exam Guide to the New AWS DevOps Professional (DOP-C02)
9. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification validates advanced knowledge and skills in designing and deploying complex applications and systems on AWS. It demonstrates the ability to optimize security, cost, and performance, as well as automate manual processes. This certification is highly valued by employers and helps individuals showcase their expertise in providing complex solutions to complex problems on the AWS platform.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Professional |
Exam Code | SAP-C02 |
Exam Duration | 180 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 75 Questions | 10 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 750 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America). |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity | 26% |
Domain No.2 | Design for New Solutions | 29% |
Domain No. 3 | Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions | 25% |
Domain No. 4 | Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization | 20% |
↪ Prerequisites
An individual needs to have 2 or more years of experience in using AWS services to design and implement cloud solutions for availing of this credential.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates who are seeking to pursue this credential will have various resources that can help them with their certification exam. Some of the resources are as follows;Â
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Solutions Architect credential, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows:
- Lead Software Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Principal Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Software Architect
↪ Salary Prospects
The average salary of AWS Solutions Architects certified is $136,232 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $21,000 to $177,500 with $65 per hour in 2026.
10. AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification validates expertise in designing, implementing, managing, and securing complex AWS and hybrid network architectures. It targets individuals with significant hands-on experience in architecting and implementing network solutions, requiring a deep understanding of networking concepts, AWS networking services, and advanced networking architectures.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Specialty |
Exam Code | ANS-C01 |
Exam Duration | 170 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 750 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Advanced Networking Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Network Design | 30% |
Domain No.2 | Network Implementation | 26% |
Domain No. 3 | Network Management and Operation | 20% |
Domain No. 4 | Network Security, Compliance, and Governance | 24% |
↪ Prerequisites
An individual thinking of pursuing the AWS Advanced Networking Certification should have five years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing network solutions.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates who are seeking to pursue this credential will have various resources that can help them with their certification exam. Some of the resources are as follows;Â
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Advanced Networking Certification, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows;
- AWS Network EngineerÂ
- Systems Network AdministratorÂ
- AWS Principal Network Engineer
- Senior Network Security Specialist
↪ Salary Prospects
The average salary of AWS Certified Advanced Networking is $84,634 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $23,540 to $186,782 with $41 per hour in 2026.Â
Engage with the finest recommendations: AWS Advanced Network Certification: 5 Informal Ways to Get Certified
11. AWS Certified Security - Specialty
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates your expertise in creating and implementing security solutions in the AWS Cloud. It demonstrates your understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms, data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them, and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms to implement them. This certification is ideal for experienced IT security professionals with hands-on experience securing AWS workloads.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Specialty |
Exam Code | SCS-C02 |
Exam Duration | 170 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 750 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, and Spanish (Latin America). |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Security Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Threat Detection and Incident Response | 14% |
Domain No.2 | Security Logging and Monitoring | 18% |
Domain No. 3 | Infrastructure Security | 20% |
Domain No. 4 | Identity and Access Management | 16% |
Domain No. 5 | Data Protection | 18% |
Domain No. 6 | Management and Security Governance | 14% |
↪ Prerequisites
Candidates should have five years of IT security experience in designing and implementing security solutions and two or more years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads to avail of the AWS Certified Security.
↪ Training Resources
Candidates who are seeking to pursue this credential will have various resources that can help them with their certification exam. Some of the resources are as follows;
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Certified Security, one can pursue the following job roles that are as follows;
- Cyber Security
- IT Security & Infrastructure
- Security Testing and Auditing
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
↪ Salary Prospects
The average salary of an AWS Security Specialist is $78,708 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $31,500 to $132,500 with $38 per hour in 2026.
12. AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty
The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification validates advanced skills in building, training, tuning, and deploying machine learning (ML) models on AWS. This certification is designed for individuals with 2+ years of experience in ML/deep learning workloads on AWS, who have a deep understanding of ML algorithms, AWS ML services, and practical experience with data science and ML projects.
↪ Exam Details
Aspects | Details |
Category | Specialty |
Exam Code | MLS-C01 |
Exam Duration | 180 Minutes |
Exam Format | Multiple Choice and Multi Response |
Total No. of Questions | 65 Questions | 15 Unscored Questions |
Passing Score | 750 |
Language Offered | English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. |
Test in-person or online | Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam |
↪ Exam Domains
AWS Certified Machine Learning Exam Domains Along with their Weightage | ||
Domain No. | Domains | Weightage |
Domain No. 1 | Data Engineering | 20% |
Domain No.2 | Exploratory Data Analysis | 24% |
Domain No. 3 | Modeling | 36% |
Domain No. 4 | Machine Learning Implementation and Operations | 20% |
↪ Prerequisites
Candidates pursuing the AWS Certified Machine Learning Certification should have the following experience and knowledge;
- At least two years of hands-on experience developing, architecting, and running ML or deep learning workloads in the AWS Cloud
- Experience with ML and deep learning frameworks
- Ability to follow model training, deployment, and operational best practices
- Experience performing basic hyperparameter optimization
- Ability to express the intuition behind basic ML algorithms
↪ Training Resources
Candidates who are pursuing the AWS Certified Machine Learning Certification are provided with the following training resources;
↪ Job Roles
After availing of the AWS Certified Machine Learning Certification, there are various job roles that an individual can pursue. Some of them are as follows;Â
- Data ScientistÂ
- Senior Machine Learning EngineerÂ
- Junior Machine Learning EngineerÂ
- Data Engineer
↪ Salary Prospects
The average salary of an AWS-certified machine learning is $145,725 per year in the United States. However, it ranges from $21,000 to $199,500 with $70 per hour in 2026.
Read more: Why to Endeavor AWS Machine Learning Specialty Certification
AWS Certifications Cost
As previously mentioned, AWS certifications are classified into four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. The  AWS certifications Cost can differ based on their specific levels which are discussed below.
Levels | USD |
Foundational | $100 |
Associate | $150 |
Professional | $300 |
Specialty | $300 |
Choosing the Right Certification
Choosing the right AWS certification depends on your current skill level, career goals, and specific AWS expertise. For beginners, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a great starting point. If you’re looking to specialize, consider the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate for a broad overview, or the AWS Certified Developer – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate for more focused roles. For advanced professionals, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional validate deep expertise. Specialty certifications like AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty and AWS Certified Security – Specialty cater to specific niche areas. Ultimately, the best certification path aligns with your individual needs and aspirations within the AWS pathways.
Explore the highest-ranked selection: AWS certifications leading you to 9 great job positions in 2026
Verdict: Easiest AWS Certification
While there’s no definitive “easiest” AWS certification, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner stands out as the most accessible entry point into AWS. This foundational certification provides a broad overview of AWS services, security principles, and pricing models. It’s ideal for both technical and non-technical professionals who want to gain a solid understanding of the AWS Cloud. The easiest certification depends on your background and learning style. Regardless of your chosen path, investing in AWS certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects in the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape.
However, as you progress in your AWS journey, you may find yourself drawn to more specialized certifications like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer. These certifications delve deeper into specific technical skills and can significantly enhance your career prospects in cloud computing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Which AWS certification is hard?
AWS Specialty Level exams are the toughest among all the AWS certifications. These certifications require a higher level of specialized knowledge and experience to pass them.
Which is easy, AWS developer or architect?
Both of the certifications imply a prominent focus on skills for the development, deployment, and management of cloud-based applications. However, the AWS Developer certification shows higher complexity in comparison to the AWS Solution Architect certification.
Is AWS certification harder than Azure?
There is no definite answer because the technicality of both niches depends on various backgrounds, resources, and career goals.
How many years is AWS certification valid?
The AWS Certifications are Valid for 3 years. However, you can go for recertification.
Who gets paid more Azure or AWS?
Azure-certified individuals are typically sought for positions like Cloud Architects, Administrators, and Developers. In terms of salary, AWS-certified professionals can expect a slightly higher pay scale due to the broader usage and adoption of AWS services.
Which is the authentic website to provide authentic dumps for AWS certifications?
Edurely is one of the most reliable and authentic websites through which one can purchase dumps.Â
Who is eligible for the AWS certificate?
AWS Certification can be done by any IT professional (beginner or experienced) looking to give their career a jump or change their field.
