Certifications
How Much Does an AWS Certification Cost? Exam Prices by Level
AWS exam prices depend on the level: Business and Foundational exams cost 100 USD, Associate exams 150 USD, and Professional and Specialty exams 300 USD. Taxes may apply, and you pay the full fee again for every retake.
AWS exam prices by level
AWS sets one price per certification level. This is the list price published in the AWS Certification FAQs:
| Level | Exam price (USD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Business | 100 | AWS Certified AI Business Strategist (beta exam) |
| Foundational | 100 | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified AI Practitioner |
| Associate | 150 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Developer – Associate, Data Engineer – Associate |
| Professional | 300 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, DevOps Engineer – Professional |
| Specialty | 300 | AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C03) |
Source: aws.amazon.com/certification/faqs/
Not sure which level fits you? Read AWS certification levels explained or the decision guide for your first certification.
What else affects the price?
- Taxes. Taxes such as VAT may apply on top of the list price.
- Local currency. AWS also offers local-currency prices in Australian dollars, euros, Korean won and Japanese yen.
- Annual update. Exam prices are updated each April to reflect foreign exchange rates for those currencies. Always check the published exam prices before you pay.
Does a retake cost extra?
Yes. If you fail, you must wait 14 calendar days and pay the full registration fee for each new attempt. There is no limit on the number of attempts. See the AWS exam retake policy for the details.
Ways to pay less
- 50% discount voucher. AWS gives a 50% discount on additional exams when you recertify or upgrade. The voucher is in the Benefits section of your AWS Certification Account and can be used for recertification or any future exam.
- Vouchers apply at purchase. A voucher meant to cover 50% of an exam is valid for 50% off the exam price at the time of purchase.
- Renewal options. Some certifications can be maintained through AWS Skill Builder instead of retaking the exam. See how to renew an AWS certification.
Practice before you pay
A realistic practice run tells you whether you are ready. Try a free practice test for AWS Certified Security – Specialty, review every mistake, and let spaced repetition bring the hard questions back before exam day.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam?
Foundational-level exams, including AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, cost 100 USD.
How much is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam?
Associate-level exams cost 150 USD, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an Associate-level exam.
How much is the AWS Security Specialty exam?
Specialty exams cost 300 USD, the same price as Professional-level exams.
Is the AWS exam price the same in every country?
AWS lists prices in USD and also offers local-currency prices in Australian dollars, euros, Korean won and Japanese yen. Taxes such as VAT may apply, so check the published price for your location.
Sources
AWS updates its programs and documentation. Check the linked official pages for the latest details before you decide or pay.
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