Certifications
AWS Certification Renewal: How Long It Lasts and How to Recertify
Every AWS certification is valid for three years. To keep it, you recertify before it expires: for most certifications you pass the latest version of the exam, and many can also be maintained through AWS Skill Builder for one more year.
How long is an AWS certification valid?
AWS requires you to update your certification, or recertify, every three years. Recertification shows employers and peers that your credential covers current AWS knowledge, skills and best practices.
Renew vs maintain: what is the difference?
| Action | Extends validity by | What AWS requires |
|---|---|---|
| Renew | 3 years | The certification must be active. You renew through one of the options listed for your exam, such as passing the latest version of the exam. |
| Maintain | 1 year | The certification must be active, within 90 days of expiration, with an active AWS Skill Builder subscription (Monthly, Annual or Team). |
Source: aws.amazon.com/certification/recertification/
Recertification options for popular exams
| Certification | Options listed by AWS |
|---|---|
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Complete the AWS Cloud Quest: Recertify Cloud Practitioner game-based training (no exam), pass the latest version of the exam, or pass any Associate-level or Professional-level exam. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Pass the latest version of the exam, pass AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, or maintain on AWS Skill Builder. |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | Pass the latest version of the exam, or maintain on AWS Skill Builder. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | Pass the latest version of the exam, or maintain on AWS Skill Builder. |
Source: aws.amazon.com/certification/recertification/
Cloud Practitioner holders become eligible for the Cloud Quest option when the certification is due to expire within 6 months. The option extends validity by 3 years. For the exact options of any other exam, see the tables on the official recertification page.
Use your 50% voucher
When you recertify or upgrade, AWS gives you a 50% discount voucher for additional exams. You find it in the Benefits section of your AWS Certification Account, and it can be used for recertification or for any future exam.
Prices by level are in our AWS certification cost guide.
Plan your renewal
- Note your expiry date as soon as you pass, and set a reminder well before it. Renewing requires an active certification.
- If your exam has a new version, study the current exam guide rather than old notes. For example, Security Specialty moved from SCS-C02 to SCS-C03: see what changed between SCS-C02 and SCS-C03.
- Use practice tests a few weeks before the exam so you are not studying from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an AWS certification valid?
Three years. You must update your certification, or recertify, every three years.
Can I renew an AWS certification by passing a higher-level exam?
In many cases, yes. For example, AWS lists passing Solutions Architect – Professional as a renewal option for Solutions Architect – Associate, and any Associate or Professional exam for Cloud Practitioner. Check the official table for your exam.
How do I maintain a certification for one more year?
You need an active certification within 90 days of its expiration and an active AWS Skill Builder subscription (Monthly, Annual or Team). Maintaining adds one year of validity.
Where do I find the 50% recertification voucher?
In the Benefits section of your AWS Certification Account.
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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