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Which AWS Certification Should You Take First? A Decision Guide

Updated October 2026 · 2 min read · Based on official AWS documentation

Quick answer

Start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner if you have no prior IT or cloud experience, or with AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate if you already have AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience. Specialty certifications fit when you want deep expertise in one area.

Match your background to a first certification

Choosing a first AWS certification
Your situationGood first targetWhat AWS says
No prior IT or cloud experienceAWS Certified Cloud PractitionerA good starting point on the AWS Certification journey for individuals with no prior IT or cloud experience.
AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experienceAWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAn ideal starting point for candidates with AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience.
Curious about AI, ML and generative AI conceptsAWS Certified AI PractitionerFoundational level: validates knowledge of AI, ML and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Business role, no technical backgroundBusiness certificationsValidate strategic expertise in applying cloud and AI to business outcomes. No technical experience is needed.
Hands-on role in data, ML, development or operationsRole-based Associate certificationsAWS lists Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, CloudOps Engineer and Developer at the Associate level.

Source: aws.amazon.com/certification/

How much experience does AWS recommend?

AWS says the best preparation is practical experience. For Foundational, Associate, Professional and Specialty certifications it recommends a minimum of six months to two years of hands-on experience with AWS, depending on the level. For Business certifications it recommends at least six months of professional experience working with, or alongside, teams adopting the technology.

The Professional level, per AWS, is for people who master advanced AWS architecture and solutions and requires 2+ years of AWS experience.

An example path (our suggestion)

This is an editorial example, not an official AWS path:

  1. Foundational to learn the vocabulary and core services.
  2. Associate in the role that matches your job: architecture, development, data, ML or operations.
  3. Professional or Specialty when you want advanced architecture or deep expertise in one area.

Where does Security Specialty fit?

AWS Certified Security – Specialty sits at the Specialty level. AWS describes the target candidate as having the equivalent of 3–5 years of experience securing cloud solutions. Read the SCS-C03 exam guide for format, scoring and domains, or practice for free.

Costs and renewal

Frequently asked questions

Which AWS certification is best for beginners?

AWS describes Cloud Practitioner as a good starting point for individuals with no prior IT or cloud experience.

Which AWS certification should I take with some AWS experience?

AWS describes Solutions Architect – Associate as an ideal starting point for candidates with AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience.

How much hands-on experience do I need?

AWS recommends a minimum of six months to two years of hands-on AWS experience for Foundational, Associate, Professional and Specialty certifications, depending on the level.

How long is an AWS certification valid?

Three years, after which you recertify.

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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