Key Takeaways:
- Tiered Pricing: AWS certification costs range from $100 to $300, with fees directly tied to the certification level. Foundational exams are the most affordable, while Professional and Specialty exams are the most expensive.
- Beyond the Exam Fee: AWS certification costs include practice exams, study materials, and potential retake fees. Key ways to save money are to use a 50% discount voucher and opt for cost-effective training.
- Investment in Career: The AWS certification price is a small investment when compared to the significant return in salary increases, job opportunities, and long-term career growth that the credential enables.
The path to AWS certification is one of the clearest ways to advance your cloud career—whether you’re launching your first EC2 instance or designing resilient, multi-account infrastructures. But before tackling blueprints and best practices, you need to answer a simple question: what’s the real AWS certification price, and what extra costs should you plan for to ensure a first-attempt pass?
At Dion Training, we’ve helped millions of learners succeed with structured courses, bite-sized lessons, industry-leading practice exams, and labs that build real-world skills. With pass rates as high as 94% and a 100% Pass Guarantee, our students are more likely to clear exams on the first try.
This guide breaks down exam fees across foundational, associate, professional, and specialty tracks while highlighting hidden expenses like retakes, labs, and prep resources.
AWS Certification Price: What You Need To Know
If you’re preparing to sit for an AWS exam, one of the first things you’ll want clarity on is the AWS certification price. Understanding the cost of AWS certification upfront helps you budget, compare options, and plan your career more effectively. Exam fees vary depending on the certification level, entry-level exams like the Cloud Practitioner are priced lower, while professional and specialty exams carry a higher AWS exam fee. Resources like the AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice Exam can also help you prepare without overspending.
On average, the AWS certification cost ranges between $100 and $300 per attempt, with each exam reflecting the complexity and career value of the credential. For professionals mapping out multiple certifications, having a clear AWS cert price list is essential to avoid surprises and manage costs.
Breaking Down The Cost Of AWS Certification Exams
When looking at the AWS certification cost, it’s essential to recognize that Amazon Web Services structures exam fees based on certification level. This tiered system reflects the depth of knowledge and experience required for each credential. Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
Foundational Level
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS exam fee: $100
- Best for newcomers to cloud computing who want a broad overview without diving into technical details.
Associate Level
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
- AWS exam fee: $150 each
- These certifications focus on hands-on technical skills and are often the first serious step in building a cloud career.
Professional Level
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
- AWS exam fee: $300 each
- Professional exams are more advanced, testing complex architectural design, deployment strategies, and operational scaling.
Specialty Certifications
- Examples include AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Machine Learning, Security, and others.
- AWS exam fee: $300 each
- Specialty credentials allow professionals to demonstrate niche expertise that can set them apart in competitive markets.
Additional Considerations
- Practice Exams & Retakes: Retaking an AWS exam requires paying the full fee again, which can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
- Beta Exams: Occasionally, AWS offers beta versions of new exams at a reduced price (often $75), though seating is limited.
- Currency Differences: Fees are set in USD but may vary slightly depending on local testing centers and exchange rates.
- Training Costs: While AWS sets exam fees, preparation resources, from study guides to training courses, add to your total AWS certification cost.
Why This Matters
Knowing the AWS cert price list upfront helps you map out not only your learning journey but also your financial investment. With exams ranging from $100 to $300, professionals pursuing multiple certifications should budget strategically. Partnering with a provider like Dion Training, which is known for its high pass rates and best-in-class practice exams, can dramatically reduce the likelihood of paying twice for the same credential.
What Your AWS Exam Fee Includes
You’re not just paying to sit in front of a computer and answer questions. Each fee covers a range of services and resources that ensure your certification process is standardized, secure, and valuable. Here’s what’s built into the AWS certification cost:
Access To The Official AWS Exam
Your AWS certification price covers one full attempt at the exam of your choice, whether foundational, associate, professional, or specialty. This fee grants access to the secure testing platform online or in person at an authorized testing center. For example, those preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam will have full access to the exam platform included in the cost.
Proctoring And Test Security
The AWS exam fee includes professional proctoring to ensure exam integrity. Depending on your option, this may involve a live remote proctor or an on-site Pearson VUE testing facility administrator.
Scoring And Digital Badges
When you pay the AWS certification cost, you also gain access to detailed scoring reports once you’ve completed the test. Successful candidates receive an official digital badge from AWS, which can be displayed on LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles.
Certification Validity Period
Your AWS credential is valid for three years, and the AWS cert price list reflects that long-term value. Once certified, you’ll maintain recognition as an AWS professional throughout this period before renewal is required.
Retake Policy Considerations
It’s important to note that each exam fee only covers a single attempt. If you fail, you’ll need to pay the AWS exam fee again for a retake, which makes preparation critical to keeping costs manageable.
AWS Certification Cost vs. Career Value
When weighing the cost of AWS certification, it’s important to view the expense not just as an exam fee but as an investment in your career. While exams range from $100 to $300, the return on that investment can be substantial in both immediate and long-term value.
Exam Fees At A Glance
Associate-level exams typically cost less than professional and specialty tracks, with retakes and beta offerings affecting your total outlay. When estimating your budget, factor in practice tests and labs; the real number is the exam price plus your prep stack.
Salary Uplift And Role Mobility
Certified candidates see faster access to cloud engineer, solutions architect, and DevOps roles, with compensation bands that often outpace non-certified peers. The credential signals verified expertise to hiring managers and shortens the path to senior tracks. Specialized tracks like the AWS Cloud Security Certification are especially valuable for security-focused career paths.
Roi Timeline
Most professionals recoup exam and study costs within a few months through role changes, promotions, or contract rates. The biggest dividends come when you pair certification with hands-on projects that map directly to employer needs.
Market Signal And Credibility
AWS credentials function as a standardized shorthand for cloud proficiency across regions and industries. In hiring pipelines filtered by automation, the badge gets you past the first gate and into technical conversations that showcase your depth. Employers often look for multiple AWS Security Certifications to confirm a candidate’s depth in protecting cloud environments.
Long-Term Career Compounding
Each certification unlocks more complex workloads, security, data, and architecture, compounding your value across projects. As AWS services evolve, maintaining credentials keeps your skill set aligned with the stack enterprises actually deploy. For professionals focusing on defensive roles, earning an AWS Cyber Security Certification can build credibility and open doors to senior-level positions.
Risk Management And Retake Strategy
Budget for a potential retake to avoid downtime between attempts. Structured practice exams and timed drills can reduce that risk, while scheduling the exam after targeted lab sprints tightens your chances of a first-try pass.
Bottom Line
AWS certification costs relatively small compared to the salary bumps, job opportunities, and career growth it enables. By budgeting strategically and preparing effectively, professionals can turn a few hundred dollars in exam fees into lasting financial and professional rewards.
AWS Cert Price List And Budgeting Tips
Here's a breakdown of the AWS certification price list and some key budgeting tips to help you save on your certification journey.
Foundational And Associate Costs
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner typically sits at the lowest price tier, followed by Associate exams like Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator. Expect a modest jump from Foundational to Associate, reflecting deeper coverage and exam length.
Professional and Specialty Pricing
The highest fees are for professional-level exams, such as Solutions Architect—Professional and DevOps Engineer—Professional. Specialty tracks like Security, Advanced Networking, and Machine Learning also have the highest fees. These reflect advanced scope, scenario depth, and longer testing windows.
Retake Strategy With Exam Insurance
If offered in your region, add the Take2 retake option when buying your voucher. It’s a small upfront cost that can save you from paying the full exam price again if your first attempt falls short.
Scheduling And Region Considerations
Prices can vary by region and currency; confirm the total at checkout before you book. Factor in sales tax or VAT where applicable so your final cost isn’t unexpected.
Practice Tests And Study Materials
Budget for official practice exams and reputable study resources. A balanced mix of practice questions and hands-on labs reduces the likelihood of retakes and the extra fees that come with them.
Time-Boxed Prep Saves Money
Set a target date, build a study plan, and stick to it. Shorter, focused prep cycles minimize subscription costs for labs and practice tools while keeping exam content fresh in your head.
Voucher Bundles And Promotions
Look for voucher bundles that combine an exam with practice tests or retake coverage. Seasonal promotions can meaningfully reduce your total outlay without compromising preparation quality. Training providers like Dion Training also provide cost-effective bundles with practice exams and study materials included.
Maximize Your Investment: Get AWS Certified With Dion Training
At Dion Training, we believe advancing your AWS career shouldn’t mean guessing your way through materials or wasting money on costly retakes. We set you up for success with structured preparation, realistic practice, and a safety net that keeps you moving forward.
Train Smarter With Self-Paced Courses
Our concise, 20-minute video lessons and downloadable study guides are built around each AWS exam domain. You’ll focus on exactly what shows up on test day, nothing more.
Practice Exams That Mirror the Real Thing
We’re famous for our practice exams, and for good reason. Students on forums like Reddit regularly recommend Dion Training as the go-to resource for realistic prep. With multiple full-length exams and hands-on labs, you’ll sharpen timing, validate knowledge, and close gaps before sitting the proctor.
Take2: Your Built-In Second Chance
Don’t let one exam day define your journey. With Take2, you can retake your AWS exam within six months without paying full price for a new voucher, keeping costs steady and your confidence high.
Pass Guarantee Backed by Proven Results
We back our students with a 100% Pass Guarantee and some of the highest exam pass rates in the industry, up to 94%. Review the full policy here: Dion Training Pass Guarantee.
Learn From the Pros, Not Marketplaces
Buying directly from Dion Training gives you fresh, up-to-date content, dedicated support, and bundled exam vouchers, no outdated courses. No middlemen. Just expert-led training designed to help you win.
Final Thoughts
AWS certifications are more than just exam fees; they’re strategic investments in your long-term career. While the upfront cost ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the certification level, the potential salary boost, job mobility, and credibility in the cloud industry far outweigh the expense. By budgeting wisely, preparing with proven resources like Dion Training, and considering retake options, you can maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt. In short, the real value of AWS certification isn’t just in the credentials but also in the career opportunities it unlocks.
Read also:
- Launch Your Cloud Career with AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CISSP Training That Actually Prepares You
- Breaking Down the Difficulty of the CISSP Exam
Frequently Asked Questions About What You'll Pay For AWS Certification Exams
How much does AWS 900 Certification cost?
If you’re referring to the foundational level (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner), the exam fee is typically in the foundational pricing tier posted by AWS. Prices may vary by region and tax. To save money, bundle your prep with Dion Training’s course and discounted voucher for a streamlined, lower-cost path.
Is AWS still in demand?
Yes. Cloud adoption continues to accelerate across enterprises, startups, and government. AWS remains a market leader, and certifications and hands-on skills signal job-ready competence for roles in cloud engineering, security, architecture, and DevOps.
Which AWS certification is the highest paid?
Compensation varies by role and region, but the AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Professional and AWS Certified Security—Specialty often align with higher-paying roles. Seniority, real-world experience, and complementary skills (e.g., Kubernetes, Python, Terraform) significantly impact total compensation.
Is it easy to get a job with AWS certification?
A certification alone won’t guarantee a job, but it can significantly improve your visibility with recruiters and hiring managers. Pair your cert with practical labs, portfolios, and project experience. Dion Training’s hands-on labs and multiple practice exams help you build the real-world skills employers want.
Is AWS certification worth it in 2025?
Yes. AWS skills remain highly valuable as organizations expand cloud-native architectures, serverless, AI/ML, and edge use cases. Certifications validate your expertise, help you stand out in competitive markets, and can open doors to higher-paying roles and promotions.
Do AWS certs expire?
Yes. AWS certifications are valid for three years. You must recertify or earn a higher-level certification before it expires to maintain your credential.
