AWS has 12+ certifications across foundational, associate, professional, and specialty levels. Here’s which ones matter most and the order to get them.
AWS Certification Path
| Cert | Level | Cost | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Practitioner | Foundational | $100 | +$10K |
| Solutions Architect Associate | Associate | $150 | +$25K |
| Developer Associate | Associate | $150 | +$20K |
| Solutions Architect Pro | Professional | $300 | +$40K |
Our Recommendation
- Start with Cloud Practitioner — validates fundamentals (2–4 weeks prep)
- Get Solutions Architect Associate — the most valuable AWS cert (6–8 weeks prep)
- Specialize based on your role (DevOps, Security, Data, ML)
Best AWS Courses
Are AWS certifications worth it?
Absolutely. AWS-certified professionals earn 25–40% more than non-certified peers. The Solutions Architect Associate is consistently ranked as one of the highest-paying IT certifications.
Last updated: March 2026.