AWS Certifications Path in 2025

Introduction

Do you want to be established in your cloud career? The AWS certification path could be your key to success! 

It presents a clear path to very specialized job roles. The demand for skilled professionals is increasing as many companies are adopting AWS services. AWS certifications allow you to ensure your specialization in cloud architecture, development, operation, and security.

This blog will guide you through each certification level, from basic to advanced. It will highlight key roles, exam details, and associated salaries for AWS-certified professionals.

What is AWS Certification?

An AWS certification path validates expertise in Amazon Web Services' cloud platform. It demonstrates proficiency in cloud architecture, development, and operations. AWS offers role-based certifications for various AWS certification levels, including Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. 

Clearing a test designed for a specific position is a requirement for certification. Cloud principles, networking, security, and application deployment are all covered in the exams. Credibility and job prospects in cloud computing are improved by AWS certifications.

These certifications are widely recognized across industries for cloud expertise. AWS updates its certifications to reflect evolving cloud technologies. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect is among the highest-paying IT certifications.

Why is AWS Cloud Certification Important?

AWS cloud certification validates cloud expertise and industry recognition. Here are five reasons why it is important:

1. Industry Recognition: AWS certifications are highly regarded by employers globally.
2. Career Advancement: Certified professionals often see better job prospects and promotions.
3. Skill Validation: These certifications prove expertise in cloud computing and AWS services.
4. Higher Salaries: Certified AWS professionals tend to earn higher salaries.
5. Business Growth: Organizations with AWS-certified staff see improved performance and innovation.

AWS Certifications Path for 2025

By 2025, AWS has designed a structured certification path specifically for cloud professionals. Its tiers include: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. 

Currently, this AWS certificate path consists of 12 certifications, seven of which are core certifications and the remaining ones are the specialty ones.

Foundation Level Certification

This is the introductory level of certification offered by AWS. It focuses on beginners with basic cloud fundamentals, AWS core services, and general cloud concepts. It's ideal for any person to start an AWS certification roadmap.

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

This entry-level certification verifies foundational knowledge of AWS cloud services. This is best for beginners and for non-technical roles. This certification focuses on cloud basics, security, and billing concepts.

• Level: Foundational
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 90 minutes
• Cost: $100

2. AWS Certified AI Practitioner

This certification verifies the foundational knowledge about AI and ML concepts on the AWS platform. This is more suitable for newcomers to AI or supporting AI-based projects. The coverage includes the basic principles of AI, services in AWS that relate to AI, and the applications.

• Level: Foundational
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 90 minutes
• Cost: $100
  
  

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Associate Level Certification

The Associate Level is the next level in the AWS certification path. It requires more in-depth knowledge and practical skills in specific cloud domains. Such certifications are harder than the foundational level and emphasize role-specific expertise.

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

It has a validation to design distributed systems on AWS, and this would be very perfect for hands-on experience in cloud architecture, which focuses on architectural best practices and cost-effective solutions.

• Level: Associate
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 130 minutes
• Cost: $150

2. AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate

It provides the skill in building data pipelines and handling big data. Suitable for a data professional who has to deal with AWS analytics services, this certificate covers the areas of storage, processing, and visualization of data.

• Level: Associate
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 130 minutes
• Cost: $150

3. AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate

This certification verifies the skills in the implementation of ML models and deploys solutions on AWS. It is intended for engineers focused on AI and ML workflows. It includes model development, optimization, and ML-specific AWS services.

• Level: Associate
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 130 minutes
• Cost: $150

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

This certification verifies the ability to deploy and manage AWS operations. It is designed for system administrators who work with AWS infrastructure. It deals with monitoring, automation, and operational best practices.

• Level: Associate
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 130 minutes
• Cost: $150

5. AWS Certified Developer – Associate

This certification confirms skills in developing and maintaining AWS-based applications. It is suitable for developers with experience using AWS services. It focuses on application design, debugging, and AWS SDKs.

• Level: Associate
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, 130 minutes
• Cost: $150

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Professional Level Certification

The Professional Level certifications validate advanced expertise in specialized, role-specific domains. Completion of Foundational and Associate certifications is typically required as a prerequisite. This level includes two prestigious certifications: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer and AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

1. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

This certification validates expertise in managing and automating distributed applications on AWS. It is ideal for professionals focused on implementing scalable, reliable, and efficient CI/CD pipelines and automation practices. Candidates should have extensive experience in operational and development roles.

• Level: Professional
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, multiple-response; 180 minutes
• Cost: $300

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

This is an advanced certification of the skills for designing complex, scalable, and reliable architectures in AWS. It is rather suitable for those architects who deal with enterprise-level cloud-based solutions. The candidate must have good knowledge about multi-application environments.

• Level: Professional
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, multiple-response; 180 minutes
• Cost: $300

Specialty Level Certification

Specialty Level certifications validate deep expertise in specific technical domains. These certifications require advanced skills and extensive hands-on AWS experience. They focus on niche areas like networking, data analytics, and machine learning.

1. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Speciality

This certification is meant to acknowledge expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models on AWS. It would best fit data engineers, AI, and ML algorithm users. The candidates would be required to have practical experience in best practices concerning AWS ML tools.

• Level: Specialty
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, multiple-response; 180 minutes
• Cost: $300

2. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

It is designed for security professionals and involves securing AWS environments. It covers advanced features such as encryption of data, secure application development, and detection of threats. Prior experience in AWS security features and compliance is highly recommended.

• Level: Specialty
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, multiple-response; 170 minutes
• Cost: $300

3. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

This certification is tailored for individuals specializing in networking complexities within AWS. It validates the ability to design scalable, hybrid, and highly available networks. Candidates should have deep knowledge of network performance optimization and AWS connectivity options.

• Level: Specialty
• Exam Format and Duration: Multiple-choice, multiple-response; 170 minutes
• Cost: $300

Are AWS Certifications Worth it in 2025?

AWS certifications are still highly valued in 2025. Cloud adoption is on the rise, and businesses are looking for skilled AWS professionals to transform. The increased focus on the AWS cloud certification path further increases their relevance.

AWS training also helps develop practical skills, making candidates job-ready for complex tasks. Companies like to hire certified talent to optimize their cloud investments and ensure operational efficiency. With the growth of remote work and global collaboration, demand for AWS-certified professionals increases.

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Types of AWS Cloud Certifications Based on Job Role

AWS certifications validate skills in cloud architecture, development, operations, security, and data management, among others. Below are the certifications with their associated job roles:

What is the AWS Certification Salary?

Professionals with AWS certifications are highly sought after, leading to competitive salaries across various job roles. Below is a comparison of average salaries for AWS-certified professionals in the US and India.

Can I Retake the AWS Exam if I Fail?

Yes, you can retake an AWS exam if you fail. AWS has a straightforward retake policy to help candidates improve. If you do not pass, you must wait 14 days before attempting the exam again. There is no limit to retakes, though each retake will require one to pay a full exam fee. 

To retake the test, sign in to your AWS certification account and book a date for a new test. It is recommended to read the exam guide, concentrate on weak points, and make use of AWS training on this before retaking the test.

Conclusion

AWS certifications have a clear AWS certification roadmap to cloud expertise. Each level is built on the previous skills so that the entire cloud proficiency is ensured. AWS-certified professionals have a competitive advantage in the job market.

Netcomm Learning offers structured courses, expert trainers, and on-the-job experience to help you in your success path. With its tailored guidance, you can gain confidence in this AWS certification track. Their training is planned according to the latest trends and exam formats.

Do you want to start your AWS certification journey? Contact us now!