Earning an AWS certification is a great way for cloud computing professionals to show off their skills. Nevertheless, you will need to undergo the AWS recertification process to keep this certification regularly. Every three years, you must recertify to maintain AWS certification and guarantee that your knowledge and abilities are current with any updates made to AWS.
Various options are available for recertification. Additionally, the entrance fee for this new exam can be purchased cheaper with a discount code. As you prepare for recertification, you can take advantage of tools such as the AWS Training and Certification Portal, online classes, community forums, and practice exams. Now, let’s go through this entire AWS recertification process step by step.
What is AWS Recertification?
AWS Recertification is a process that ensures your AWS Certification credentials remain valid and up-to-date with the latest AWS services and best practices. Renewal of your AWS certification guarantees that your skills and knowledge remain current with recent advancements in AWS technologies. After three years, AWS certificates expire; you must then renew your credential. To verify your ongoing knowledge in the particular AWS discipline, you must pass a recertification exam.
Recertification guarantees that professionals’ knowledge stays relevant in a fast-changing industry by helping them stay current with new AWS capabilities, tools, and best standards. It also tells companies and customers that you are dedicated to ongoing education and maintaining high cloud computing competency.
Why is AWS Certification Important for Your IT Career?
AWS Certification is crucial for your IT career. It demonstrates your ability to effectively utilize AWS capabilities, making you more attractive to employers and clients. Certified professionals are often preferred for roles requiring cloud computing expertise, leading to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
AWS certifications also highlight your dedication to professional growth and staying updated with industry trends. Recertification ensures that your skills and knowledge remain aligned with the latest AWS technologies and practices, maintaining your competitive edge.
How to Renew Your AWS Certification?
Renewing your AWS certification is a simple process. AWS offers a variety of recertification options. These renewal options depend on your certification level. In the next section of our article, we will discuss the recertification options available for each AWS certification level.
Recertification Options and Costs
The table below provides an overview of the available options and associated costs for AWS certification renewal, which can be found in the AWS offical document (https://aws.amazon.com/certification/recertification/):
| Certification Level | Options to Recertify | Cost to Recertify |
| Foundational | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Option 1: Complete the new AWS Cloud Quest: Recertify Cloud Practitioner game-based training. No exam or prep is required. Option 2: Pass the latest version of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. Option 3: Pass any one of the Associate-level exams. Option 4: Pass any one of the Professional-level exams. | Option 1 is free during the beta period, November 21, 2023 – January 31, 2025.Options 2, 3, and 4 can be taken using the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. |
| Associate | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Option 1: Pass the latest version of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. Option 2: Pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam. | Options 1 and 2 can be taken using the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. |
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate Option 1: Pass the latest version of the Associate-level exam for the certification you already have. Option 2: Pass the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam. | Options 1 and 2 can be taken using the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. | |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Option 1: Pass the latest version of the Associate-level exam for the certification you already have. Option 2: Pass the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam. | Options 1 and 2 can be taken using the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. | |
| Professional | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Pass the latest version of the Professional-level exam for the certification you already have. | Use the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional Pass the latest version of the Professional-level exam for the certification you already have. | Use the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. | |
| Specialty | Specialty Certifications Pass the latest version of the Specialty exam for the certification you already have. | Use the 50% discount voucher in your AWS Certification Account. |
Foundational Level
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the basic certification for individuals who are new to cloud computing. If you have this certification, you will have a broad understanding of AWS services and cloud concepts. To recertify at this level, you have four options:
- Completing the new AWS Cloud Quest: Recertify Cloud Practitioner game-based training,
- Passing the latest version of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam,
- Upgrading by passing any Associate-level exams,
- Upgrading by passing any Professional-level exams.
The game-based training is free during the beta period, while other options are available with a 50% discount voucher from your AWS Certification Account.
Associate Level
The Associate level certifications are aimed at professionals with some experience in AWS, focusing on specific roles such as Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator. To recertify, you can either pass the latest version of your current Associate-level exam or advance by passing a relevant Professional-level exam.
The exams for recertification can be taken using a 50% discount voucher available in your AWS Certification Account.
Professional Level
Professional level certifications:
- The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certifications
They both require passing the latest version of the respective Professional-level exams. You can recertify using a 50% discount voucher from your AWS Certification Account, ensuring your expertise stays current with AWS advancements.
Specialty Level
Specialty certifications target professionals with deep expertise in specific technical areas like security, machine learning, or databases. To maintain your Specialty certification, you must pass the latest version of the relevant Specialty exam.
As with other levels, you can take the recertification exam using a 50% discount voucher from your AWS Certification Account, making it cost-effective to keep your skills validated and up to date.
What are the Resources for AWS Recertification?
Renewing your AWS certification requires access to the right resources to ensure you’re prepared for recertification. Here are 7 valuable resources to help you maintain your AWS credentials:
- AWS Training and Certification Portal: The official AWS portal offers a variety of training materials, practice exams, and certification guidelines. It’s an essential resource for understanding the requirements and options for recertification.
- AWS Skill Builder: This tool offers on-demand digital training, allowing you to learn at your own pace and prepare for recertification exams.
- AWS Certification Exam Guides: Each certification has a detailed exam guide that outlines the topics covered, recommended knowledge, and exam format. Reviewing these guides is crucial for understanding what to expect.
- AWS Whitepapers and FAQs: AWS provides comprehensive whitepapers and FAQs on various services and best practices, which are excellent study materials for recertification.
- Online Courses and Training Programs: Numerous online platforms offer courses specifically designed for AWS certification preparation. Consider enrolling in one of these programs for structured learning and expert guidance. For more structured training, check out Clarusway’s AWS and DevOps Courses.
- AWS Community and Forums: Engage with the AWS community through forums, user groups, and social media. These platforms offer support, insights, and tips from fellow AWS professionals.
- AWS Practice Exams: Take advantage of practice exams to assess your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. These exams simulate the actual test environment, helping you build confidence.
How Long are AWS Certifications Valid?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are valid for a period of three years. Within this time frame, you will be required to recertify in order to keep your certificate. The validity period ensures that AWS-certified professionals are up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices. This recertification requirement helps maintain the integrity and relevance of the AWS certification validity period.
How to Prepare for AWS Recertification?
Exam simulators, updating study materials, and keeping up with AWS service and best practice news are all part of being ready for AWS recertification. You can guarantee your success on the recertification examinations by preparing well. For comprehensive guidance on preparing for your AWS certification exam, visit this resource on preparing for the AWS certification.
Conclusion
AWS certifications are an invaluable asset for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in the cloud computing industry. Maintaining these certifications through recertification ensures your skills and knowledge remain current and competitive. For more information about AWS certification, you can visit this detailed guide on AWS certification.
