AWS Certification Guide 2026 Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s number one cloud platform. Companies around the world use AWS for cloud computing storage security AI and application hosting. Because of this AWS certifications are the most in demand cloud certifications today.

Getting AWS certified helps you build a strong career in cloud computing DevOps security networking and machine learning. This guide explains everything you need to know before starting your AWS journey.

What Is AWS Certification?

AWS certification proves that you have the skills to work with Amazon cloud services. It shows employers that you can deploy manage and troubleshoot cloud applications on AWS.

AWS certifications are divided into four levels:

• Foundational
• Associate
• Professional
• Specialty

These certifications cover cloud computing security networking data machine learning and DevOps.

Why Choose AWS Certification?

Here are the top benefits of AWS certification:

1. High Salary – AWS jobs have some of the best salaries in IT.
2. Global Demand – AWS is used by millions of companies.
3. Beginner Friendly – AWS Cloud Practitioner is easy to start.
4. Strong Career Growth – Move from beginner advanced roles.
5. Work Anywhere – Remote jobs available worldwide.
6. Cloud Trend – Cloud is the future, so AWS skills are essential.

If you want a long term career in cloud computing AWS certification is one of the best options.

AWS Certification Path

1. Foundational Level

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
Perfect for beginners. Covers:

• Cloud basics
• AWS core services
• Security concepts
• Pricing and billing
• Cloud architecture

2. Associate Level

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)
The most popular AWS exam. Covers:

• Designing cloud solutions
• High availability
• Cost optimization
• Networking and security

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate
Focuses on operations and monitoring.

AWS Certified Developer Associate
Focuses on cloud based development.

3. Professional Level

AWS Solutions Architect Professional
Advanced architecture and complex cloud designs.

AWS DevOps Engineer Professional
Focus on automation CI/CD monitoring and DevOps.

4. Specialty Certifications

• AWS Security Specialty
• AWS Data Analytics Specialty
• AWS Machine Learning Specialty
• AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
• AWS Database Specialty

These are for advanced cloud professionals.

Which AWS Certification Is Best for Beginners?

If you’re completely new to cloud start with:

AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

If you want technical hands on cloud skills start with:

AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)

Both are great for landing your first cloud job.

AWS Exam Format

• Question Type: Multiple choice & multiple response
• Duration: 90 minutes (Foundational) 130 minutes (Associate/Pro)
• Passing Score: Around 720/1000 (varies by exam)
• Cost:
  • Foundational → $100
  • Associate → $150
  • Professional → $300
  • Specialty → $300
• Mode: Online or Test Center
• Languages: English + others

AWS Cloud Career Opportunities

With AWS certifications you can apply for:

• Cloud Support Associate
• Cloud Engineer
• Solutions Architect
• SysOps Administrator
• DevOps Engineer
• Cloud Security Analyst
• Data Engineer (with specialty)

Cloud jobs are high paying and available worldwide.

60 Day AWS Study Plan (Beginner Friendly)

Days 1-10: Basics

• Cloud concepts
• Global infrastructure
• EC2 S3 IAM basics

Days 11-20: AWS Core Services

• VPC
• Load balancing
• Auto scaling
• RDS & DynamoDB

Days 21-30: Security

• IAM roles & policies
• KMS
• CloudTrail & CloudWatch

Days 31 40: Hands On Labs

• Launch VM
• Create S3 bucket
• Build a VPC
• Configure security groups

Days 41 55: Practice Tests

• Solve mock exams
• Note down mistakes
• Revise weak areas

Days 56 60: Final Revision

• Review notes
• Take 2-3 full practice exams
• Book the exam

Sample AWS Questions

Q1: Which AWS service is used for object storage?
A. EBS
B. S3
C. RDS
D. DynamoDB
Answer: B

Q2: What does IAM manage?
A. Networks
B. Servers
C. Users and permissions
D. Billing
Answer: C

Q3: Which service provides monitoring?
A. CloudTrail
B. CloudWatch
C. GuardDuty
D. Security Hub
Answer: B