How to Get AWS Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Cloud computing is no longer the future, it's the present. In 2025, AWS skills are the golden ticket to high-paying jobs, remote work, and tech leadership. But with so many certifications and so much hype, how do you actually get AWS certified and make it count? Here’s the real, no-nonsense guide to earning your AWS certification and using it to unlock new opportunities.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ll break down every step to AWS certification in 2025, from picking the right exam to building a portfolio that gets you noticed. Just like a strong portfolio proves your skills, an AWS certification proves your technical credibility and opens doors to top opportunities.

What Is AWS Certification and Why Does It Matter?

AWS certifications are official credentials from Amazon Web Services that prove you know how to work with their cloud platform. These exams are recognized worldwide and are trusted by employers, recruiters, and clients.

Why AWS certification matters in 2025:

• Validation: It proves you can design, deploy, and manage AWS solutions—not just in theory, but in practice.
• Career growth: Certified professionals earn higher salaries and are in demand globally.
• Versatility: AWS is used by startups, Fortune 500s, and everything in between.
• Confidence: Passing a tough AWS exam gives you real confidence in your skills.

Understanding AWS Certification

AWS certification is a globally recognized credential that proves your ability to work with Amazon Web Services. It’s respected by employers and can help you stand out in the tech job market. AWS offers certifications for beginners, experienced professionals, and specialists. Each certification tests your knowledge of cloud concepts, security, architecture, and operations. Choosing the right certification is the first step to advancing your cloud career.

• Validates your AWS skills and knowledge
• Recognized by companies worldwide
• Available for all experience levels
• Covers different domains like security, architecture, and development

Why it matters: Earning AWS certification shows employers you have the skills to design and manage cloud solutions, making you more competitive in the job market.

Choosing the Right AWS Certification Path

AWS offers four main certification levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Picking the right path depends on your current experience and career goals. Beginners should start with the Cloud Practitioner exam, while those with experience can target Associate or Professional exams. Specialty certifications are for those wanting to focus on specific areas like security or machine learning.

• Foundational: Cloud Practitioner for beginners
• Associate: Solutions Architect, Developer, or SysOps Administrator
• Professional: Advanced Architect or DevOps Engineer
• Specialty: Security, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and more

Why it matters: Selecting the right certification path ensures your study time is focused and relevant, helping you reach your specific career objectives faster.

Getting to Know the Exam Structure

Each AWS exam has its own format, time limit, and focus areas. Exams include multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. You’ll be tested on core domains such as security, architecture, and operations. Understanding the structure helps you prepare more effectively and avoid surprises on test day.

• Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
• Timed exams, usually 90 to 180 minutes
• Covers specific domains for each certification
• Available in several languages

Why it matters: Knowing the exam structure helps you manage your study plan and reduces stress, so you can perform your best when it counts.

Building a Study Plan and Gathering Resources

A solid study plan is key to passing any AWS exam. Start with official AWS resources like Skill Builder, whitepapers, and exam guides. Supplement with third-party video courses, practice tests, and community forums. Hands-on labs and real AWS projects are crucial for understanding how cloud services work in practice.

• AWS Skill Builder for official courses and labs
• Whitepapers and FAQs for deep knowledge
• Practice questions and mock exams
• Community forums and study groups

Why it matters: Using a mix of resources gives you a well-rounded understanding and boosts your confidence before the real exam.

Gaining Hands-On Experience with AWS

Practical experience is essential for AWS certification. Use the AWS Free Tier to practice launching servers, configuring storage, and deploying applications. Try building small projects or following guided labs to reinforce your learning. Document your work and include it in your portfolio to show employers your hands-on skills.

• AWS Free Tier for no-cost practice
• Launch EC2 instances, set up S3 buckets, deploy Lambda functions
• Follow hands-on labs and tutorials
• Build real projects and document your work

Why it matters: Hands-on practice ensures you can apply what you’ve learned, making you job-ready and more confident during the exam.

Scheduling and Passing the AWS Certification Exam

Once you’re prepared, schedule your exam through the AWS Certification Portal. Choose a date and format that works for you, whether online or at a test center. Use exam guides and sample questions for last-minute review. Stay calm, manage your time, and use elimination strategies for tough questions.

• Schedule online or at a physical test center
• Review exam guides and sample questions
• Manage your time during the exam
• Use elimination to answer difficult questions

Why it matters: Proper exam preparation and strategy help you pass on your first attempt, saving you time and money.

Maintaining Your Certification and Advancing Your Skills

AWS certifications are valid for three years. Stay updated by renewing your certification and learning about new AWS services. Consider pursuing advanced or specialty certifications as your career grows. Use platforms like Fueler to showcase your certifications and cloud projects to employers.

• Certifications valid for three years
• Take recertification exams or complete continuing education
• Stay updated with AWS news and new services
• Showcase your skills and projects in your portfolio

Why it matters: Keeping your certification current and visible helps you stay relevant in the fast-changing cloud industry and opens up more job opportunities.

Final Thoughts

AWS certification remains one of the most valuable credentials in the tech industry in 2025. It not only validates your cloud skills but also opens doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career growth. By choosing the right certification path, preparing with quality resources, gaining hands-on experience, and maintaining your credentials, you position yourself as a skilled and trusted cloud professional. Remember, combining your certification with a strong portfolio like those showcased on Fueler can significantly boost your chances of getting hired and standing out in a competitive market.

FAQs

1. How long does it typically take to get AWS certified?

Most candidates spend between 2 to 4 months preparing, depending on their prior experience and the certification level.

2. Is AWS certification still relevant in 2025?

Yes, AWS continues to dominate the cloud market, making its certifications highly sought after by employers worldwide.

3. Can beginners get AWS certified without prior cloud experience?

Absolutely. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is designed specifically for beginners and non-technical professionals.

4. How much does an AWS certification exam cost?

Foundational exams cost around $100, associate-level exams $150, and professional or specialty exams $300.

5. How can I showcase my AWS certification to potential employers?

Platforms like Fueler allow you to build portfolios that include your AWS certifications and real-world cloud projects, increasing your visibility to recruiters and clients.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.