How to Pass AWS Certifications: Complete #AWSCertified Challenge Guide
By Braincuber Team
Published on April 13, 2026
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the largest, oldest, and most popular cloud service provider. AWS offers professional certifications that can help you advance your career in cloud roles such as DevOps or Site Reliability Engineering. This complete tutorial shows you how to complete the #AWSCertified challenge and earn multiple AWS certifications using free resources.
What You'll Learn:
- How the #AWSCertified challenge works
- Step by step guide to AWS certification paths
- Beginner guide to all 12 AWS certifications
- How to choose the right cloud role for your career
- Complete tutorial on free AWS certification resources
- Cost breakdown and exam fee savings
- Study time estimates for each certification tier
The #AWSCertified Challenge Rules
Unlike #100DaysOfCode, there is no set end date to this challenge. It is over when it is over, which should only be a few months if you are working each day toward your certifications. Here are the complete tutorial rules:
Tweet Your Commitment
Step by step guide: Tweet out a photo of yourself giving a thumbs-up and announcing that you are committing to the #AWSCertified challenge.
Share Daily Progress
Beginner guide: Each day tweet at least one time about your progress and what you have learned or done, using the #AWSCertified hashtag.
Encourage Others
Complete tutorial: Each day, reply with encouragement to at least 2 other people who are also using the #AWSCertified hashtag.
Celebrate Your Wins
Step by step guide: Each time you earn a certification, print it out, pose with it, and tweet a triumphant photo.
AWS Certification Tiers Overview
AWS offers 12 certifications falling into four tiers. Understanding these tiers is essential for planning your certification journey.
| Tier | Certifications | Difficulty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundational | Cloud Practitioner | Easy | $100 |
| Associate | Solutions Architect, SysOps, Developer | Hard | $150 each |
| Professional | Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer | Very Hard | $300 each |
| Specialty | Security, Machine Learning, Analytics, etc. | Varies | $300 each |
Cloud Career Roles and Certification Paths
The rise of cloud computing has created new technical roles. This beginner guide shows you the certification path for each role.
Solutions Architect
Focus on strategy and planning. Requires broad knowledge of AWS services. Certification path: Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect Associate, Solutions Architect Professional.
Cloud Engineer
More general role focusing on implementation. Requires most programming knowledge. Certification path: Cloud Practitioner, Developer Associate.
SysOps Administrator
Maintain existing cloud infrastructure. Patch, monitor, and stress-test servers. Certification path: Cloud Practitioner, SysOps Administrator Associate.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure using code. Minimize infrastructure costs. Certification path: Cloud Practitioner, SysOps, DevOps Professional.
Why Choose AWS Over Other Cloud Providers?
The "Big 3" cloud providers are AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. While concepts transfer between platforms, there are distinct advantages to choosing AWS first.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Widest Variety of Tools | AWS has over 150 services - the largest library of cloud offerings. |
| Good Student Support | $30/month support plan, extensive documentation. |
| More Job Opportunities | Over 50% of Fortune 500 companies use AWS. |
Study Time Estimates
AWS provides recommended experience levels, but these are just recommendations. Many people pass certifications within months without professional experience.
Certification Validity
All AWS certifications last for 3 years before becoming invalid. You can renew by taking the latest exam version.
Cloud Practitioner
Step by step guide: Some people pass after only 4-10 hours of study. Most people pass in 1 week, some take up to 3 weeks.
Associate Certifications
Beginner guide: Generally require 1-3 months of study. Solutions Architect Associate is easiest. Many pass all three Associates just weeks apart.
Professional Certifications
Complete tutorial: At least 6 months of study recommended without hands-on experience. These are at least 10x harder than Associate exams.
How to Save Money on AWS Certifications
If you pass an exam, you get 50% off your next exam!
Example: Pass CCP ($100), then take Solutions Architect Associate for only $75 instead of $150.
Free AWS Certification Resources
freeCodeCamp and ExamPro offer complete free courses to help you prepare for AWS certifications. This complete tutorial includes all the resources you need.
| Certification | Free Course | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Practitioner | freeCodeCamp YouTube | 4 hours |
| Solutions Architect Associate | freeCodeCamp YouTube | 10 hours |
| Developer Associate | ExamPro | Coming Soon |
| SysOps Administrator | ExamPro | Coming Soon |
Join the Community
Join the freeCodeCamp #AWSCertified Discord channel to ask questions and get help along the way. Also follow @dabit3 and @NoSQLKnowHow on Twitter.
Cloud Role Salaries
Salaries depend on your country, specialization, and experience. Remote opportunities often pay less, while DevOps Engineer and SRE roles are among the highest paying.
Entry Level: $50,000 - $150,000
Mid-Level: $100,000 - $200,000
Senior/FAANG: Up to $500,000+
(Depending on location and experience)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AWS certification should I start with?
Start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. It provides foundational knowledge and is the easiest to pass, typically requiring only 4-10 hours of study.
Do I need experience to pass AWS certifications?
AWS recommends experience, but many pass without it. The Cloud Practitioner can be passed in weeks. Professional exams are harder without hands-on experience.
How much do AWS certifications cost?
Cloud Practitioner is $100, Associate certifications are $150 each, and Professional/Specialty certifications are $300 each. You get 50% off the next exam after passing.
Are AWS certifications worth it for career advancement?
Yes. They help you stand out in job applications, are required by some APN partner companies, and can increase your earning potential significantly.
How long does it take to get AWS certified?
Cloud Practitioner: 1-3 weeks. Associate certifications: 1-3 months. Professional certifications: 6+ months without hands-on experience.
Need Help with AWS Certification Prep?
Our experts can help you navigate the AWS certification journey. From choosing the right certification path to exam preparation strategies, we are here to help you succeed.