AWS Certification Paths 2026

Choosing Your Path

AWS certifications are organized into four levels, letting you choose a path aligned with your role and experience.

The Four Levels

• Foundational — Cloud Practitioner, AI Practitioner: broad introductory knowledge.
• Associate — Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator, Data Engineer: role-specific, hands-on skills.
• Professional — Solutions Architect Professional, DevOps Engineer Professional: advanced, complex scenario-based expertise.
• Specialty — Security, Advanced Networking, Machine Learning, Database: deep expertise in a specific domain.

Recommended Progression

Most learners start with Cloud Practitioner or go directly to an Associate certification matching their role, then progress to Professional or Specialty certifications as their experience grows.