Top 10 AWS Certifications to Get in 2025

  • January 30, 2025
  • AI & Data
  • 24 min read
  • blog views
    1020
Blog banner

Introduction

Is the competitive tech world around you not allowing you to get the spotlight you deserve? Well, this guide is your answer! 

AWS certifications are the greatest asset you can have in your career. Salary increases, global attention, or access to new technology—AWS credentials are the keys to unlocking every door. 

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an all-pro with an extremely long resume of designations, there is always an AWS certification for everyone.

This blog is a complete discussion of all the finest AWS certifications in 2025.

What are AWS Certifications?

AWS Certifications validate expertise in Amazon Web Services' cloud technologies. They demonstrate cloud architecture, development, operations, security, and machine learning knowledge.

These certifications are globally recognized and boost career prospects. They help professionals stay updated with evolving cloud technologies and enhance job performance in cloud-based roles.

How AWS Certifications Can Make a Difference in Your Career

The AWS certifications provide significant benefits in the booming cloud computing industry. It can recognize your abilities and be an instrument for several job doors. Here's how AWS certifications can significantly impact your career:

  • AWS-certified professionals generally earn significantly more than those without associated credentials.
  • This keeps you up to date on the recent cloud developments and AWS services.
  • AWS certifications are recognized worldwide. It will allow you to pursue more career chances.
  • Positions you well for associate senior and specialized roles for long-term career growth.

Are AWS Certifications Worth It?

AWS certifications are seeing an increased trend lately. They authenticate proficiency in cloud computing and prove mastery of AWS services. Below, we explore why AWS certifications can be a valuable career move:

  • High Demand for AWS Skills

AWS remains the ruler in the cloud with its sizable global share. Organizations today seek more professionals who can manage cloud environments. It makes AWS certification holders the best candidates in the labor market.

  • Skill Validation and Credibility

AWS certifications validate your knowledge of services and best practices. They demonstrate your ability to address real-world cloud challenges effectively. This credibility strengthens your applications and builds trust within organizations.

  • Career Advancement and Salary Growth

Certified professionals are often promoted to advanced or leadership roles. Certifications like Solutions Architect—Professional can lead to six-figure salaries. AWS expertise directly supports career progression and financial growth.

  • Transferable Skills Across Industries

AWS skills apply universally across industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Cloud expertise gives you a competitive edge when switching between sectors. AWS certification opens doors to diverse roles in various industries.

  • Cost and Time Investment

AWS certifications require commitments of financial, time, and effort. However, career benefits and ROI make them a worthy investment. AWS offers resources to support learners of all skill levels.

Benefits of AWS Certifications

AWS certifications are valuable credentials for cloud professionals and aspiring learners. Below are the key benefits AWS certifications offer:

  • Enhanced Industry Knowledge

Your knowledge of cloud services and trends improves as you get ready for your AWS certification. It assures you remain updated on new features and technologies offered by AWS. AWS best practices teach you how to implement solutions efficiently. This information can be used in a variety of industries, improving your professional adaptability.

  • Improved Job Efficiency

AWS certification equips you to perform tasks more efficiently and accurately. Certified professionals can solve cloud challenges faster with fewer errors. The training focuses on real-world scenarios to boost productivity. You become better to design, deploy, and manage AWS solutions.

  • Skill Verification

AWS certification serves as a formal acknowledgment of your technical expertise. Over 90% of organizations consider AWS certifications during hiring, as they confirm candidates' technical abilities and cloud expertise. It verifies your ability to design scalable and secure cloud systems. This certification assures employers and clients of your skill set. It also boosts confidence in your ability to handle cloud projects effectively.

  • Employer Trust

Being AWS-certified increases your reliability in the eyes of your employer. Employers trust certified individuals with critical cloud projects and tasks. It indicates your commitment to professional development and being updated. Trust from employers often translates into greater responsibilities and rewards.

  • Confidence in Complex Tasks

AWS certification increases confidence to manage complicated and demanding cloud tasks. The training focuses on hands-on experiences with various circumstances. You approach difficult tasks with more confidence when you have improved your abilities. This self-assurance allows you to mentor team members and manage tasks. 

  • Transferable Skills

AWS certifications offer skills applicable across industries using cloud technologies. These skills are valuable in healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and education. They provide flexibility to transition across industries with cloud requirements. AWS-certified individuals gain expertise in universally adopted cloud practices.

Types of AWS certifications

AWS certifications are categorized into four main types:

  • Foundational
  1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
  2. AWS Certified AI Practitioner
  • Professional
  1. AWS Certified Solution Architect - Professional
  2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
  • Associate
  1. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
  2. AWS Certified Developer
  3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
  4. AWS Certified Data Engineer - Associate
  5. AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer - Associate
  • Specialty
  1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking
  2. AWS Certified Machine Learning - Speciality
  3. AWS Certified Security - Specialty

Top 10 Highest Paying and Most In-Demand AWS Certifications in 2025

AWS certifications remain a benchmark for cloud expertise. Here is a list of the top 10 AWS certifications for career growth and high salaries:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

  • Average Salary (USA): $276,000 per year.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹2.9 - ₹28 Lakhs annually.

2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

  • Average Salary (USA): $134,000 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹4 - ₹6 Lakhs annually.

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

  • Average Salary (USA): $139,630 – $153,661 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹4 - ₹11 Lakhs annually. 

4. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

  • Salary Expectation (USA): $133,488 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹16 - ₹24 Lakhs annually.

5. AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

  • Salary Expectation (USA):$133,153 annually.
  • Average Salary (India):  ₹21,20,567 annually.

6. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

  • Salary Expectation (USA):$140,379 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹96,53,312 per year.

7. AWS Certified Database – Specialty

  • Salary Expectation (USA):$146K annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹9 lakhs to 25 lakhs per annum.

8. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

  • Salary Expectation (USA): $105,876 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹ 2.5 Lakhs to ₹ 12.0 Lakhs per year.

9. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

10. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

  • Salary Expectation (USA): $125,564 – $154,307 annually.
  • Average Salary (India): ₹11 - ₹14 LPA.

Find out more on how you can choose the right AWS training to improve your business performance and efficiency in cloud while achieving your desired outcomes.

Best AWS Certifications for Beginner-Level

This can be a good move in one's career by starting their cloud journey with AWS certifications. For beginners, however, there is a correct certification to select to develop a solid base and gain industry-relevant knowledge. The best AWS certifications for entry-level professionals are as follows:

  1. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials 
  2. AWS Cloud for Finance Professionals
  3. AWS Technical Essentials

AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials

The AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course builds the foundation for concepts related to AWS services and the Cloud. It introduces key core AWS services like Amazon EC2, Elastic Load Balancing, and the global infrastructure from AWS.

Prerequisites:

This may be attended without any previous qualifications but with some basic knowledge of IT concepts, which is very useful.

Skills Required:

  • Basic knowledge of cloud computing and IT infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with AWS core services.
  • General understanding of cloud pricing models and deployment.

Certification Costs:

Core Exam: $100 (USD).

Benefits:

  • Provides foundational knowledge of AWS and cloud computing concepts.
  • Great for non-technical professionals in roles like sales and marketing.
  • Acts as a stepping stone for more technical certifications.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

Job Role: AWS cloud architect, Sysops administrator, Cloud developer.

Average Salary (USA): $120K - $160K annually.

Average Salary (India): ₹4 - ₹5 Lakhs annually.


AWS Cloud for Finance Professionals

The purpose of the AWS Cloud for Finance Professionals course is to teach finance professionals how to effectively manage expenses in AWS. Learning about the Well-Architected Framework, AWS pricing structures, and the dynamics of cloud expense decision-making are all included. 

Prerequisites:

Basic understanding of financial principles and cost management in IT environments.

Skills Required:

  • Familiarity with AWS pricing models and cloud economics.
  • Ability to analyze and manage cloud budgets.
  • Knowledge of cost optimization practices in AWS.

Certification Costs:

Training Costs: $1.1K (varies depending on the platform).

Benefits:

  • Helps professionals understand cost optimization in the AWS ecosystem.
  • Provides tools to manage and forecast cloud expenditures.
  • Enhances decision-making skills for financial planning in the cloud.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

Job Role: Cloud Financial Analyst, Cloud Cost Manager, or Cloud Finance Manager.

Average Salary (India): ₹300K - ₹890K Annually. 

Average Salary (USA): $108,491 annually.


AWS Technical Essentials

The AWS Technical Essentials course details the Fundamental Services like AWS Compute (EC2 & lambda), Networking (Amazon VPC), and Storage (S3, EBS). It is easy for attendees to learn the core service in AWS and its deployment in the application and management of cloud infrastructure.

Prerequisites:

A basic understanding of IT infrastructure or system administration is helpful.

Skills Required:

  • Knowledge of AWS core services like EC2, S3, and VPC.
  • Familiarity with networking concepts and cloud deployment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot AWS infrastructure issues.

Certification Costs:

Exam Costs: $300.

Benefits:

  • Provides hands-on experience with AWS services.
  • Helps build foundational technical skills for cloud roles.
  • Prepares individuals for more advanced certifications like Solutions Architect.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

Job Role: IT Consultant, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Administrator.

Average Salary (USA): $60K–$130K per year.

Average Salary (India): ₹18,00,000 - ₹40,00,000

AWS Security Essentials

AWS Security Essentials foundationally illustrates the security aspects in the AWS environment. The course discusses the security design principles, the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, and how DDoS mitigation strategies for applications in AWS could work. This course also delves into data and identity management critical to such AWS environments' protection and compliance.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of security principles and IT infrastructure.

Skills Required:

  • Knowledge of AWS security services like IAM, Shield, and WAF.
  • Understanding of data encryption and protection mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with access control and cloud security practices.

Certification Costs:

Exam Costs: $300.

Benefits:

  • Introduces the core principles of AWS security practices.
  • Prepares learners for more advanced security certifications like AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
  • Enhances skills to manage cloud security and compliance.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

Job Role: Cloud Security Engineer, Security Architect and Security Consultant.

Average Salary (USA): $75K - $200K per year.

Average Salary (India): ₹120K - ₹530K per year.

Blog banner

Best AWS Certifications for Intermediate Level

The intermediate top AWS certifications provide professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to implement robust and efficient cloud solutions. Here are four highly sought-after certifications for intermediate learners:

  1. Advanced AWS Well-Architected Best Practices
  2. Advanced Developing on AWS
  3. Cloud Operations on AWS
  4. DevOps Engineering on AWS

Advanced AWS Well-Architected Best Practices

This course offers an in-depth, insightful analysis of the the AWS Well-Architected Framework. It focuses on the review phases and risk prioritization and uses the Well-Architected Tool for architecture reviews. It equips professionals to build secure, high-performing, and cost-efficient systems.

Prerequisites:

  • AWS Cloud Practitioner knowledge.
  • Hands-on experience with AWS services.

Skills Required:

  • Knowledge of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
  • Proficiency in risk identification and mitigation.
  • Experience in optimizing workloads via AWS tools.

Certification Costs:

  • Training Cost: $500 –$1,500 (depending on the provider).

Benefits:

  • Validates advanced architecture skills.
  • Enables professionals to optimize cloud systems efficiently.
  • Offers insights into best practices for cloud-based solutions.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: Cloud Architect, Solution Designer, Technical Consultant.
  • Salary (India): ₹2.8 Lakhs to ₹33 Lakhs annually.
  • Salary (USA): $276,000 per year.

Advanced Developing on AWS

An on-premises monolithic application is modified into a serverless microservices architecture in a real-world example in the Advanced Developing on AWS course. It focuses on advanced development methods to develop scalable and reliable solutions. 

Prerequisites:

  • Strong knowledge of programming languages like Python or Java.
  • Proficiency in AWS services like Lambda and API Gateway.

Skills Required:

  • Designing and deploying serverless applications.
  • Knowledge of microservices architecture.
  • Expertise in cloud-native application development.

Certification Costs:

  • Pricing is based on special requirements and eligibility.

Benefits:

  • Prepares for modern application development via AWS.
  • Offers hands-on experience with serverless technologies.
  • Recognized globally by top organizations.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: AWS Developer, Cloud Software Engineer, Application Architect.
  • Salary (India): ₹510K annually.
  • Salary (USA): $124,491 annually.

Cloud Operations on AWS

The Cloud Operations on AWS course prepares professionals to manage and optimize cloud environments via AWS tools. It covers the AWS Well-Architected Framework, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and resource discovery tools for effective cloud operations.

Prerequisites:

  • Knowledge of basic AWS services and CLI tools.
  • Understanding of cloud operations principles.

Skills Required:

  • Expertise in IAM and access control.
  • Monitoring and logging with AWS tools like CloudWatch.
  • Proficiency in managing cloud resources.

Certification Costs:

  • Training Cost: $2550.

Benefits:

  • Enhances operational efficiency in cloud environments.
  • Prepares professionals for scalable resource management.
  • Builds foundational skills for advanced cloud certifications.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: Cloud Operations Engineer, Systems Administrator, Cloud Analyst.
  • Salary (India) ₹13.2 Lakhs to ₹24.9 Lakhs annually.
  • Salary (USA): $127K–$192K per year.

DevOps Engineering on AWS

The DevOps Engineering on AWS course equips professionals with the skills to implement DevOps practices using AWS tools. It covers infrastructure automation with AWS CloudFormation, deployment strategies with Amazon EC2, and CI/CD pipelines via AWS CodePipeline, CodeDeploy, and CodeBuild.

Prerequisites:

  • Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC).
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices and AWS tools.

Skills Required:

  • Automating deployments using AWS Code tools.
  • Implementing CI/CD pipelines.
  • Managing containerized workloads with Docker and ECS.

Certification Costs:

  • Exam cost: $300.

Benefits:

  • Enhances skills in automation and deployment.
  • Prepares for high-demand DevOps roles.
  • Boosts productivity with AWS-driven workflows.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: DevOps Engineer, Cloud Automation Specialist, Infrastructure Engineer.
  • Salary (India): ₹3.6 Lakhs to ₹13 Lakhs annually.
  • Salary (USA): $138,589 per year.

Best AWS Certifications for Advanced Level

Professionals who aim to reach the pinnacle of AWS expertise, advanced-level certifications, and courses focus on high-level concepts. Below are two of the best certifications for advanced AWS professionals:

  1. Advanced Architecting on AWS
  2. Developing Generative AI Applications on AWS

Advanced Architecting on AWS

Advanced networks such as AWS Direct Connect and multi-account situations are the main topics of the Advanced Architecting on AWS course. To ensure company continuity, participants learn how to install large-scale applications, manage data effectively, and put failover solutions into place.

Prerequisites:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
  • 2–3 years of hands-on experience designing and deploying AWS applications.

Skills Required:

  • Managing multi-account AWS environments using AWS Organizations.
  • Designing advanced network solutions with AWS Direct Connect and VPC peering.
  • Implementing disaster recovery and failover solutions for high availability.

Certification Costs:

  • Exam cost: $300.
  • Training: $2500 (depending on training providers).

Benefits:

  • Validates expertise in architecting enterprise-grade AWS environments.
  • Demonstrates capability in handling advanced networking and failover setups.
  • Equips professionals with the skills to support large-scale applications.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: Enterprise Architect, Cloud Architect Lead, Technical Solutions Architect.
  • Salary (India): ₹2.8 Lakhs to ₹33 Lakhs annually.
  • Salary (USA): $276,000 per year.

Developing Generative AI Applications on AWS

Building generative AI applications with AWS services like Amazon SageMaker, AWS Lambda, and other AI-driven technologies is introduced to participants in this course. For tasks like content production, imagine generation, and intelligent automation, it focuses on developing real-time AI-powered solutions. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of AI/ML principles and algorithms.
  • Hands-on experience with AWS services like SageMaker and Lambda.

Skills Required:

  • Use Amazon SageMaker to create and implement machine learning models.
  • Integrating generative AI models with AWS Lambda for real-time applications.
  • Proficiency in leveraging AI/ML tools like Hugging Face on AWS.

Certification Costs:

  • Exam cost: $300.
  • Training: $1390 (depending on training depth and providers).

Benefits:

  • Prepares professionals for the growing AI/ML market.
  • Offers expertise in cutting-edge AI solutions leveraging AWS infrastructure.
  • Enhances credentials for roles in AI-driven digital transformation.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

  • Roles: AI Engineer, ML Specialist, Cloud AI Solutions Architect.
  • Salary (India): ₹4L–₹18.0L annually.
  • Salary (USA): $204,300 per year.

How to Choose an AWS Certification

You must evaluate where your career should lead in the coming years. For beginners, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an excellent foundational certification. It provides a broad overview of AWS services, concepts, and use cases. Intermediate professionals can pursue specialized certifications. Advanced professionals may choose expert-level certifications.

AWS certifications are globally recognized and in accordance to current industry standards. They validate your skills and help you stand out in competitive job marketplaces. 

The following three steps will help you on your way to certification: 

  • Understand the Fundamentals:

First, learn basic cloud concepts and the AWS ecosystem. You can choose the certification that best suits your goals with the help of this fundamental knowledge.

  • Select the Right Certification Path:

Choose the ideal certification based on your career goals and role-specific demands. AWS certificates are designed for architects, developers, DevOps engineers, and machine learning specialists. 

  • Use Reliable Learning Resources:

Register for AWS-approved training platforms or try AWS Skill Builder. Prepare effectively with practice exams, whitepapers, and hands-on labs.

How to Pass the AWS Certifications

Practical and organized study methods are important for passing the AWS certification. A step-by-step guide like this is sure to make things easy for you:

Step 1: Break Down Your Preparation

First, use the Official Practice Question Sets in AWS Skill Builder to divide your study sessions into smaller, more manageable portions. Review answers immediately to understand concepts better. Gradually increase your practice, and attempt a full-length mock exam before the official one.

Step 2: Use the Process of Elimination

Use the process of elimination to discard wrong answers during the exam. This will help narrow down the most relevant answers, which will save time.

Step 3: Focus on Key Concepts

Read the exam guide to find out the weightage and key domains to be studied. Learn core concepts from the Official Practice Question Sets. Most often, these appear in some form on the actual test.

Step 4: Build Practical Knowledge

Success requires real-world experience. Spend most of your preparation time building real-world projects in your AWS account. Hands-on practice solidifies your understanding better than theory alone. Utilize tools like AWS Builder Labs for immersive training.

Step 5: Work Backwards on Scenario-Based Questions

For scenario-based questions, start reading from the end of the question. This helps pinpoint the main requirement and avoids distractions from irrelevant information.

How to Get into AWS and Carve a Career Path in 2025

Top AWS certifications are now essential for developing a career in this fast-paced industry, as cloud computing drives technological advancement. Here are key steps to build a rewarding AWS career in 2025:

  • Set Clear Goals

Establish your professional goals before selecting an AWS certification. For example, if you want to get a higher salary, focus on qualifications that are in great demand. Start with core qualifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're just starting out. Clear goals will ensure you take the right steps forward.

  • Follow Your Interest

Select certifications based on your interests and preferred career path. AWS offers diverse architecture, development, security, and machine learning paths. A certification that matches your interests and abilities keeps you motivated and encourages professional development.

  • Balance Theory and Practice

Opt for training programs that combine theoretical learning with hands-on practice. Effective use of AWS products in real-world situations requires practical expertise. Labs to increase your technical proficiency are available from platforms like AWS Skill Builder or authorized training providers.

  • Choose Authorized Training Providers

Choose training from certified AWS education providers to ensure dependable and up-to-date knowledge. Netcom Learning provides complete training for AWS certifications. Their courses prepare professionals to obtain Associate and Professional AWS certifications. They provide hands-on labs to ensure knowledge of AWS cloud services and tools. Partner with Netcom Learning to achieve your AWS certification and career goals.

  • Research Certification Value

Assess certifications based on industry relevance, time commitments, and retake policies. For example, higher-level certifications often lead to senior roles and higher salaries. Thorough research helps you prioritize certifications that deliver maximum career benefits.

  • Plan for Recertification

Typically, AWS certificates need to be renewed every two to three years. Make a plan to keep your certification current and your abilities up to date.

Conclusion

These credentials are your first step toward an enjoyable profession in cloud computing. Every alternative has been charted out, from base skills to high-level specializations. The confusion is cleared: cloud computing is about to become your domain.

Renee Jones
Author

Renee Jones

Assistant Training Manager,
NetCom Learning

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • What are AWS Certifications?
  • How AWS Certifications Can Make a Difference in Your Career
  • Are AWS Certifications Worth It?
  • Benefits of AWS Certifications
  • Types of AWS certifications
  • Top 10 Highest Paying and Most In-Demand AWS Certifications in 2025
  • Best AWS Certifications for Beginner-Level
  • Best AWS Certifications for Intermediate Level
  • Best AWS Certifications for Advanced Level
  • How to Choose an AWS Certification
  • How to Pass the AWS Certifications
  • How to Get into AWS and Carve a Career Path in 2025
  • Conclusion
  • Related Resources