Training & certifications
Services and solutions on AWS continue to develop rapidly, meaning best practices change and expertise evolves. So, it’s essential that organizations and talent stay up to date with all the latest skills and know-how.
Training & certifications
Services and solutions on AWS continue to develop rapidly, meaning best practices change and expertise evolves. So, it’s essential that organizations and talent stay up to date with all the latest skills and know-how.
Training & certifications
Services and solutions on AWS continue to develop rapidly, meaning best practices change and expertise evolves. So, it’s essential that organizations and talent stay up to date with all the latest skills and know-how.
Whether you’re a professional looking to boost your curb appeal or an organization striving to upskill your teams, certifications and training are key ingredients in the recipe for success—and so it’s no surprise that we see the AWS community champion learning and development year after year.
In particular, AWS certifications can not only bolster professional standing but also play a major role in job satisfaction, soft skill development, attrition rates, and more. But with these certifications costing time and money, talent needs to feel confident that the market will recognize and reward the added value they bring.
Here, we’ll break down what certifications AWS professionals hold and dive into attitudes towards training and certification to establish which are most highly valued in the market today.
What percentage of candidates hold an AWS certification?
The number of certified professionals is now 58%—down from 59% in 2023.
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
24%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
59%
- Do not have a certification
23%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
28%
- Currently working towards first certification
14%
AWS certifications held by candidates
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
Almost half (48%, down from 53% in our last survey) of respondents have undergone recertification to maintain their AWS Certified status.
What percentage of candidates hold an AWS certification?
The number of certified professionals is now 58%—down from 59% in 2023.
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
24%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
59%
- Do not have a certification
23%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
28%
- Currently working towards first certification
14%
AWS certifications held by candidates
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
Almost half (48%, down from 53% in our last survey) of respondents have undergone recertification to maintain their AWS Certified status.
What percentage of candidates hold an AWS certification?
The number of certified professionals is now 58%—down from 59% in 2023.
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
24%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
59%
- Do not have a certification
23%
- Currently working towards first certification
18%
- Have a certification
58%
- Do not have a certification
28%
- Currently working towards first certification
14%
AWS certifications held by candidates
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 53% |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational | 40% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 29% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 20% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 17% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 17% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 10% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 8% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 7% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 5% |
| AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty | 2% |
Almost half (48%, down from 53% in our last survey) of respondents have undergone recertification to maintain their AWS Certified status.
Does holding an AWS certification make you a more valuable professional?
Yes
82%
No
7%
Not sure
11%
Over four-fifths (82%) of respondents with certifications believe they make you a more valuable candidate—this is up from 80% in our previous survey.
Maximizing value: How might certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
Reasons for believing that certifications add value to a candidate can be grouped into five main themes:
- Certification provides a level of assurance that candidates have a certain level of competency with AWS
- AWS certifications are globally recognized qualifications
- Certifications are desired by some hiring managers
- They give you a competitive edge against un-certified candidates
- Gaining a certification demonstrates a commitment to learning more about AWS
“AWS Certification validates my knowledge and skills in various AWS services and solutions. Being certified demonstrates my commitment to learning and mastering cloud computing technologies. Employers value these certificates because they provide assurance of my professional knowledge and ability to work.”
Account Executive, United States
Summarizing the sceptics: Why don't respondents believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
Two themes cover the reasons for believing that certifications do not add value to a candidate:
- Practical experience with AWS is more important
- I’ve known people with certifications that were not very competent in their role
Summarizing the sceptics: Why don't respondents believe that certifications make candidates more valuable to employers?
Two themes cover the reasons for believing that certifications do not add value to a candidate:
- Practical experience with AWS is more important
- I’ve known people with certifications that were not very competent in their role
What are the main benefits you can gain from undertaking a certification?
| 1. Better career progression opportunities | 45% |
| 2. A way to verify your skills with AWS products | 44% |
| 3. Increased efficiency at your job | 42% |
| 4. Improved and increased industry knowledge | 35% |
| 5. Recognition from your employer that your skills adhere to a professional standard | 30% |
| 6. Added skills and value to your organization | 28% |
| 7. Transferable industry skills | 29% |
| 8. More respect from co-workers | 26% |
| 9. More trust from your employer | 25% |
| 10. Better marketability to employers/an enhanced professional profile | 25% |
How does gaining a certification impact on your salary?
I believe my salary has increased since gaining a certification
60%
I haven’t noticed a change in my salary since gaining a certification
40%
Those who reported earning a salary increase post-certification received an average raise of 23%, which is a decrease of 4% from our last survey.
What are the main benefits you can gain from undertaking a certification?
| 1. Better career progression opportunities | 45% |
| 2. A way to verify your skills with AWS products | 44% |
| 3. Increased efficiency at your job | 42% |
| 4. Improved and increased industry knowledge | 35% |
| 5. Recognition from your employer that your skills adhere to a professional standard | 30% |
| 6. Added skills and value to your organization | 28% |
| 7. Transferable industry skills | 29% |
| 8. More respect from co-workers | 26% |
| 9. More trust from your employer | 25% |
| 10. Better marketability to employers/an enhanced professional profile | 25% |
How does gaining a certification impact on your salary?
I believe my salary has increased since gaining a certification
60%
I haven't noticed a change in my salary since gaining a certification
40%
Those who reported earning a salary increase post-certification received an average raise of 23%, which is a decrease of 4% from our last survey.
Are employers contributing towards the cost of certifications?
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
47%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
18%
No, I paid for my certifications
34%
Other
1%
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
43%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
15%
No, I paid for my certifications
41%
Other
1%
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
53%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
23%
No, I paid for my certifications
23%
Other
1%
‘Other’ responses include an exam voucher after completing the AWS re/start program.
What AWS certifications can boost your pay?
Once again, the Solutions Architect (Professional) certification tops our list of certifications most likely to increase a candidate’s earning potential, according to AWS professionals.
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 45% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 38% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 25% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 23% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 20% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 16% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 16% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 14% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 14% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 10% |
Are employers contributing towards the cost of certifications?
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
47%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
18%
No, I paid for my certifications
34%
Other
1%
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
43%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
15%
No, I paid for my certifications
41%
Other
1%
Yes, they paid for my certifications in full
53%
Yes, they partially paid for my certifications
23%
No, I paid for my certifications
23%
Other
1%
‘Other’ responses include an exam voucher after completing the AWS re/start program.
What AWS certifications can boost your pay?
Once again, the Solutions Architect (Professional) certification tops our list of certifications most likely to increase a candidate’s earning potential, according to AWS professionals.
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | 45% |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional | 38% |
| AWS Certified Security - Specialty | 25% |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | 23% |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty | 20% |
| AWS Certified Developer - Associate | 16% |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty | 16% |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate | 14% |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty | 14% |
| AWS Certified Database - Specialty | 10% |
What motivates an AWS professional to get certified?
We also asked those professionals who are not currently certified or actively pursuing a certification what would encourage them to undertake one. Employer funding for certifications is again the top motivating factor to encourage non-certified candidates to get certified.
0
%
Employer funding for certifications
0
%
Paid time off to attend training or study
0
%
The promise of a pay increase after gaining certification
| The opportunity to learn new skills | 35% |
| The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification | 30% |
| If it was a required for my role | 25% |
| Discounted certifications | 22% |
| None of the above | 9% |
| Other | 5% |
| The opportunity to learn new skills | 35% |
| The incentive of a promotion or a new role after gaining certification | 30% |
| If it was a required for my role | 25% |
| Discounted certifications | 22% |
| None of the above | 9% |
| Other | 5% |
What are the barriers to achieving a certification?
Interestingly, 38% (down from 43% in our last survey) of professionals have begun studying for a certification but stopped before taking the exam. Reasons given for not sitting the exam include:
Lack of time to study because of a high workload
59%
Lack of motivation
31%
Lack of time to study because of personal commitments
28%
Procrastination
26%
I struggled with self-directed learning
20%
I was worried I wouldn't pass the exam
11%
I found the course material too complex/difficult to understand
8%
Other
4%
Lack of time to study because of a high workload
59%
Lack of motivation
31%
Lack of time to study because of personal commitments
28%
Procrastination
26%
I struggled with self-directed learning
20%
I was worried I wouldn't pass the exam
11%
I found the course material too complex/difficult to understand
8%
Other
4%
Conclusion
It’s somewhat surprising to see a drop in the total number of certified and recertified respondents when compared to 2023, albeit just 1% and 2% respectively—especially considering the increase in respondents who believe certifications make you a more valuable candidate.
This is perhaps reflective of the decline in certified candidates who received a salary boost (60%, down from 73%) and the decrease in the average pay rise post-certification. In today’s challenging economic climate, it’s understandable that candidates are placing greater emphasis on financial incentives, especially when it comes at the cost of their own time and, for over a third (34%) of respondents, their own money. Employer funding for certifications (47%) coming out on top of the motivators encouraging candidates to get certified is further evidence of this.
Organizations should take note of this and evaluate the impact this has on internal skills, satisfaction, output, and profitability. If current market conditions mean you can’t supply sufficient financial incentives, look to support candidates in overcoming common certification barriers like a lack of time to study (59%) by reducing workloads and providing internal time and resources. Meanwhile, candidates should take note of the additional benefits of obtaining certifications, such as better career progression opportunities (45%), which hold the potential to pay dividends if not immediately, then further down the line.
Our key findings report contains highlights from this year’s Careers and Hiring Guide, plus our salary tables allow you to compare your salary or benchmark your teams’ salaries no matter their role in the AWS ecosystem.
Our key findings report contains highlights from this year’s Careers and Hiring Guide, plus our salary tables allow you to compare your salary or benchmark your teams’ salaries no matter their role in the AWS ecosystem.
Our key findings report contains highlights from this year’s Careers and Hiring Guide, plus our salary tables allow you to compare your salary or benchmark your teams’ salaries no matter their role in the AWS ecosystem.
