Quick answer
To get AWS certified, choose the right starting certification (Cloud Practitioner for complete beginners, Solutions Architect – Associate if you have some technical background), study for six to ten weeks combining a structured course with hands-on labs, take practice exams in the final two weeks, then register and sit the exam through AWS's official certification portal.
AWS certification is one of the most recognized credentials in cloud computing, but the process of actually preparing and registering can feel unclear the first time. This guide walks through the practical steps end to end.
Step 1: Choose your starting certification
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the foundational certification, best for complete beginners or non-technical roles. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is more technical and more widely recognized by employers — a strong choice if you already have some IT or development background and want to skip straight to the more job-relevant credential.
Step 2: Build a study plan
- 1Use a structured course that maps directly to the exam's official domains, rather than generic AWS tutorials.
- 2Set up a free-tier AWS account and get hands-on with the services covered in the exam.
- 3Study in focused sessions over six to ten weeks rather than cramming in a short burst.
- 4In the final two weeks, take full-length timed practice exams to build stamina and identify weak areas.
Step 3: Register and take the exam
| Step | What to know |
|---|---|
| Registration | Done through the official AWS certification portal, with a listed exam fee |
| Exam format | Testing center or online proctored, your choice |
| Duration | Typically 90–130 minutes depending on the certification level |
| Results | Pass/fail shown immediately after; detailed score report follows shortly after |
The exam tests applied knowledge, not memorization — hands-on practice in a real AWS account matters more than reading alone.
How MITS Edge fits
MITS Edge's cloud computing track is built around AWS certification as a core outcome, with live instruction, structured exam-domain coverage, hands-on labs in a real AWS environment, and dedicated practice-exam preparation in the final weeks of the program.
Prepare for AWS certification with structured, hands-on training.
Browse coursesFrequently asked questions
What is the first AWS certification I should get?+
For complete beginners, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the standard starting point. For those with some technical background, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a stronger first certification since it is more widely recognized by employers.
How do I register for an AWS certification exam?+
You register directly through AWS's official certification portal, choosing between an in-person testing center or online proctored exam, and pay the exam fee at registration.
How long should I study before taking the exam?+
Six to ten weeks of consistent, focused study is typical for the Associate level, combining a structured course, hands-on labs, and practice exams in the final two weeks.
What happens if I fail the exam?+
You can retake it after a 14-day waiting period, paying the exam fee again. Reviewing your score report by domain area helps you focus study time on your weakest areas before retaking.
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