Do AWS Certifications Expire?

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Long read

AWS certifications are some of the most common cloud credentials — and yes, they expire. The good news is that recertification is relatively straightforward and can often be done without retaking the full exam.

AWS Certification Expiration and Renewal

Quick Answer

Yes — AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the current version of the same exam, earning a higher-level certification in the same path, or using AWS's continuing education options for eligible roles.

The Full Explanation

All AWS certifications — Foundational (Cloud Practitioner, AI Practitioner), Associate (Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps), Professional (Solutions Architect Pro, DevOps Engineer Pro), and Specialty (Security, ML, Advanced Networking, etc.) — have a 3-year validity window.

You can recertify by passing the current version of the same exam (usually at 50% discount during the active-certification window), or by earning a higher-level cert in the same path — passing the Professional-level Solutions Architect automatically extends your Associate-level cert.

AWS tracks your certification status via Credly and CertMetrics. You can download digital badges, view expiration dates, and purchase retake vouchers through your AWS Certification account.

Unlike some certs (CompTIA) that allow CEU credits, AWS doesn't accept continuing education credits for most certifications. The primary path is re-taking the current exam before expiration.

AWS Certification Expiration at a Glance

Validity window: 3 years
Recertification discount: ~50% off during active period
Higher-level pass extends lower-level certs
AWS tracks via Credly + CertMetrics
No CEU-based renewal for most AWS certs
Cost to recertify: ~$75-$150 per exam with discount

Key Takeaways

All AWS certifications expire after 3 years
Recertification is via same-exam pass at discount
Higher-level passes extend lower-level certs
No CEU-based renewal path for most AWS certs

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Conclusion

Plan for 3-year renewal cycles when stacking AWS certs. Most practitioners let the lowest-level cert lapse and recertify at the highest level in their target stack.