Top AWS Certifications in 2026 and Why They Matter

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the foundation of modern cloud computing. It provides a broad range of services, ranging from storage and computing power, as well as data analysis and machine learning. All kinds of businesses rely on AWS to create, launch, and maintain applications with greater flexibility and scalability. AWS’s dominance in the market has revolutionized industries, enabling new ideas and driving global digital change. As more businesses move to cloud computing, the need for experts with proven AWS knowledge continues to grow.

Why AWS Certifications Matter

In the current environment, AWS certifications serve as a vital test to validate your cloud-related skills. Achieving a certification shows that you have thorough knowledge of the AWS platform and demonstrates an interest in professional development. If you are an individual, the certifications will significantly improve your career opportunities, leading to higher-paying positions and more challenging projects. They offer a straightforward path to developing your skills and staying up to date with the latest cloud technology.

For companies, employing AWS-certified experts can help build strong teams that can design and keep secure, scalable and cost-effective cloud services. It reduces risk, ensures adherence to best practices and increases confidence in a company’s cloud-based capabilities. A qualified team, better equipped to harness the full potential of AWS, can boost efficiency and bring in new ideas.

Top AWS Certifications to Get in 2026

The cloud-based ecosystem continues to grow. Certain certifications are deemed essential for professionals seeking to advance their careers. Here are the most important AWS certifications you can take into consideration for 2026, all providing unique benefits depending on your experience and goals for your career.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate current exam code for 2026 is SAA-C03.For those who are new to cloud computing, SAA-C03 covers fundamental AWS services and helps you develop secure, reliable and cost-effective solutions. This certification demonstrates that you can create and deploy well-designed software with AWS and is an ideal starting point for anyone beginning a cloud career. Recognized as a great starting point for those who want to become cloud engineers, SAA-C03 will demonstrate your ability to work with AWS, especially when creating affordable and reliable solutions. The test focuses on the design of highly trustworthy, fault-tolerant systems that utilize AWS’s core services. If you’re considering a career in the cloud industry or seeking to improve your technical skills, this is the ideal first step.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02)

This SAP-C02 certification is aimed at experienced professionals who design and deploy distributed software on AWS. It builds on associate-level expertise and delves into complex hybrid cloud designs, high availability, and disaster recovery strategies, as well as secure cloud deployments. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in automating their applications, optimizing costs and designing to ensure compliance across multiple AWS services. The test covers advanced topics, including connecting on-premises systems to AWS and managing enterprise-level workloads. The achievement of this certification demonstrates your ability to tackle complex technical and business problems and often lead projects which require the use of innovative cloud solutions. It’s a highly regarded accomplishment for those looking to progress into more senior architect positions or to lead a cloud strategy.SAP-C02 is intended for professionals with at least 2 years of experience working on AWS. It is a comprehensive exam that covers advanced scenarios like complex migrations, as well as enterprise-scale systems. It requires an understanding of cost management and strong security. This credential demonstrates the ability to make architectural decisions and manage complex cloud projects at scale, which makes it an ideal gateway to higher positions.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (DOP-C02)

DOP-C02 can be used by people who manage automation and cloud operations. It demonstrates your ability to build CI/CD pipelines, automate deployments, and monitor AWS infrastructure. This certification demonstrates your ability to develop and maintain safe, reliable systems. This is a valuable credential for those who excel within DevOps using AWS. This certification is intended for those with hands-on experience in cloud operations and automation. It showcases your abilities in implementing CI/CD pipelines that automate deployments and monitor infrastructure. You’ll be assessed on security and incident response. DevOps procedures as well. Both operations and developers can use DOP-C02 to demonstrate a thorough real-world understanding of automated delivery systems in AWS environments, particularly where reliability and agility are essential.

AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C02)

Organizations seek out professionals to secure sensitive data and ensure compliance when using cloud computing, and the SCS-C02 is among the most prestigious certifications in this field. This certification is ideal for those responsible for the security of AWS environments. It provides the ability to demonstrate competence in data encryption, protection, infrastructure security, monitoring, and incident response. Candidates must know AWS security tools and understand best security practices and industry standards.

You’ll be required to create and implement security layers that can respond in real time and adjust resources to limit the risk of vulnerability. The exam is scenario-driven, forcing you to demonstrate your ability to make decisions under pressure and to control a broad range of AWS security features. If you are interested in cloud security, specifically in highly regulated industries or enterprises, SCS-C02 signals expertise that employers trust. Cloud security is more important than ever before. The SCS-C02 certification is intended for professionals responsible for protecting information and reducing risk in AWS environments. It validates your knowledge of monitoring, access control, and response. Incident response work. Work involving security or compliance; this certification demonstrates your current understanding of the latest cloud security practices. Security professionals see it as a great way to prove their experience and advance their careers.

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (MLS-C01)

If you’re involved in machine learning on AWS, this certification validates your ability to create, train, and deploy machine learning models. It covers the entire ML pipeline and core AWS services, including SageMaker. MLS-C01 is valuable for data professionals aiming to showcase applied expertise and drive AI initiatives within organisations.MLS-C01 stands out for anyone involved in building, tuning, or deploying machine learning models using AWS tools. It evaluates your strengths in the ML pipeline, including data ingestion, training, and optimization, while also covering tools such as SageMaker. Businesses looking to adopt AI-driven or flexible ML strategies will find this certification highly useful. Data professionals will appreciate it. MLS-C01 is a proof of experience and hands-on knowledge, as well as the ability to convert data into actionable outcomes.

AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (DEA-C01)

As businesses can collect more data than ever before, making sense of this information is key to success. This DEA-C01 certification is designed for professionals who create and build analytics solutions utilizing AWS services. It confirms your knowledge throughout the entire data lifecycle, covering all aspects of data gathering, storage, processing, and, finally, efficient visualization and reporting. You will be required to demonstrate proficiency with tools such as Kinesis, Glue, Redshift, and Athena, as well as best practices for protecting and monitoring data workloads. This certification is especially useful for analysts, data engineers, and architects who must provide actionable information to support well-informed business decision-making. DEA-C01 shows employers that you are capable of transforming complex datasets into meaningful value for any organization. Increasingly, organizations rely on data insights for decision-making. DEA-C01 confirms your experience in creating and managing analytics-related solutions utilizing AWS services. The exam focuses on data collection, storage, processing, and visualization, and offers the opportunity to earn a special credential for handling large datasets. If your work requires shaping, interpreting, or protecting crucial information, DEA-C01 confirms your ability to convert raw data into a competitive advantage for your business.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01)

ANS-C01 is targeted at professionals with extensive networking knowledge, specifically those responsible for complex AWS or hybrid network designs. The test includes advanced routing, network security and automation. This certification is beneficial for those who design or implement large-scale network solutions. It demonstrates your ability to overcome the most challenging problems in cloud networking. The ANS-C01 credential is for specialists who are adept at tackling complex network designs, ranging from hybrid connectivity to advanced automation. You’ll require experience in managing complex routing, network security, and enterprise networking. This exam is particularly difficult and is usually given to those with at least 5 years of network experience. If you pass, you will be able to manage the highest levels of hybrid and cloud-based network complexity, making you valuable to companies with large, distributed systems.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02)

A must for software developers. DVA-C02 will test your knowledge in the development and deployment of AWS-based software. It covers the core features, API integration, and debugging. This certification demonstrates your ability to build modern, flexible solutions on AWS. AWS cloud. Perfect for developers who write software. DVA-C02 focuses on developing and deploying effective applications on AWS. It will test your ability to integrate APIs for services, using SDKs and utilizing key development services, such as AWS Lambda. The test will cover monitoring, debugging, and lifecycle management of modern cloud-native and server less solutions. Many developers find it a step towards more advanced certifications and the chance to be noticed by demonstrating their AWS development knowledge.

How to Get Prepared for AWS Certifications

The process of preparing for an AWS certification requires a mix of classroom and hands-on learning. Begin by studying the official exam manual and the AWS-supplied blueprint. The guide will detail the areas covered and the importance of each part. Get hands-on experience working with AWS services in a personal or professional capacity? : a fantastic opportunity to test various services without paying.

Use Reliable Practice Tests with Cert4Prep

A highly efficient method of preparation is to make use of high-quality test questions. They help you get acquainted with the format, the various question types, and the time limits. They also reveal areas of weakness and strength, which allows you to concentrate your efforts where they are needed most.

Cert4Prep offers a comprehensive suite of practice tests covering various AWS certifications. The materials we provide are designed to mimic the actual exam and provide detailed explanations for every question. Utilizing Cert4Prep, you will gain confidence, identify knowledge gaps, and ensure you’re fully ready to pass your AWS certification exam on your first attempt.