AWS Certification Updates for 2024:
AWS provides over 200 cloud services, ranging from computing and storage to databases, analytics, networking, and security. AWS operates over 100 data centers in 32 geographic regions and more than 400 edge zones, reaching 245 countries and territories. As of February 2024, there are over 1.31 million active AWS Certifications, which is an 18% increase from the previous year. AWS Certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in AWS cloud services.
Organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies; certified professionals play a vital role in maximizing the potential of AWS solutions. AWS offers a comprehensive certification program that caters to various skill levels and roles, ranging from foundational to specialty certifications. The certification paths are divided into four main categories: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Each category focuses on different areas of expertise, allowing individuals to choose a path that aligns with their career goals and interests.
The certifications being retired are:
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (DAS-C01)
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty (DBS-C01)
- AWS Certified: SAP on AWS – Specialty (PAS-C01)
This change reflects AWS’s commitment to ensuring its certification pathways keep up with evolving cloud technologies, thus allowing professionals to focus on the most current skills and best practices needed in the industry
In addition to these retirements, AWS has announced the introduction of two new certifications in 2024:
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate
These certifications highlight AWS’s focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning as critical components of the future of cloud technology. Beta exams for these certifications are available in English and Japanese, with registration for the beta phase starting on August 13, 2024. These certifications provide professionals with the opportunity to specialise in AI and ML, areas that are becoming increasingly important across industries.
AWS continues to evolve its certification offerings to better serve the cloud community by providing updated, relevant credentials in key areas of cloud computing.
| Certification | Level | Current Status | Notes |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Foundational | Active | Free recertification option until January 2025. |
| AWS Certified AI Practitioner | Foundational | Beta (August 2024) | New certification focused on AI skills. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect | Associate | Active | Regular updates for cloud architecture best practices. |
| AWS Certified Developer | Associate | Active | Updated for modern development practices. |
| AWS Certified SysOps Administrator | Associate | Active | Includes latest updates on automation and monitoring. |
| AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer | Associate | Beta (August 2024) | New certification focused on machine learning engineering skills. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect | Professional | Active | Revised for new AWS services and advanced features. |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer | Professional | Active | Updated to include continuous integration and AWS operations tools. |
| AWS Certified Security | Specialty | Active | Focus on security, compliance, and AWS tools. |
| AWS Certified Data Analytics | Specialty | Retiring April 2024 | Replacing AWS Certified Big Data certification. |
| AWS Certified Database | Specialty | Retiring April 2024 | Phased out as part of AWS’s restructured offerings. |
| AWS Certified: SAP on AWS | Specialty | Retiring April 2024 | Focused on SAP workloads on AWS, being retired to streamline specialty offerings. |
| AWS Certified Advanced Networking | Specialty | Active | Updated with network automation tools. |
Key Notes:
Certifications retiring in April 2024:
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty
- AWS Certified: SAP on AWS – Specialty
New certifications introduced in 2024:
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate
AWS is updating its certification programs by retiring older certifications and introducing more specialized, modern learning paths. With these changes, AWS ensures that certified individuals remain relevant in a competitive job market. These professionals are better positioned to drive innovation and deliver greater value through their advanced skills and knowledge. The new certifications equip professionals to adapt to the constantly evolving demands of the industry.