Choosing your first AWS certification feels harder than it should. Not because AWS lacks guidance—but because there’s too much of it. Everyone has an opinion, and most of them sound outdated.
A few years ago, the default advice was simple:
“Start with Cloud Practitioner, then move up.”
In 2026, that advice still works—but only if you understand why you’re doing it and where you’re headed next. The cloud job market is more competitive, AI has reshaped how AWS is used, and hiring managers are far less impressed by certifications alone.
This guide breaks down how to choose your starting point based on real-world outcomes, not just exam difficulty.
The Great Starting Line Debate: Foundational vs. Associate
The most common fork in the road is deciding between the Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) and the Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03).
If you are coming from a non-technical background—maybe you’re in sales, marketing, or project management—the Cloud Practitioner is your best friend. It’s designed to give you the vocabulary of the cloud without forcing you to configure a database from scratch. However, if your goal is to be an engineer, many seasoned professionals suggest a more strategic approach.
The Cloud Practitioner gives you the lay of the land. It’s like getting a park map and learning how to read trail markers before you attempt that 10-mile hike. You’ll understand what all those AWS services actually do, how the pricing works (crucial for real-world work), and the fundamental security concepts that underpin everything in the cloud.
Cloud Practitioner acts as a warm-up. It costs $100 to take, and passing it gives you a 50% discount on your next exam. Since the Solutions Architect exam is $150, taking the foundational one first effectively means you’re getting two certifications for only $25 more than the cost of one. It’s a great way to shake off test-taking nerves before hitting the harder material.
Choosing a Path Based on the Job You Want
Instead of asking “Which cert is easiest?”, ask:
“What kind of work do I want to do every day?”
The Generalist (Most Flexible Path)
Your choice should be dictated by where you want to spend your workday. If you enjoy big-picture thinking and designing how systems talk to each other, the Solutions Architect track is the gold standard. It’s the most versatile certification and the one most likely to get your resume past an initial screening. AWS SAA keeps the most doors open and pairs well with DevOps, security, or developer roles later.
The AI / ML-Focused Path
AWS has shifted heavily toward AI-native services—Bedrock, SageMaker, managed vector databases. For those who want to ride the wave of the current “AI Gold Rush,” the path has changed. AWS recently introduced the AI Practitioner and Machine Learning Engineer tracks. If you want to build with Large Language Models or manage data pipelines for AI, starting here is now more relevant than the traditional generalist route.
The Developer Path
If you’re a coder at heart, you might be tempted to jump straight into the Developer Associate exam. A common piece of advice, though, is to still take the Solutions Architect exam first. The Developer exam focuses heavily on specific tools like Lambda and DynamoDB, but without the architectural context of the SAA, you might struggle to understand how those tools fit into a secure, global network.
Better sequence:
Cloud Practitioner (optional) → Solutions Architect → Developer Associate
Certs
The “Paper Certified” Trap
There is one mistake that kills more cloud careers than any failed exam: being “paper certified.” In 2026, having a badge on your LinkedIn isn’t enough. Employers are looking for people who have actually broken things in the AWS Console.
While you study, you should be building. Whether it’s the famous “Cloud Resume Challenge”—where you host your CV as a serverless website—or building a simple automated image-recognition tool, hands-on projects are what turn a certification into a job offer. Use the AWS Free Tier to its limit.
Recommended Study Toolkit
When it comes to learning the material, three names consistently rise to the top of every recommendation list. Stephane Maarek is widely considered the best for high-level overviews and exam-specific tips. If you want a deep, technical dive that teaches you how to be an engineer (not just how to pass a test), Adrian Cantrill’s courses are the gold standard. Finally, for practice exams, Tutorials Dojo provides the most realistic simulation of the actual testing environment.
Choosing your first AWS cert isn’t just about a credential; it’s about choosing your specialty. Start with the SAA if you want to be a generalist, or the AI Practitioner if you want to be at the cutting edge. Just remember to build while you learn.
My Final Thoughts
Starting with AWS certifications is exciting—you’re learning skills that are genuinely in demand. But it’s also a journey that requires honest self-assessment.
If I had to give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be: start with Cloud Practitioner, even if you think you’re beyond it. That foundation made all my subsequent certifications easier. I understood the “why” behind the “what,” which is ultimately what these exams test.
The cloud landscape changes constantly, but fundamentals remain. Start there. Build that solid foundation. Then, when you’re ready, tackle the next challenge.
What’s holding you back from starting today? Seriously—open a new tab right now, search for “AWS Skill Builder,” and glance at the Cloud Practitioner course. Just ten minutes. That’s how these journeys begin: with a single, small step.
Further Reading: Should You Bet Your Career on Oracle Cloud? AWS vs. OCI for Beginners
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