Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most widely-used cloud computing platforms globally, and gaining expertise in AWS can significantly boost career opportunities. Whether you're an IT professional or someone new to the cloud, AWS offers a variety of training and certification programs to enhance your skills. Understanding the costs associated with AWS training is key to planning your learning journey.

Types of AWS Training

AWS offers various types of training programs to accommodate different learning preferences, including:

  • Self-paced online courses: Learn at your own pace with free or paid resources.
  • Instructor-led training: More structured learning environments with certified trainers.
  • Certification preparation courses: Designed to prepare you for official AWS certification exams.
  • Workshops and hands-on labs: Practical exercises to apply your learning.

Cost of AWS Training

The cost of AWS training can vary based on the type of program and learning path you choose. Here’s a breakdown of common AWS training options:

1. Free AWS Training

AWS offers numerous free resources, including:

  • AWS Skill Builder: Offers more than 500 free digital courses across different AWS services.
  • AWS Learning Library: Includes free videos, webinars, and tutorials.
  • AWS Educate: Free online learning resources for students and beginners.

2. Self-Paced Online Training

For self-paced learning, AWS provides some paid courses through its AWS Skill Builder platform. The costs typically range from:

  • $29 to $499 per course, depending on the complexity and depth of the subject.

Example:

  • AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials: $29 (for foundational cloud knowledge)
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $499 (for certification exam preparation)

3. Instructor-Led Training

Instructor-led training provides a more immersive learning experience with live interaction with AWS-certified trainers. These courses usually range from:

  • $600 to $3,000 per course, depending on duration and content.

Examples:

  • Architecting on AWS (3-day course): $2,025
  • Developing on AWS (3-day course): $1,950
  • AWS Security Essentials (1-day course): $675

4. AWS Certification Exam Costs

To get officially certified by AWS, you’ll need to take an exam, which comes with additional fees. Certification costs depend on the level:

  • Foundational certification: $100 (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)
  • Associate-level certification: $150 (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate)
  • Professional or Specialty certification: $300 (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional)

Additional Costs and Resources

  • Practice exams: AWS offers practice exams for around $20 to $40 to help you prepare for the real test.
  • Third-party training platforms: Many third-party platforms, like Coursera, Udemy, and A Cloud Guru, offer AWS training at varying prices, typically ranging from $10 to $500 per course, depending on promotions and content depth.

Are There Any Discounts?

AWS often offers discounts and free vouchers to individuals through:

  • AWS Academy: Students at participating educational institutions may be eligible for free training and discounted certification exams.
  • AWS Training and Certification Promotions: AWS sometimes runs limited-time offers where learners can access certain training resources or certifications at a reduced rate.

Conclusion

The cost of AWS training varies significantly depending on your chosen learning path. While self-paced digital training offers a cost-effective option, instructor-led courses and certifications can be a larger investment. With a range of free resources and paid options, AWS provides flexibility for individuals looking to build cloud skills or prepare for certification. Balancing your budget with your learning goals will help you choose the right AWS training program.