How to Renew Your AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification

AWS offers a few different ways to keep your credentials active. In this article, we will focus specifically on the options available for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.

CLOUD

8/23/20262 min read

For some exams (such as Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional), you can study and complete practical activities on AWS Skill Builder within the last 90 days before expiration to add 1 year of validity to your active certification. However, for the AWS Cloud Practitioner, the primary and cost-free suggested option is playing AWS Cloud Quest.

If you hold the foundational-level Cloud Practitioner certification, you can play "Recertify Cloud Practitioner" on AWS Skill Builder. Completing the challenges within 6 months before expiration renews your title for 3 years for free.

You have the following options for this certification:

Option 1: Play AWS Cloud Quest (No Exam Required)

This is by far the most popular and fun method. You do not need to take a new exam.

  • How it works: You complete practical missions in the game "AWS Cloud Quest: Recertify Cloud Practitioner" by building real solutions on AWS.

  • Requirement: Your current certification must be less than 6 months away from expiring.

  • Advantage: It is completely free and renews your certificate for 3 years.

  • Where to access: Head over to the AWS Skill Builder platform to get started.


Option 2: Take the Latest Exam

If you prefer the traditional method, you can retake the Cloud Practitioner exam.

  • How it works: Simply schedule and pass the most up-to-date version of the exam.

  • Advantage: Renews your certificate for 3 years from the pass date.

  • Where to schedule: Visit the official AWS Certification page to book your exam.


Option 3: Earn a Higher-Level Certification

If you are already studying for other AWS certificates, this will also solve your problem.

  • How it works: Passing any Associate-level (such as Solutions Architect) or Professional-level exam automatically renews your Cloud Practitioner.

  • Where to look: Check out the next levels on the AWS Certification website.


My Experience with the Renewal Process

I recently renewed mine and had a very positive experience. AWS built a hands-on lab environment for a large part of the exam syllabus, making it engaging to progress through the activities and their respective stages.

Cloud Computing Essentials Topics:

  • Cloud First Steps

  • Computing Solutions

  • Networking Concepts

  • Cloud Economics

  • Databases in Practice

  • Connecting VPCs

  • First NoSQL Database

  • File Systems in the Cloud

  • Core Security Concepts

  • Auto-Healing and Scaling Applications

  • Highly Available Web Applications

  • Modernize a Cloud Architecture

  • Module completion

  • Feedback

  • Achievements

Each topic is divided into three parts:

  1. Video Training: Initial video lessons covering the theory.

  2. Hands-on Labs: Practical labs with a detailed step-by-step guide to achieve specific objectives.

  3. Validation: A final challenge featuring a variation of the previously built environment, requiring ID validation to complete and move forward.


In total, there are 13 challenges, taking anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour each to complete.


As a result, the certification I obtained in September 2023, which was set to expire next month, was extended for another three years at no cost, and I also had the opportunity to review and practice various concepts.

Have you considered trying out AWS Cloud Quest for your next recertification?'

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