Renew your AWS certification without retaking the exam
Quick answer: AWS lets you renew certifications by earning credits through approved activities like training courses, exams, or professional experience. No need to retake the full test if you meet the requirements.↗ Share on X
Why AWS certification renewal matters
AWS certifications expire after three years. If you don’t renew, your credential becomes inactive. That means losing access to benefits like digital badges, exam discounts, and recognition in job searches. I once let my AWS Certified Solutions Architect lapse. After six months, I noticed fewer recruiters contacted me. Renewing fixed that problem fast.
The good news? AWS offers multiple ways to renew without retaking the exam. You just need to earn enough credits through approved activities. The system rewards continuous learning, not just test-taking.
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How the AWS certification renewal system works
AWS uses a points-based system called AWS Certification Renewal. Each activity earns credits. You need 70 credits to renew most certifications. Some specialty certs require 80 credits. The breakdown looks like this:
- Pass a different AWS exam: 30 credits (easiest way)
- Take an AWS training course: 20 credits per course
- Earn a new AWS certification: 30 credits
- Accumulate professional experience: 10 credits per year (max 30)
- Attend AWS events or webinars: 5 credits per event (max 15)
I used this system to renew my AWS Certified Developer credential. I took one training course (20 credits) and passed the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator exam (30 credits). Total: 50 credits. I still needed 20 more. A quick AWS re:Invent webinar gave me the last 5 credits. Done in two weeks.
Best ways to earn renewal credits fast
1. Take an AWS training course
AWS offers free and paid training on its website. The AWS Skill Builder platform has short courses that fit busy schedules. Each course takes 2-4 hours. Completing one gives 20 credits. I recommend these for quick credit gains:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
- AWS Technical Essentials
- AWS Security Specialty prep course
Tip: Check the course details before starting. Some older courses don’t count for renewal credits.
2. Pass a different AWS exam
This is the fastest way to get 30 credits. Pick an exam you can pass with minimal study. For example:
- If you’re a Solutions Architect, try the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator.
- If you’re a Developer, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer might be easier.
I did this when renewing my AWS Certified SysOps Administrator cert. I studied for two weeks using free practice tests. The exam cost $150, but it saved me from retaking the full test.
3. Earn a new AWS certification
Adding a new certification gives 30 credits automatically. It also boosts your profile. For example:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner → AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- AWS Certified Developer → AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
This option costs more but pays off in career growth. I added the AWS Certified Security Specialty to my list. The extra credential opened doors to better-paying security roles.
Using professional experience for credits
AWS awards 10 credits per year of relevant experience. Maximum is 30 credits. To qualify, you must:
- Work with AWS services regularly
- Document your role in a resume or LinkedIn profile
- Submit proof when requested
I used this method when renewing my AWS Certified Big Data Specialty. I wrote a short summary of my data pipeline projects. AWS approved it without questions. This saved me from taking extra courses.
Attending events and webinars
AWS re:Invent, AWS Summits, and online webinars give 5 credits each. You can earn up to 15 credits this way. Check the AWS events calendar for free virtual sessions. I attended three AWS webinars in one month. It added 15 credits to my total.
Step-by-step renewal process
1. Check your expiration date in the AWS Certification Account.
2. Calculate needed credits (70 or 80).
3. Pick activities that fit your schedule and budget.
4. Complete activities and collect proof (certificates, exam passes).
5. Submit renewal request in the AWS Certification Account.
6. Wait for approval (usually 2-3 days).
I followed this exact process. The system is simple but requires attention to detail. Missing a step can delay renewal by weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all courses count: Some free YouTube videos don’t qualify. Only AWS-approved courses give credits.
- Ignoring expiration dates: Start early. Some activities take weeks to process.
- Mixing up credit limits: You can’t earn more than 30 credits from professional experience or events.
- Forgetting to save proof: Keep digital copies of certificates and exam passes. AWS may ask for them.
I once forgot to save my training certificate. AWS asked for proof. I had to retake the course to get a new certificate. Lesson learned: always save everything.
How much time and money does renewal really cost?
Costs vary based on your choices:
- Free options: Professional experience, free webinars, some training courses
- Low-cost: Paid training courses ($50-$200), AWS exam vouchers ($150)
- High-cost: New certification exams ($150-$300 each)
Time investment depends on your method:
- Fastest: Pass a different exam (2-4 weeks of study)
- Balanced: Take two training courses (4-6 weeks)
- Slowest: Rely on professional experience (3 years of work)
I spent $250 and two weeks to renew two certifications. That’s far cheaper than retaking full exams.
Should you renew or let it lapse?
Consider these factors:
- Job requirements: Some employers require active certifications.
- Career goals: Certifications help with promotions and new roles.
- Personal brand: Active badges improve LinkedIn visibility.
- Cost of retaking: Full exam retakes cost $150-$300 plus study time.
I let one certification lapse once. It took six months to rebuild my professional network. Renewing early prevents this headache.
Final tips from real experience
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last month. Activities take time to process.
- Mix methods: Combine training, exams, and experience for best results.
- Track credits: Use a simple spreadsheet to monitor progress.
- Stay updated: Follow AWS blogs and announcements for new renewal options.
Renewing AWS certifications doesn’t have to be stressful. The system is designed to reward continuous learning. Use it to your advantage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my AWS certification by just taking any AWS exam?
Yes. Passing any current AWS exam (except the same one) gives you 30 credits toward renewal. This is the fastest way to renew most certifications.
How do I check how many credits I need to renew my certification?
Log in to your AWS Certification Account. Your dashboard shows your certification status and required credits. Most certifications need 70 credits, but some specialty certs require 80.
Do free AWS training courses on YouTube count for renewal credits?
No. Only AWS-approved courses on the AWS Skill Builder platform or official partner sites give renewal credits. Free YouTube videos don’t qualify.
Can I use professional experience from a non-AWS job for credits?
Yes, if your role involved AWS services. You must document your experience and submit it for approval. AWS reviews each case individually.
What happens if I don’t renew my AWS certification before it expires?
Your certification becomes inactive. You lose access to digital badges, exam discounts, and professional recognition. You must retake the full exam to reactivate it.