AWS Certification Renewal Guide: How Recertification Works

AWS certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. Before they expire, you need to renew through recertification. This guide explains your options and the timeline.

Certification Validity and Expiry

Every AWS certification has a three-year validity period. Your expiry date is shown in your AWS Certification account. AWS sends reminder emails starting six months before expiry.

Renewal Options

• Pass a recertification exam (recommended)
• Pass a higher-level exam in the same path (e.g., passing SAA-C03 renews CLF-C02)
• Pass any Professional-level exam to renew all Associate and Foundational certs

Free Recertification Exam

AWS offers free, shorter recertification exams that you can take online through your AWS Certification account. These are 40-minute exams with fewer questions, covering current exam content. They are free and can be taken from home without Pearson VUE.

Renewal Timeline

• 6 months before expiry: AWS sends first reminder
• 3 months before: Recertification exam becomes available
• Exam day: Your new 3-year period starts from the renewal date
• After expiry: You must take the full exam again at full price

What Happens If You Lapse

If your certification expires without renewal, you lose the active credential and your Credly digital badge will show as expired. You would need to pass the full current exam to recertify. There is no penalty beyond having to pay and pass the full exam.

Renewal Tips

Set calendar reminders for 6 months and 3 months before expiry. Take the free recertification exam as soon as it becomes available. Also see our detailed recertification guide for additional strategies.