Training guide
AWS Free Training and Certification: Skill Builder Guide
A plain guide to free AWS training on Skill Builder and the paid AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026 · Based on the official AWS Training, Skill Builder and Certification pages
Introduction
AWS free training is real, but only the training is free. AWS Skill Builder gives every learner access to more than 600 digital courses at no cost. The certification exams are paid. The old title of this page blurred that line, so this guide separates the two.
The usual starting point is AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials. It prepares you for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, which costs 100 US dollars.
Below you will find what is free, what costs money and how to plan your study.
Quick Information
| Free part |
Skill Builder free tier with 600+ digital courses and learning plans |
| Paid part |
AWS certification exams, for example 100 USD for Cloud Practitioner |
| Exam format |
65 questions, multiple choice or multiple response, in 90 minutes |
| Level |
Cloud Practitioner is a foundational certification |
| Validity |
3 years, according to AWS |
| Optional paid plan |
Skill Builder subscription, listed at 29 USD a month in a third-party source |
Key Points at a Glance
- AWS Skill Builder training is free. AWS exams are not.
- Cloud Practitioner is the foundational exam and costs 100 USD.
- The exam has 65 questions and lasts 90 minutes.
- The certification is valid for 3 years.
- A free Standard exam prep course is available to any Skill Builder account.
What Is Free and What Is Not
AWS says its self-paced digital training on Skill Builder is free. You create an account, choose a course and start.
Exam fees are separate. AWS lists the Cloud Practitioner exam at 100 US dollars. Other levels cost more. A third-party guide lists associate exams at 150 dollars and professional exams at 300 dollars.
Fees can include local taxes or change by region. Check the price on the AWS booking page.
The Skill Builder Free Tier
AWS describes more than 600 digital courses and learning plans in the free tier. It also offers basic exam preparation materials and digital badges.
A paid subscription adds enhanced exam prep, hands-on labs and other interactive content. AWS blog posts describe 200 or more Builder Labs for subscribers.
You do not need a subscription to start. Many beginners finish the foundation courses without one.
Start With Cloud Practitioner Essentials
AWS recommends AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials for people who are new to the cloud or work in non-IT roles. It gives a foundational understanding of the AWS Cloud.
It also helps you prepare for the Cloud Practitioner exam. You do not need programming experience.
Take notes on the terms. The exam uses the same vocabulary.
Free Exam Prep Courses
AWS offers free exam prep courses. A Standard version is available to anyone with a Skill Builder account.
An AWS blog describes these as two-hour courses that explore the exam topics and review sample questions for each domain.
Enhanced versions add hands-on exercises and extra questions. They need a subscription.
The Cloud Practitioner Exam
The exam has 65 questions. Some are multiple choice. Some are multiple response.
You have 90 minutes. Third-party sources say 50 questions count and 15 are unscored trial questions.
The passing score in third-party guides is 700 out of 1,000. Check AWS for the current rule.
How Long the Certificate Lasts
AWS says the certification is valid for three years. Before it expires, you can recertify by passing the latest version of the exam.
Put the date you passed on your CV. Employers can then see that it is current.
A Simple Study Plan
Week one: finish Cloud Practitioner Essentials and write a one-page glossary.
Week two: study security, billing and pricing ideas. These are common weak spots.
Week three: take the free exam prep course and review each domain.
Week four: take practice questions and book the exam when you score well.
Ways to Get Hands-On Practice
Open a free AWS account only if you understand billing. Set a budget alert first.
Try one small task, such as storing a file in a bucket. Then delete it.
AWS Cloud Quest is a game-based learning option. Subscription features include it, according to AWS blog posts.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not call the certification free. The training is free and the exam is not.
Do not rely on old dumps or leaked questions. They break exam rules and teach little.
Do not skip billing topics. Cloud costs are a common exam theme.
Using It in Europe
Entry roles include cloud support associate, IT support, junior cloud administrator and sales or project roles that work with cloud teams.
Add the certification and the year to your Europass CV. Link to any small project you built.
The certificate does not give a right to work. Check national rules if you need a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS training free?
Yes. Self-paced digital training on Skill Builder is free, according to AWS.
Is the exam free?
No. The Cloud Practitioner exam costs 100 US dollars.
How long is it valid?
Three years.
Do I need experience?
No. Cloud Practitioner suits people with no IT or cloud background.
Will it get me a job?
No. Hiring depends on the employer and your skills.
Find Jobs
Titles to search for include cloud support associate, junior cloud administrator and IT support. Search current vacancies on the EURES portal.
Official Course Page
Read the current details on the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner page.
Disclaimer
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with the course provider. Prices, course lists and exam rules change, so check the official page before you enrol. A certificate does not give you the right to work in any country.
