AWS Certification Deals 2026: Vouchers, Discounts & Savings

Navigating the Cloud Career Landscape: Smart Savings on AWS Certifications in 2026

Welcome to 2026! For many professionals, Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications remain a gold standard, validating critical skills in the ever-evolving world of cloud technology and innovation. As you chart your career path, whether it's scaling new heights as a solutions architect or deepening your expertise in specialized domains, these certifications are invaluable.

However, the cost of exams can sometimes be a hurdle. That's why, year after year, posts like this become essential resources – helping aspiring and current cloud professionals navigate the available discounts, vouchers, and promotions. Following the popularity of our 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, we're thrilled to present the most up-to-date information for 2026 to help you lower the burden of exam costs. This post was last updated on 1-January-2026.

Let's dive into the current opportunities to save on your AWS certification journey.

Current AWS Certification Promotions and Discounts (As of Jan 1, 2026)

#### 1. The Power Play: 25% Off ANY AWS Exam & Free Retake

This is arguably one of the most attractive offers currently available. AWS is providing a significant 25% discount on your initial exam attempt and, for added peace of mind, a free retake if you don't succeed the first time.

How to Claim: Be sure to use the specific promo code (details typically provided on the registration page – always double-check AWS's official site for the exact code*) when you register for your exam.
* Registration Deadline: To secure this discount, you must register for your exam by February 15, 2026.
* Retake Deadline: If you need to utilize the free retake, you must complete that attempt by March 31, 2026.
* Important Note: This offer cannot be combined or stacked with any other coupons or vouchers. Always pay close attention to the Terms and Conditions when registering, as eligibility and specifics can vary. You can typically register through the main AWS certification portal.

#### 2. Udemy's 10% Off Exam Voucher

While AWS primarily directs users to Pearson VUE for exam registration, other reputable platforms sometimes offer alternative purchase options. Udemy, a well-known online learning platform (and soon to be merged with Coursera), is currently offering a 10% discount if you purchase your AWS exam voucher directly through their platform.

* Voucher Specifics: Please note that vouchers are generally non-refundable. Once purchased, they typically come with an expiration date. While you can often cancel and re-book an exam within this time window, the voucher itself usually has a strict validity period.
* Non-Stackable: Just like the 25% off offer, these vouchers do NOT stack with other promotions, including the free retake offer.
* Consideration: Given the choice, the 25% off + free retake offer provides a higher initial saving and an invaluable safety net. You might consider the Udemy 10% offer if, for any reason, you are unable to utilize the 25% discount (e.g., if there are reports that the 25% offer only works in limited geographical locations, as some past offers have had). Always check the most current information regarding regional applicability.

#### 3. AWS Exam Pass Benefit: 50% Off Your Next Exam

This is a fantastic ongoing incentive directly from AWS. When you pass an AWS certification exam, you automatically become eligible for a 50% discount on your next exam! This benefit applies across the board, including the more advanced Professional and Specialty level certifications, making your progression through the AWS certification tiers much more affordable.

* How it Works: After you pass an exam, the discount will typically appear in your certification account, ready to be applied to your next registration.
* Strategic Advantage: This benefit encourages continuous learning and professional development within the AWS ecosystem. Plan your certification path strategically to leverage this substantial discount.
* Further Details: For a comprehensive guide on how this benefit works, eligibility, and redemption process, refer to the detailed post on Exam Benefit.

Expired Options (For Reference)

It's helpful to be aware of past promotions, as they can sometimes indicate future trends or simply provide context. Pearson VUE recently offered a 20% discount on AWS exam voucher purchases. However, this offer appears to have expired as of December 31, 2025. While it briefly showed up on January 1st, it seems this was likely due to timezone differences and is no longer active.

Beyond Direct Discounts: Other Smart Ways to Lower Your Exam Costs

Vouchers and discounts are great, but there are often other avenues to explore for reducing the financial burden of certification.

#### 1. Showcase Your Learning with Free AWS Digital Badges

For those who find certification costs prohibitive or are looking for a stepping stone, AWS offers free digital badges. These are not full certifications but are excellent ways to validate and display your foundational cloud knowledge.

* Beginner Level: The learning journey for the "Cloud Essentials" badge closely mirrors the knowledge required for the Cloud Practitioner exam. It's a fantastic way to grasp core AWS concepts without the exam fee.
* Intermediate Level: Similarly, the "Architecting" badge provides a learning path very similar to what you'd encounter preparing for the Solutions Architect Associate exam. This allows you to develop valuable architectural skills and have something tangible to demonstrate your learning.
* Value: These badges allow you to show off your learning in specific cloud domains, making them a valuable addition to your professional profile and resume, even if they aren't official certifications.

#### 2. Leverage Your Employer & AWS Account Teams

* AWS Customers: If your organization is an AWS customer, reach out to your AWS Account team. They often have programs, training credits, or even direct exam vouchers they can provide to help their customers upskill.
* Current Employment: Are you currently employed? Don't hesitate to speak with your management or HR department. Many progressive companies recognize the value of continuous education and skilling up for their employees. Frame it as a benefit to your role, your growth, and ultimately, the company's success. Your employer might fund your certification or offer a reimbursement scheme.
* AWS Partners: Companies that are AWS Partners have specific requirements for a minimum number of certified staff to maintain their partnership status. If you work for an AWS Partner, there's a very high chance they will support your certification efforts, often with direct vouchers or reimbursement programs.
* Larger Companies: Beyond AWS Partners, many larger corporations already have established schemes for professional development, which may include either a voucher scheme (they provide the voucher upfront) or a "pass and claim back" scheme (you pay, pass, and they reimburse you). It never hurts to ask around!

Important Notes & Community Call to Action

Read All Terms and Conditions: This cannot be stressed enough. Always, always* read the fine print. Things like reselling vouchers, swapping them, or sharing them are generally NOT allowed and can lead to disqualification or invalidation.
* Exclusions & Timings: Pay close attention to country exclusions, specific timing limits for registration and completion, and any other exclusions that might apply to a particular promotion.
* Trustworthy Sources Only: We will NOT link to any commercial discount options or resellers unless they are a well-known, established entity or officially recognized/advertised by AWS itself. Your security and the validity of your exam are paramount.
* Share the Knowledge! The cloud community thrives on shared information. If you come across new, legitimate AWS offers, promotions, or deals that aren't listed here, please comment below to help us keep this post updated for everyone!

Here's the link to this discussion on Reddit: 2026 AWS Vouchers / Exam Discounts / Coupons / Other Certification related promotions

Conclusion

AWS certifications are a proven pathway to career advancement in technology and staying ahead in innovation. By being proactive and leveraging the discounts and strategies outlined above, you can significantly reduce the financial barrier to entry and continue to grow your expertise in 2026. Happy certifying!