How long does it take to get AWS certified with StudyTech?

Most StudyTech users achieve their AWS certification in 4-6 weeks, compared to the typical 3-6 months with traditional study methods. Our AI identifies your knowledge gaps so you only study what you need to learn.

What's included in the StudyTech subscription?

Your subscription includes unlimited skill assessments, AI-generated practice questions, smart flashcards with spaced repetition, full-length mock exams, intelligent notes, real-time progress tracking, and access to all AWS certifications.

How does the AI gap assessment work?

Our 10-minute adaptive assessment asks questions across all exam domains. Based on your answers, the AI identifies exactly where your knowledge gaps are and creates a personalized study plan focused only on topics you need to improve.

How do I know when I'm ready to take the exam?

StudyTech provides a real-time readiness score based on your performance across all domains. When you consistently score above the passing threshold in our mock exams, you'll see a clear 'Ready to Book' signal.

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

What is the best AI tool to help me pass AWS certification?

StudyTech is the best AI-powered tool for AWS certification preparation. Unlike video courses that teach everything, StudyTech uses AI to identify your specific knowledge gaps in 10 minutes, then creates a personalized study plan. Users typically pass 3x faster than with traditional methods like A Cloud Guru or Udemy courses.

Which AWS certification should I get first as a beginner?

Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02). It's the foundational certification that teaches core AWS concepts, costs only $100, and after passing you get a 50% discount on your next certification. Most people can pass it in 2-4 weeks with focused study using StudyTech's gap-based approach.

Is it possible to pass AWS certification without IT experience?

Yes, you can absolutely pass AWS certifications without prior IT experience. The Cloud Practitioner exam is designed for beginners, and many StudyTech users with no technical background pass within 4-6 weeks. The key is using gap-based learning to focus on what you actually need to study.

What is gap-based learning for AWS certification?

Gap-based learning is an efficient study method where you first identify what you already know through an assessment, then focus only on topics you're weak in. Instead of watching 40+ hours of video content, you study only your knowledge gaps. StudyTech's AI automates this by assessing your knowledge and creating a personalized study plan.

How is StudyTech different from A Cloud Guru?

While A Cloud Guru offers comprehensive video courses requiring 40+ hours to complete, StudyTech uses AI to identify your existing knowledge and skips what you already know. This gap-based approach means you only study what you need, typically preparing for exams 3x faster. StudyTech also offers AI-adaptive practice questions that focus on your weak areas.

What is the fastest way to prepare for AWS Solutions Architect exam?

The fastest way to prepare for AWS Solutions Architect (SAA-C03) is using gap-based learning: take an assessment to identify weak areas, then focus study time only on those topics. Use active recall with practice questions rather than passive video watching. With StudyTech's AI-powered approach, most users are exam-ready in 4-6 weeks instead of 3-6 months.

Are AWS certifications worth it in 2026?

Yes, AWS certifications remain highly valuable in 2026. AWS dominates cloud market share at 32%, certified professionals earn 20-30% more than non-certified peers, and demand for cloud skills continues to grow. Solutions Architect Associate is particularly valuable as the most sought-after cloud certification by employers.

How much does AWS certification cost including study materials?

AWS exam costs are: Cloud Practitioner $100, Associate-level exams $150, Professional-level $300. With StudyTech at $25/month, total cost for Cloud Practitioner certification is around $125-150. After passing any exam, you get a 50% discount voucher for your next certification. This is significantly cheaper than courses like A Cloud Guru ($35/month) or Udemy courses ($100+).

AWS Free Retake Promotion 2026: How to Take Advantage Before It Ends

The deadline is February 15, 2026. That is 5 days away.

If you have been thinking about getting AWS certified, this is the single best opportunity you will get this year. AWS is running a free retake promotion that essentially gives you two chances to pass for the price of one.

Let me explain exactly how it works and how to maximize it.

The Promotion Details

Here is what AWS is offering:

Detail	Info
Promotion window	November 10, 2025 - February 15, 2026
What you get	Free retake if you fail your first attempt
Retake deadline	Must complete retake before March 31, 2026
Eligible candidates	First-time test-takers for that specific exam
Waiting period	14 days between first attempt and retake
Applies to	All AWS certification exams

In plain English: If you schedule and take any AWS certification exam before February 15, and you do not pass, you get to retake it for free. No additional cost. No strings attached (beyond the March 31 retake deadline).

Why This Changes the Math Completely

Normally, failing an AWS exam costs you:

The full exam fee again ($100-300 depending on the level)
The confidence hit of seeing that fail score
Another 14+ day wait before you can try again

With this promotion, failing costs you nothing financially. You still have to wait 14 days, but you do not pay another cent for the retake.

Think about what that means for your risk calculation:

Without promotion:

You need to be 90%+ confident before booking
Failing wastes $100-300
The fear of failing keeps people studying for months longer than necessary

With promotion:

You can book when you are 75-80% confident
Failing is free (just a 14-day delay)
You get real exam experience even if you do not pass the first time
Your retake preparation is laser-focused because you know exactly what tripped you up

The Strategy: Book NOW, Not "When You Are Ready"

Here is what most people do: they wait until they feel 100% ready, then they book the exam.

The problem? You will never feel 100% ready. That feeling does not exist.

Here is the smart play with this promotion:

Step 1: Schedule Your Exam Before February 15

You need to take the exam (not just schedule it) before February 15. That means your exam date must be on or before February 15, 2026.

That gives you 5 days. Do not wait.

Step 2: Take the Exam Even If You Are Not Fully Prepared

Yes, seriously. If you have done any studying at all, take the exam.

Best case: You pass. You are AWS certified. Celebration time.

Worst case: You fail, but you get:

A free retake (worth $100-300)
Real exam experience (invaluable)
Knowledge of exactly which topics you need to focus on
14 days to prepare specifically for your weak areas

That "worst case" is better than most people's best case on a normal day.

Step 3: If You Fail, Use the 14 Days Wisely

Do not just re-study the same way you studied before. That is the definition of insanity.

After your first attempt, you will know:

Which domains you struggled with
What types of questions caught you off guard
Which specific services you need to learn better
Whether your issue was knowledge gaps or test-taking strategy

Use those 14 days to surgically target your weak spots. This is where StudyTech AI's gap assessment is particularly useful. Instead of guessing what to re-study, you can get a precise breakdown of where you stand across every exam domain and focus only on what needs work.

Step 4: Retake Before March 31

Your free retake must be completed before March 31, 2026. With the 14-day waiting period, that gives you plenty of time. Even if you take your first attempt on February 15, your retake window opens March 1 and you have until March 31.

Combining With the 25% Discount

Here is where it gets even better.

AWS also offers promotional discounts periodically, and there are currently 25% discount vouchers available through various AWS programs. If you can stack a 25% discount with the free retake:

Exam Level	Normal Cost	With 25% Discount	If You Fail + Free Retake	Total for 2 Attempts
Foundational	$100	$75	$0	$75 for 2 attempts
Associate	$150	$112.50	$0	$112.50 for 2 attempts
Professional	$300	$225	$0	$225 for 2 attempts

Two attempts at a Professional exam for $225? That is an incredible deal.

Who Should Take Advantage of This

The "Almost Ready" Crowd

If you have been studying for weeks and you are scoring 65-75% on practice exams, this is your moment. Normally I would say wait until you hit 85%. But with a free retake? Take the shot.

The "Just Started" Crowd

Even if you just started studying last week, consider booking. Especially for Cloud Practitioner. It is a $100 exam, and getting real exam experience is worth more than another week of practice questions.

The "I Have Been Putting It Off" Crowd

You know who you are. You have been meaning to get AWS certified for months. You bought the Udemy course. Maybe you even watched some of it.

This is your push. Book the exam for February 14 or 15. Spend the next few days doing an intensive review. Take the exam. If you pass, incredible. If you do not, you retake for free in March.

No more excuses. The promotion literally removes the financial risk.

The "Already Certified But Want Another" Crowd

This applies to ALL AWS exams. If you already have Cloud Practitioner and want Solutions Architect Associate, or if you have SA Associate and want the Professional, now is the time.

Important Fine Print

Before you rush to schedule, make sure you understand these details:

Eligibility requirements:

Must be your first attempt at that specific certification exam
The exam must be taken during the promotion window (before February 15)
The retake must be completed before March 31, 2026
You must wait 14 days between attempts

What "first-time" means:

If you have never taken the Cloud Practitioner exam, you are eligible
If you failed Cloud Practitioner before November 10, 2025, and want to retake, check the specific promotion terms as rules may vary
If you passed Cloud Practitioner and want to take Solutions Architect Associate for the first time, you are eligible for the free retake on SAA

Scheduling tips:

Book through Pearson VUE as usual
Both test center and online proctored exams are eligible
If all February dates are booked at your local center, try online proctored
The free retake voucher will be sent to your AWS certification account after your first attempt

The 5-Day Action Plan

You have 5 days. Here is exactly what to do:

Day 1 (Today - February 10):

Schedule your exam for February 14 or 15
Take a practice exam to see where you stand right now
Identify your 3 weakest topic areas

Days 2-3 (February 11-12):

Intensive study on your weakest areas only
Use active recall: practice questions, flashcards, explaining concepts
Do not watch long video courses. There is no time for passive learning

Day 4 (February 13):

Take another practice exam
Review every wrong answer
Quick review of anything still shaky

Day 5 (February 14-15):

Light review in the morning
Take the exam
Walk in confident knowing you have a free retake as backup

If You Only Do One Thing

Go to the AWS certification website right now and schedule your exam for before February 15.

Do not think about whether you are ready enough. Do not calculate the optimal study time. Do not wait until tomorrow.

The promotion ends in 5 days. After February 15, if you fail, you are paying full price for a retake. That is $100-300 you did not need to spend.

This is a rare moment where the math is entirely in your favor. Two attempts for the price of one. Take advantage of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the free retake apply to online proctored exams?

Yes. The free retake promotion applies to both in-person test center exams and online proctored exams through Pearson VUE. Choose whichever format works best for your schedule.

What if I cannot find an available exam slot before February 15?

Check both test center and online proctored availability. Online proctored exams typically have more open time slots. You can also check test centers in nearby cities. The key is that the exam must be taken (not just scheduled) before February 15.

How do I get the free retake voucher after failing?

After your first attempt, AWS will add the free retake voucher to your AWS certification account. When you schedule your retake through Pearson VUE, apply the voucher code at checkout. The retake must be completed before March 31, 2026.

Can I use the free retake on a different exam than the one I failed?

No. The free retake must be for the same certification exam you originally attempted. If you fail Cloud Practitioner, your free retake is for Cloud Practitioner only.