If you’re looking to earn an AWS certification in 2026, the AWS Partner Certification Readiness program could help you prepare for your exam and potentially get a 100% discounted AWS certification exam voucher.
The program provides AWS Partner employees with structured learning plans through AWS Skill Builder, live training sessions, and certification preparation resources.
Here’s what you need to know about the program, voucher requirements, upcoming cohorts, and how to enroll.
What Is AWS Partner Certification Readiness?
AWS Partner Certification Readiness is a training program designed to help employees of AWS Partner organizations prepare for AWS Certification exams.
Available certification tracks include:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
How to Qualify for the Voucher
To qualify for the discounted exam voucher, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Complete at least 50% of your AWS Skill Builder learning plan.
- Attend at least one live session.
- Use the same email address for event registration, attendance, and AWS Skill Builder.
- Complete the requirements by the last session of your program.
The 50% requirement is based on the overall completion percentage of the learning plan, not simply the number of courses completed.
Important: Use your company email throughout the program. Using different email addresses can prevent your attendance and learning progress from being matched.
How Much Is the Voucher Worth?
The primary vouchers cover 100% of the AWS certification exam fee, unless otherwise stated.
However, vouchers are available while supplies last.
Once the 100% vouchers are exhausted, a secondary batch of 50% discounted vouchers may be distributed.
Voucher Rules You Should Know
The voucher:
- Must be redeemed within 30 days of issuance.
- Can only be used for the certification associated with your training track.
- Can be used for an online or in-person exam.
- Is non-transferable.
- Covers one exam attempt.
If you fail the exam, the same voucher cannot be used for a retake.
Upcoming 2026 Programs
The published schedule includes several upcoming AWS Partner Certification Readiness cohorts.
| Certification | Program Month | Voucher Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Solutions Architect – Associate | August 2026 | Sept. 7–14 |
| Data Engineer – Associate | August 2026 | Sept. 7–14 |
| Cloud Practitioner | September 2026 | Sept. 28–Oct. 5 |
| AI Practitioner | September 2026 | Sept. 28–Oct. 5 |
| Developer – Associate | September 2026 | Oct. 12–19 |
| Machine Learning Engineer – Associate | September 2026 | Oct. 12–19 |
| Cloud Practitioner | November 2026 | Nov. 16–30 |
| AI Practitioner | November 2026 | Nov. 16–30 |
Programs are listed for different regions, including AMER and APJC/EMEA.
How to Enroll
Step 1: Choose Your Certification
Select the AWS certification you want to prepare for and find an available Partner Certification Readiness cohort.
Step 2: Register
Register for the program using your company email address.
Step 3: Access AWS Skill Builder
Sign in to AWS Skill Builder using the AWS Builder ID and the same company email you used during registration.
Step 4: Complete Your Learning Plan
Start the assigned learning plan and reach at least 50% completion before the final session.
Step 5: Attend a Live Session
Attend at least one live session. Watching a replay does not replace live attendance for voucher eligibility.
Step 6: Receive and Redeem Your Voucher
Once your eligibility has been verified, eligible participants will receive their voucher according to the program’s distribution schedule.
After receiving it, schedule your AWS certification exam within 30 days.
Tips to Avoid Missing the Voucher
- Use the same company email everywhere.
- Start your learning plan early.
- Don’t wait until the final session to reach 50%.
- Attend at least one live session.
- Check your email for voucher notifications.
- Schedule your exam immediately after receiving the voucher.
How to Get Started
Ready to prepare for an AWS certification?
Visit the official AWS Partner Certification Readiness page to check available programs and register:
AWS Partner Certification Readiness
You can also access your training through AWS Skill Builder.
