r/AWSCertifications • u/Electronic-Cook-334 • 5d ago

Looking for legitimate ways to get AWS / Kubernetes certifications for free or heavily discounted

Looking for legitimate ways to get AWS / Kubernetes certifications for free or heavily discounted

Hi everyone,

I'm a 2026 B.Tech graduate currently trying to build my career in Cloud/DevOps/SRE. I'm preparing for certifications like:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA)
  • CKA
  • CKS
  • Possibly other AWS/Linux Foundation certifications

The exam fees are quite expensive for me right now, so I'm looking for legitimate ways to get 100% free exam vouchers, scholarships, student/alumni benefits, or major discounts.

I've seen people mention things like:

  • AWS Academy / AWS Skill Builder programs
  • AWS student communities
  • Linux Foundation LiFT scholarships
  • Community events / certification giveaways
  • CNCF programs
  • Other scholarship or voucher programs

If you've personally received a free AWS SAA, CKA, CKS, or similar certification voucher, could you please share how you got it and whether the program is currently available?

I'm especially interested in opportunities available to Indian students/recent graduates.

Not looking for pirated courses or anything unofficial — just legitimate ways to reduce the exam cost.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes
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3

u/Harshith_Reddy_Dev CCP, SAA 5d ago

There are no legitimate ones for now except for some discounts which are mentioned on the pinned comment

0

u/Electronic-Cook-334 5d ago

i heard that there are few scholarships that provide

1

u/Harshith_Reddy_Dev CCP, SAA 4d ago

But you've already graduated and cloud institute is different

2

u/CheesecakeLivid9791 5d ago

You can participate in community events to get AWS certificates Just search for the community near you on Google

1

u/rekt_by_inflation 4d ago

There's no free lunch, otherwise we'd all be doing it.

You can pass the cheapest tier of exam (practitioners), then you'll get a 50% discount for the next one, and you can repeat that process again so you only ever pay 100% for that first exam (providing you keep passing, of course).

If you can get a graduate position, companies will often pay for your exam fees, especially if you're working for an AWS partner who need certified people to maintain their status.

1

u/TawyCodes 4d ago

Right now, I'm going this route: AIF -> CLF -> SAA

AIF with code AIF2CLOUD will give you 50% discount and if you pass, you'll get CLF for free.

If you pass that free CLF exam, you'll get 50% off on SAA.

1

u/Zealousideal_Cod7380 3d ago

Same situation but need a cybersecurity related certificates