Becoming part of the AWS Community Builders program has been one of the best decisions in my cloud career. I’m now in my third year in the program, and the experience has been rewarding both personally and professionally. When I first applied, I did not fully understand how impactful it would be—yet today I’ve used the program to attend AWS re:Invent 2024, taken multiple certifications using free exam vouchers, and used the CloudAcademy subscription to keep learning and practicing new AWS services.
In this post, I will share:
- What the AWS Community Builders (CB) program is
- The benefits you actually get
- My experience over three years
- How to prepare and apply successfully
- Tips to stand out when applying
What is the AWS Community Builders Program?
The AWS Community Builders program is AWS’s initiative to support and recognize passionate community members who contribute through blogging, workshops, open-source projects, social media content, and public knowledge sharing.
The program runs for one year and gives members access to AWS experts, technical learning, and exclusive resources that help them grow. Members can select a specialty track such as:
- Serverless
- Security
- Containers
- Machine Learning
- Networking
- Databases
- Developer Tools
I have been part of the DevTools category.
My Experience as a Three-Year AWS Community Builder
1. Attending AWS re:Invent 2024
One of my favorite experiences was attending AWS re:Invent 2024. Being part of the CB program made it easier to engage with AWS product teams, other builders, and global community members.
2. Using Free AWS Certification Vouchers
Each year, CBs receive a free certification voucher and discounted vouchers from different events, which makes it easier to pursue more certifications without the financial burden.
3. CloudAcademy Subscription
The free annual CloudAcademy subscription is one of the benefits I use the most. It helps me practice real labs, prepare for exams, and learn new AWS features hands-on.
4. Technical Sessions with AWS Teams
Community Builders get exclusive deep-dive sessions with AWS product teams—these are not public webinars, but technical, focused sessions where we get to ask questions and understand upcoming improvements.
5. Networking With Builders Worldwide
The private Slack community is active, helpful, and global. I have connected with engineers, architects, and experts from different countries, collaborated on content, and learned a lot from community discussions.
Swag You Receive (Yes, It’s Awesome)
You also get a welcome package each year. Below are photos of the swag I received in last three years:
Note: I won the Meta Ray-Ban glass at the AWS re:Invent 2024 event in a giveaway.
Typically, the swag includes:
- Cap
- T-shirt or banner
- Stickers
- Notebook
- Water bottle
- Patches or pins
The swags do not define the program, but they definitely make it feel special.
Benefits of the AWS Community Builders Program
1. Technical Enablement
- Deep-dive technical sessions
- Live Q&A with AWS product managers
- Early access learning materials
- Service roadmap insights
2. AWS Credits
Many CBs receive AWS credits to support tutorials, blog posts, and demos.
3. Training and Certification
- One free certification voucher
- Discounted certification voucher
- CloudAcademy subscription
- Exam prep sessions
4. Community Support
- Private Slack workspace
- Networking with AWS Heroes and staff
- Mentorship opportunities
- Co-create content with other builders
5. Swag
Annual welcome packages with exclusive AWS CB branded items.
6. Branding and Professional Visibility
Being an AWS CB increases your visibility and credibility in the industry. It often leads to more speaking opportunities, collaborations, and recognition.
7. Event Participation
- Priority access to AWS events
- AWS Summit perks
- Special sessions during AWS re:Invent
How to Prepare and Apply for the Program
The application process is competitive, so preparation matters. Here’s a step-by-step approach to improve your chances.
1. Build Your Public Presence
You don’t need to be an influencer. A few meaningful contributions are enough:
- Publishing technical blog posts
- Speaking at community meetups
- Open-source projects
- Sharing AWS tips on LinkedIn or X
2. Provide Specific Evidence
When AWS asks how you contribute, be specific. Mention:
- Links to posts or videos
- Impact of your content
- Workshops or talks you delivered
3. Choose the Right Track
Select a track that matches your work. AWS prefers applicants who already use the services they want to represent.
4. Be Clear and Genuine in Your Application
Avoid buzzwords. Demonstrate real passion through concrete actions.
5. Highlight Consistency
Continuous contribution matters more than one-time efforts.
6. Share Future Plans
Explain how you intend to contribute during the program—meetups, tutorials, videos, open-source work, etc.
Tips That Helped Me Get Accepted (and Renewed)
- Post 2–4 helpful AWS tutorials every year
- Focus on practical, hands-on examples
- Engage with others on social platforms
- Teach and mentor juniors
- Stay consistent throughout the year
- Be yourself—authenticity is valued
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you:
- Enjoy learning AWS
- Share knowledge with others
- Want to grow in your cloud career
- Want access to AWS experts and a global network
- Want to build your technical brand
You don’t need to be a senior engineer. Many CBs are early-career developers and students.
Final Thoughts
Being an AWS Community Builder has been one of the most impactful parts of my cloud journey. It opened doors, pushed me to create more content, and connected me with amazing people around the world.
If you love AWS and enjoy helping others, definitely apply when the next window opens. And if you want help reviewing your application, feel free to reach out—I would be happy to help.
Comments