which certificates qualify for partner program requirements

Thank you for your interest in joining the AWS Partner Network at the Select tier level. I'll address your questions regarding certification requirements:

1. The combination you proposed (1 Solutions Architect Professional, 1 Cloud Practitioner, plus an additional Solutions Architect and Cloud Practitioner) would not fully meet the requirements for the Select tier. The typical requirement is 2 technical and 2 business certifications.

2. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is considered a foundational certification and is generally not counted towards the technical or business certification requirements for partner tiers. It's a great starting point, but partners typically need more advanced certifications to meet the tier requirements.

3. Regarding the alternative path for business certifications:

   • Paying the AWS Partner fee is a separate requirement and does not replace the need for certifications.
   • The free business certification exams you mentioned are likely referring to the AWS Partner Accreditations, which are different from AWS Certifications.
   • Partner Accreditations, while valuable, do not typically count towards the certification requirements for partner tiers.

To meet the Select tier requirements, you would generally need:

• 2 technical certifications (e.g., Solutions Architect Associate, Developer Associate, or higher)
• 2 business certifications (typically referring to specific business-focused AWS Certifications)

I recommend checking the most current AWS Partner Network requirements directly with AWS or through the official AWS Partner Central portal, as requirements can change and may vary based on specific partner types or programs. You may also want to consider the AWS Partner Certification Readiness programs, which can help your team prepare for the necessary certifications more efficiently.

Sources
Rev up your career with AWS Partner Certification Readiness Programs | AWS Training and Certification Blog
Becoming an AWS Partner - AWS Partner Central
The APN Partnership model - How Customers Can Work With AWS and Our APN Partners

Its People than certifications. You Need 2 people with Techinical Certifications and 2 with business. The techincal people can have the business certs also