End of support notice: On May 28, 2026, AWS will end support for AWS IQ. After May 28, 2026, you will no longer be able to access the AWS IQ console or AWS IQ resources. For more information, see [AWS IQ end of support](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-iq/latest/experts-user-guide/aws-iq-end-of-support.html) in the *AWS IQ User Guide for Experts*.
# How AWS IQ works
In this section, learn about creating and managing AWS IQ request.
**Topics**
+ [Creating a request in AWS IQ](create-request.md)
+ [Managing responses to your requests](request-responses.md)
+ [Using chat, video calls, and screen sharing in AWS IQ](chat-video-calls-screen-sharing.md)
+ [Direct messaging](customer-direct-messaging.md)
+ [Working with proposals in AWS IQ](working-with-proposals.md)
+ [Permissions requests in AWS IQ](permissions-requests.md)
+ [Costs and payments for AWS IQ](costs-payments-pricing.md)
+ [Requesting refunds](refunds.md)
+ [Ratings and reviews of experts in AWS IQ](ratings-and-reviews.md)
# Creating a request in AWS IQ
In AWS IQ, customers who need help create a *request* that provides AWS Certified experts with information about what they need.
To get started, follow the steps in [Getting started with AWS IQ requests](getting-started-customer-create-aws-iq-request.md).
**Important**
You can't delete a request in AWS IQ. After you create a request, AWS IQ publishes it for experts to read and respond. If you have received enough responses, turn off the **Accepting new responses** toggle for that request. You can provide more details once you start chatting with an expert, or you can edit your request by selecting the pencil icon.
# Managing responses to your requests
When an AWS Certified expert responds to your request, you receive an email notification. On the **Requests** page of the AWS IQ console, you see an icon that shows the number of experts who have responded to your request on your request card.
![\[Request card with blue circle icon with white number showing one request response\]](http://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-iq/latest/user-guide/images/aws-iq-customers-reponse-to-request-icon-callout.png)
To read the responses and find out more about experts, choose the request card. You’ll see a page with multiple actions you can take, such as chatting with or calling the expert with video call and screen sharing options. You can also see information about the expert who responded (profile details, AWS Certifications, rates, experience, and customer reviews).
Choose from among the following next steps:
+ [View details and reviews about an expert](#view-details-reviews-about-experts)
+ [Chat with an expert](#chat-with-expert)
+ [Compare experts who responded to your request](#compare-experts-responded-to-request)
## View details and reviews about an expert
Each AWS Certified expert provides a summary of his or her qualifications, AWS Certifications, hourly rates, and professional experience.
On the **Experts** tab of the firm's **Profile**, you can read each expert profile to decide whether the expert is a good match for your request. Look for details such as work experience, domain knowledge, or other areas of affinity with what you’re trying to do. You can also find the firm’s location in their **Profile**.
On the **Reviews** tab, you can read reviews from other customers who have worked with this expert. When you have completed a paid proposal with an expert, you can rate the expert and write a review. Learn more about [Ratings and reviews of experts in AWS IQ](ratings-and-reviews.md).
## Chat with an expert
Before you commit to doing any work or accept any proposals, it’s a good idea to chat with an expert to make sure that the expert is the best fit for your project. Through AWS IQ, you can chat with an expert to ask questions, provide additional details about your project, discuss timelines, agree on payment milestones, and more. You and the expert can get all the information you need before agreeing to do any work or creating proposals.
**Note**
Chatting with an expert is free before you agree to any payment milestones. After you agree on project milestones and payment, the expert might charge you for chatting as time spent on your project.
AWS IQ has basic text chat functionality. If you want to insert a line break in a text chat, press **Shift\$1Enter**. The **Enter** key sends the chat message.
The following chat features are not currently supported:
+ Rich text, such as formatting, markup, and markdown.
+ Hyperlinks. You can provide a plain text link, and the expert can copy and paste the link into a browser.
For more information, see: [Using chat, video calls, and screen sharing in AWS IQ](chat-video-calls-screen-sharing.md).
## Compare experts who responded to your request
When two or more experts respond to your request, you can compare the experts in AWS IQ by viewing their information in your request card in AWS IQ.
## Next steps
When you’re finished chatting, you can move on to reviewing a proposal to work with your chosen expert. Learn more about [Working with proposals in AWS IQ](working-with-proposals.md).
# Using chat, video calls, and screen sharing in AWS IQ
In AWS IQ, you have several options for communicating with experts. After you create a request and an expert responds, you can send a chat message to the expert. If you receive more than one response, you can chat with each expert who sent a response.
In AWS IQ, the following browsers are supported for chat, video calls, and screen sharing:
+ Google Chrome (version 72 or later)
+ Mozilla Firefox (version 66 or later)
+ Apple Safari 10 and later
## Calls and video calls
To talk in real time, you can call an expert and add video or screen sharing.
To call an expert, sign in to the AWS IQ console and choose **Call**. After the expert accepts the call, an audio-only conversation starts. You can add video by choosing **Turn on video**. The same button turns off video.
## Screen sharing
To share your screen during a call or video call, choose **Turn on/off screen share**.
# Direct messaging
You can send a message directly to an expert or a company through their AWS IQ profile. On the public profile, enter your name and email address and you'll be directed to a request form to describe your needs. This message will only go to the specific expert or company you are messaging.
# Working with proposals in AWS IQ
In AWS IQ, an expert creates a proposal that specifies the detailed terms, including a payment schedule, the timeline, the specific deliverables, and any other terms that the expert would like to specify. The proposal also includes the maximum cost. When an expert creates a proposal, you can accept or decline it.
When an expert first creates a proposal, the status of the proposal is **Proposed**. The possible status values are as follows:
+ **Proposed** – The default status of a proposal.
+ **Accepted** – If you're ready to work with the expert and agree to the terms, choose **Accept** to move the proposal to the **Accepted** status.
+ **Declined** – If you want to change the proposal terms, you can decline the proposal and then ask the expert to resubmit with new terms. Use AWS IQ chat to ask questions.
+ **Withdrawn** – The expert has withdrawn the proposal, and it can no longer be accepted.
## Reviewing a proposal from an expert
After an AWS Certified expert or AWS Partner creates a proposal, you can review it before accepting or declining. The expert will select one of three payment types: upfront, in milestones, or based on a pre-set schedule. For more details about payment types, see [Payments](costs-payments-pricing.md#payments).
Review the chosen payment type, and decide if it is acceptable for you. If the proposal looks good, choose **Accept**. If you want to renegotiate the terms of a proposal, choose **Decline**. Use the chat functionality in AWS IQ to tell the expert what you want to change.
## Next steps
After you have accepted a proposal, the expert might request permission to access your AWS account. For more information, see [Permissions requests in AWS IQ](permissions-requests.md).
# Permissions requests in AWS IQ
In AWS IQ, an expert might request a permissions policy to access your AWS account and complete the necessary work. The level of access required depends on the scope of the project. AWS IQ simplifies the process of granting access to experts, which allows experts to implement projects in your account.
AWS IQ creates an IAM role for the expert to use for the duration of the proposal. You can view AWS CloudTrail logs of the expert's activity in your account and can revoke access at any time. Access is automatically revoked at the completion of the proposal, when the final payment is made.
An expert might also include details about why they're requesting a level of permissions. You can review the information in the permission request. To get started, choose the permission request in the AWS IQ console and then choose **Accept** or **Decline**.
**Tip**
It is an AWS security best practice to grant the least amount of privileges necessary to perform a task. If you think the expert is requesting an inappropriate level of access, you should decline the request. Learn more about [Granting least privilege](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/best-practices.html#grant-least-privilege) in the *AWS Identity and Access Management User Guide*.
## Permission levels in AWS IQ
The following AWS Identity and Access Management permission levels are available for an expert to request in AWS IQ:
**AdministratorAccess**
Provides full access to AWS services and resources. For more information, see [Viewing CloudTrail logs in AWS IQ](#viewing-cloudtrail-logs) and [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_administrator) in the *AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) User Guide*.
**Billing**
Grants permission for billing and cost management. This includes viewing account usage and viewing and modifying budgets and payment methods. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_accounts-payable) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**DatabaseAdministrator**
Grants permission to AWS services and actions required to set up and configure AWS database services. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_database-administrator) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**NetworkAdministrator**
Grants permission to AWS services and actions required to set up and configure AWS network resources. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_network-administrator) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**PowerUserAccess**
Grants permission to AWS services and resources but doesn't allow management of users and groups. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_developer-power-user) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**SecurityAudit**
Grants permission to read security configuration metadata. This is useful for software that audits the configuration of an AWS account. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_security-auditor) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**SupportUser**
Grants permission to troubleshoot and resolve issues in an AWS account. This policy also enables the user to contact Support to create and manage cases. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_support-user) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**SystemAdministrator**
Grants permission for resources that are required for application and development operations. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_system-administrator) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**ViewOnlyAccess**
Grants permission to view resources and basic metadata across all AWS services. For more information, see [AWS Managed Policies for Job Functions](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies_job-functions.html#jf_view-only-user) in the *IAM User Guide*.
**Tip**
If you prefer, you can grant access to your expert independent of AWS IQ. This access isn't revoked automatically.
## Viewing CloudTrail logs in AWS IQ
You can view AWS CloudTrail logs of activities taken by using the **AdministratorAccess** IAM role in your AWS account.
**To view CloudTrail logs in AWS IQ**
1. Sign in to the [AWS IQ console](https://iq.aws.amazon.com).
1. From the right menu, locate your **request** and the associated **proposal** card.
1. Choose the **permission request** and then select the **Activity** tab.
**Note**
The logs may experience a delay.
## Revoking permission in AWS IQ
If you grant an expert permission to access your AWS environment, permission is automatically revoked when the proposal is complete. You can also revoke permissions manually using the following process.
**To revoke permissions manually**
1. From the **Permission** page in the AWS IQ console, select your **permission request**.
1. Choose **Revoke**.
# Costs and payments for AWS IQ
The cost to use AWS IQ is the amount charged by an IQ expert for work completed. This cost will never exceed the amount that you agreed to in the AWS IQ proposal.
An expert is a third-party entity. You're responsible for the cost of any resources that an expert creates or changes in your AWS account. It's your responsibility to resolve issues directly with the third party. For more information, see the [Engagement agreement for AWS IQ](https://iq.aws.amazon.com/engagement-agreement).
For more information about AWS IQ pricing, see [AWS IQ Pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/iq/pricing).
## Payments
In AWS IQ, your expert will request that you agree to use one of three payment types. You may pay upfront, in milestones, or based on a pre-set schedule:
Upfront
Payment upon acceptance of the proposal. You pay for the expert’s professional services when you accept the proposal.
Milestone
Custom payments that are requested as work is completed. As experts reach milestones, they create a payment request that you can accept or decline. If you decline a payment request, work with the expert to address the situation. An expert can resubmit the request after the issues are resolved.
Schedule
Request continual payments based on the schedule set in the proposal. You agree to all payments when you accept the proposal. You pay on fixed dates and amounts according to the schedule in the proposal agreement.
You review and accept or decline the payment type as part of the proposal agreement in the AWS IQ console. We suggest that you clarify milestones and payment schedules when an expert creates a proposal.
## Approve a milestone payment request
Experts request payment as work is completed using milestone payments. Follow this process when you receive a notification to approve a payment.
**To approve a payment request from an expert**
1. Sign in to the AWS IQ console at [https://iq.aws.amazon.com/](https://iq.aws.amazon.com/).
1. Choose your request, and then choose **Proposals**.
1. Choose a payment labeled **Awaiting approval**.
1. Review the payment request and choose **Accept**.
Use the chat functionality to ask the expert questions if something isn't clear.
**Note**
You have 10 days to accept or decline a payment request. If you don't act, the request is automatically approved on the 10th day and charged to your account.
## Next steps
If this is the final payment for a request, accepting the payment concludes the associated proposal and revokes permissions for the expert.
After you have made the final payment, AWS IQ asks you to rate and review your expert. For more information, see [Ratings and reviews of experts in AWS IQ](ratings-and-reviews.md).
# Requesting refunds
Thoroughly review all expert work before approving a payment request. Once approved, all payments are considered final. After approving a payment request, you can request a refund from the expert, who can issue a refund, or not, at their own discretion. AWS can't intervene if an expert refuses a refund.
You're responsible for all actions taken and all resources created within your AWS Cloud environment.
To request a refund, reach out directly to the AWS IQ expert. If the expert approves the refund, provide them with your AWS account ID. Then, they submit a ticket to Support to process the refund. Support contacts you when the refund is complete.
# Ratings and reviews of experts in AWS IQ
After you accept the final payment for your request, you can rate the expert. The rating includes both private feedback that is not shared with the expert and a public review. Both are optional. The ratings help other people to make an informed decision about choosing that expert in the future.
**Private feedback**
Indicate whether you would work with this expert again by choosing **Yes** or **No**. This feedback is not shared with the expert. Your feedback helps us to improve AWS IQ.
**Public review**
AWS IQ wants buyers to get the information they need to connect with the right experts. As an AWS customer, you can rate your experience with experts and consulting firms on a scale of 1–5 stars. On this scale, 1 star reflects a poor quality of work and 5 stars indicates excellent quality work.
In addition to the star rating, submit a written review for the experts and consulting firms you worked with.
Provide ratings and reviews at the company level because several experts may often work on one request. We encourage you to share your opinions, both favorable and unfavorable.
**Review guidelines**
Anyone with a completed proposal can create a review for it. Use the following guidelines for writing reviews:
+ **Include reasons** – The best reviews include not only whether you liked or disliked working with an expert, but also why.
+ **Be specific** – Focus on the specifics of your engagement and your outcome.
+ **Be sincere** – Your honest opinion about the engagement, positive or negative, is appreciated. Helpful information can inform our customers’ decisions.
+ **Be brief** – Reviews are limited to 500 characters, including spaces.
**Restrictions**
AWS reserves the right to remove reviews that include any of the following content:
+ Objectional material, including:
+ Obscene or distasteful content
+ Profanity or spiteful remarks
+ Promotion of illegal or immoral conduct
+ Promotional content, including:
+ Advertisements, promotional material, or repeated posts that make the same point
+ Sentiments by or on behalf of a person or company with a financial interest in the expert or firm or a directly competing expert or firm
+ Reviews written for any form of compensation
+ Reviews written by a customer without a verifiable completed proposal
+ Inappropriate content, including:
+ Content copied from others, including excessive quotations
+ Phone numbers, postal mailing addresses, and URLs external to [amazon.com](http://amazon.com).
+ Comments on other reviews visible on the page, because page visibility is subject to change without notice
+ Foreign language content, unless there is a clear connection to the product
+ Text with formatting issues