AWS Career Path 2023: Which AWS Certification should you choose?

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AWS Career Path 2023: Which AWS Certification should you choose?

The adoption of cloud computing continues to grow, and Amazon Web Services- AWS certification remains a leading provider of cloud computing services. As a result, the demand for AWS professionals is expected to continue growing in 2023 and beyond. AWS certifications can open up many career opportunities, from entry-level positions to advanced roles. Whether you are just starting your career in cloud computing or looking to advance to a more senior position, there are many exciting career opportunities in AWS.

Why should I prepare for AWS Certification?

There are several reasons why you should consider preparing for AWS Certification:

  1. Demonstrates your expertise: Earning an AWS certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, deploy, and manage AWS solutions. It is a globally recognized credential that validates your expertise in the field of cloud computing.
  2. Enhances your career prospects: AWS is a leading provider of cloud computing services, and many organizations are adopting AWS to run their applications and services. By earning an AWS certification, you can increase your chances of getting hired or promoted, as it shows that you have the skills and knowledge needed to work with AWS.
  3. Provides a competitive edge: AWS certifications can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as they demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field of cloud computing. They can differentiate you from other candidates and help you stand out to potential employers.
  4. Offers opportunities for personal and professional growth: Preparing for an AWS certification requires you to deepen your understanding of AWS services and technologies, which can benefit you in your current or future roles. It can also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, as you continue to develop your skills and expertise.
  5. Enables you to network with other professionals: AWS certifications can also enable you to connect with other professionals in the field of cloud computing. You can join online communities, attend conferences, and participate in other events where you can network with other AWS experts and learn about the latest trends and developments in the field.

Overall, preparing for AWS Certification can be a worthwhile investment in your career, providing you with a range of benefits and opportunities for growth and development.

Overview of all AWS certification

Here is an overview of all the AWS certifications available as of March 2023:

  1. Foundational Level:
  1. Associate Level:
  1. Professional Level:
  1. Specialty Certifications:

Each certification is designed to validate different levels of expertise and skill sets in AWS. By earning an AWS certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in various AWS services and technologies and can open up many career opportunities.

What makes every certificate unique?

Here’s a brief description of each AWS certification:

  1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: This entry-level certification validates your understanding of AWS cloud computing concepts and services. It is suitable for individuals who are new to AWS or cloud computing and want to demonstrate their foundational knowledge of AWS.
  2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This certification validates your ability to design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems using AWS services. It is suitable for individuals who have some experience with AWS and want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and deploying AWS-based solutions.
  3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate: This certification validates your ability to develop and maintain applications on AWS using AWS services and technologies. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in software development and want to demonstrate their expertise in developing and deploying applications on AWS.
  4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: This certification validates your ability to deploy, manage, and operate applications on AWS using AWS services and technologies. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in system administration and want to demonstrate their expertise in managing and operating applications on AWS.
  5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: This certification validates your advanced technical skills and expertise in designing and deploying AWS-based solutions. It is suitable for individuals who have several years of experience with AWS and want to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and expertise in designing and deploying complex solutions on AWS.
  6. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: This certification validates your advanced technical skills and expertise in deploying, operating, and managing distributed application systems on AWS. It is suitable for individuals who have several years of experience with AWS and want to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and expertise in managing and deploying complex systems on AWS.
  7. AWS Certified Security – Specialty: This certification validates your knowledge of security topics and best practices on AWS. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in security and want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing secure AWS solutions.
  8. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: This certification validates your expertise in building, training, and deploying machine learning models on AWS. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in machine learning and want to demonstrate their expertise in developing machine learning solutions on AWS.
  9. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty: This certification validates your knowledge of networking topics and best practices on AWS. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in networking and want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing scalable, highly available, and secure networks on AWS.
  10. AWS Certified Database – Specialty: This certification validates your expertise in designing, deploying, and managing AWS-based database solutions. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in database administration and want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing scalable, highly available, and secure database solutions on AWS.
  11. AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty: This certification validates your expertise in designing and implementing AWS-based data analytics solutions. It is suitable for individuals who have experience in data analytics and want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing scalable, highly available, and secure data analytics solutions on AWS.
  12. AWS Certified: SAP on AWS – Specialty: This certification confirms to the knowledge of planning, executing, transferring, and running SAP workloads on AWS. This is designed for those in positions that call for knowledge of both SAP and AWS.

What AWS Certification fits best to me?

Choosing the right AWS certification largely depends on your experience, background, and career goals. Here are some tips to help you choose the certification that fits best for you:

  1. Identify your career goals: Consider your career goals and what you want to achieve by getting an AWS certification. For example, if you want to specialize in cloud architecture, you may want to consider the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification.
  2. Assess your experience: Consider your experience in cloud computing, software development, or any other relevant field. If you are new to AWS, you may want to start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. If you have some experience in AWS, you can consider the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
  3. Review the exam topics: Review the exam topics for each certification and see which one aligns with your skills and experience. You can find the exam topics on the AWS website.
  4. Check the prerequisites: Some certifications have prerequisites, such as having a certain level of experience or passing other AWS exams. Make sure you meet the prerequisites before choosing a certification.
  5. Consider your learning style: Some certifications may require more hands-on experience, while others may require more theoretical knowledge. Choose a certification that fits your learning style and preferences.
  6. Seek advice: Talk to other professionals in your field or consult with a career counselor to get their advice on which certification would be the best fit for you.

Remember, getting an AWS certification is an investment in your career, so take the time to choose the one that best fits your goals and aspirations.

Expected salary and growth rate after earning any of these credentials

AWS certifications can significantly increase your earning potential and help you progress in your career. Here are some estimated salaries and growth rates for some of the most popular AWS certifications:

AWS Career Path 2023: Which AWS Certification should you choose?
  1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: According to PayScale, the average salary for an AWS Solutions Architect is around $117,000 per year. The growth rate for this role is projected to be 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
  2. AWS Certified Developer – Associate: According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an AWS Developer is around $129,000 per year. The growth rate for this role is projected to be 22% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
  3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: According to PayScale, the average salary for an AWS SysOps Administrator is around $96,000 per year. The growth rate for this role is projected to be 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about average for all occupations.
  4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an AWS Solutions Architect – Professional is around $165,000 per year. The growth rate for this role is projected to be 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

It’s important to note that these are just estimates and actual salaries may vary based on factors such as location, industry, and experience. Additionally, earning an AWS certification is not a guarantee of higher pay or career advancement. However, having a certification can help demonstrate your skills and expertise in AWS and increase your chances of landing a higher-paying job or getting a promotion.

Expert Corner

AWS certifications can be a valuable investment in your career and help you demonstrate your expertise in cloud computing. By earning an AWS certification, you can enhance your skills, increase your earning potential, and open up new career opportunities. Remember to choose the certification that aligns with your goals, experience, and learning style, and take the time to prepare for the exam. With dedication and effort, you can achieve your certification and take your career to the next level.

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