Planning to get an AWS certification? Indeed, it is one of the wisest decisions to make, as cloud computing is in huge demand. And, whether you’re looking for career advancement or want to switch your profile, choosing the right certification will help you open the doors to top tier companies and superior job opportunities.
But the question is where to begin? AWS offers many certifications with different levels. Moreover, selecting the right AWS certification is a difficult task that can be intimidating at first. But do not worry! In this article, we will walk you through the various levels of certification and help you choose the best fit for you.
So, first, let’s talk about some certification facts of AWS.
AWS Certification Facts
It’s important to take time to explore what certifications are, and what they are not.
- Firstly, AWS certifications are proof of knowledge.
- Secondly, certifications in AWS can open many new opportunities for you.
- Moreover, AWS certifications can only advance your knowledge and experience, in the end, you only have to show your abilities to get a job.
- These certifications are valuable, as they can end up getting your the highest paying jobs.
- AWS Certifications will validate your knowledge and skills related to the cloud. So, that you can become professional and advance your level of certification.
Understanding AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a platform that offers flexible, reliable, scalable, and affordable solutions for cloud computing. It’s a straightforward computing platform created by Amazon. This platform provides various services such as:
Talking about the certifications, this a debatable topic in IT, where some think that achieving a certification makes you more marketable, while some get confused in selecting the certification. Thus, it becomes important for everyone to show interest in knowing about certification before getting one. Similarly, for AWS certification, it becomes essential to learn about it.
Coming on the certifications, in the next section, we will learn about all the AWS certifications.
Overview of AWS Certifications
Amazon Web Services offers different levels of certifications. There are ten certifications divided into four levels.
AWS Foundational Level Certifications
In foundation level certification firstly, there are no prerequisites but it’s recommended to have experience of 6 months of AWS and industry knowledge. The exam included for this is AWS Cloud Practitioner.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS cloud practitioner certification will provide you an overview of AWS cloud concepts including security, pricing, services, architecture, and support. However, this is an entry-level certification exam that examines the candidates’ understanding of the AWS cloud. Moreover, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner course is best for those who are new to cloud computing.
In the next section, we will talk about the Associate level certifications.
AWS Associate Level Certifications
To achieve the associate-level certification, it’s advised to have at least one year of experience working with AWS to troubleshoot issues and apply solutions. The certifications available at the associate level are:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification teaches you the fundamental concepts of AWS, forming a strong base for your learning journey. This certification at the associate level emphasizes the essential AWS services. Just like the cloud practitioner exam, it’s suitable for beginners entering the world of cloud computing.
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
This certification is not only for developers but for anyone who uses AWS. This AWS certification will provide knowledge about services like DynamoDB, Elastic Beanstalk, SQS, and SNS.
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate
This certification is for anyone who runs things on AWS. In this, you will get deep knowledge about CloudWatch and AWS architecture. This will help you a lot in moving towards the Professional exams.
Now, we will learn about the professional-level certification.
AWS Professional Level Certifications
For those who have experienced working in AWS and have mastered AWS Associate Level certifications, this is the next step. And for this, it is recommended to have 2 years of comprehensive experience in designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions. The certifications included in this are,
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional helps you become an AWS expert by using the various AWS features or services. Also, you will understand the entire AWS ecosystem and its specific areas like security and Direct Connect.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional
The DevOps is about developing, operating, and managing the applications on the AWS platform. And, it mainly focuses on the automation process and continuous delivery of the DevOps.
Lastly, the specialty level certifications.
AWS Specialty Certifications
To qualify for this, it’s suggested that you possess two to five years of practical experience and in-depth understanding of AWS in the particular specialized field. The certifications falling under this are:
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty
The advanced networking certification includes both hybrid and AWS-only networks with providing knowledge about multi-region setups and services like Direct Connect, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and routing.
- AWS Certified Big Data Specialty
This certification concentrates on various data services, specifically RedShift, Kinesis, DynamoDB, and Elastic MapReduce. Additionally, it will equip you with comprehensive understanding of topics like the Internet of Things and machine learning.
- AWS Certified Security Specialty
In this certification, you get to examine and validate your AWS knowledge on security that includes infrastructure security, data protection, incident response, identity and access management, encryption, monitoring, and logging.
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
This certification provides to check your ability creating, implementing and maintaining machine learning solutions for a business problem.
Choosing the right AWS certification
So, above you have got brief detail about the certifications offered by AWS at different levels. However, getting a certification is not about passing and collecting them, but it is essential to have a focused track that takes you towards a bright career.
Talking about the right certification then, you all are familiar with the prerequisite of all the certifications. So, it totally depends on the experience you have. But, for the candidates who have just started in the field of cloud, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is definitely where you want to start. By becoming a Certified Cloud Practitioner will help you learn and understand the various AWS services. Moreover, this will help you start your career on good terms with the required knowledge.
Let’s get some insides of the Cloud Practitioner exam.
Knowledge Requirement
- Firstly, it is recommended to have six months of experience with the AWS Cloud.
- Moreover, the candidates should have a basic understanding of IT services and good knowledge in using the AWS Cloud platform
Course Outline
In this exam, it covers four domains that will help you learn about the concepts. These are,
Not to mention, you can start preparing for this using the resources available online by various training providers. This includes Udemy, TestPrepTraining, Edureka, Simplilearn.etc. Here you will access to study material as well the AWS Cloud Practitioner tutorials. The main advantage of using these is that you will get expert assistance available for every doubt or issues you will have.
Moreover, AWS also provides various learning resources that can be accessed from their websites.
AWS Exam Resources
Getting certified with Amazon Web Services comes with numerous advantages. They offer access to a range of valuable resources that can greatly aid you in preparing for your exam. As you’re aware, having reliable materials and information can greatly increase your chances of success in passing the exam. These resources consist of:
- AWS Free Trainings
AWS offers various free training for AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam. These training sessions are provided free of charge and only registration is required.
- AWS Whitepapers
You can have access to AWS Whitepapers for AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam for free from their website. Moreover, the relevant whitepapers for the exam are
- Firstly, Overview of Amazon Web Services whitepaper, July 2019
- Then, Architecting for the Cloud: AWS Best Practices whitepaper, October 2018
- Lastly, Cost Management in the AWS Cloud whitepaper, March 2018
- AWS Reference Books
There are many reference books that are available for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam. Some of them are,
- The Beginners Guide to Amazon Web Services book by Dennis Hutten
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide book by Ben Piper, David Clinton
- AWS Basics: Beginner’s Guide book by Gordon Wong
What’s Next?
Further, there are many paths to get the “core 5” AWS certifications. After passing the Cloud Practitioner exam and then you can move towards these certifications to advance your career.
Coming on the job roles as well as the salary structure.
AWS: Job Roles
AWS Certifications have shown good growth in the industry and with AWS there is a good chance to create a good career in the cloud industry. However, the job roles include,
- Cloud Practitioner
This is for managers, sales, C-level executives, and marketing associates who need to have a basic knowledge of the AWS cloud.
- Operational Support Engineer
An Operational Support Engineer’s role involves closely monitoring and resolving any operational problems that arise with the company’s tools.
- Cloud Software Engineer
Cloud Software Engineers use programming languages like Python, C++, JavaScript, or Ruby to create and develop new software services and systems.
- System Integrator
System Integrators work as part of a team that supports advance deployment and troubleshooting efforts. However, this requires a high-level understanding of cloud computing and information systems.
- Cloud Developer
Cloud Developers are responsible for creating software services and large-scale applications. Previous experience as a software developer is necessary to obtain and excel in a Developer role.
- DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineer roles design AWS cloud solutions that impact and improve the business. And, they also perform server maintenance and implementing necessary debugging.
- Solutions Architect
AWS Solutions Architects spend their time architecting, building, and maintaining highly available and scalable AWS cloud environments. Moreover, they also make recommendations regarding AWS toolsets in cloud computing.
- SysOps Administrator
AWS SysOps Administrators are responsible for the effective provisioning, configuration, operation, and maintenance of virtual systems. Moreover, they also maintain analytics software and build dashboards for reporting.
In the next section, we’ll talk about the essential points that will benefit you in the future to pass the certification.
Start with a focused mindset
You are familiar with this line “knowledge is only potential power”. Similarly, certifications will provide a potential boost to your career. They can open doors, but it’s up to you to make good on the opportunities. To that end, it’s important to think of a certification as a means to an end. Moreover, if you want to have a career in cloud computing then, you should definitely be going after the AWS certifications. Starting from the beginner level that includes Cloud Practitioner or the Associate is the key to the jump-off point for all the other AWS certifications.
Most importantly, this will help you get started in a cloud career and help you to move towards advanced AWS certifications.
Become Professional
After passing the Associate level certifications, the next path is to go after the Professional certification. Moreover, obtaining the professional-level certification will help you enhance your career and future at its best.
Practice Hard
For those beginning their cloud journey, AWS beginner level certifications are a great way to grasp the fundamental concepts of AWS Cloud. While learning the exam material is important, it’s not sufficient for excelling in the exam. To excel, practice and attempt as many questions as possible are essential. The AWS Cloud Practitioner free Practice test can help you improve your answering skills and identify areas where you need more practice.
Expert’s Corner
Achieving AWS certification is best to become professionals and to hold a good place in the IT industry. However, this requires an aimed mindset and goal. So, you must be prepared for this. Lastly, you will surely enjoy a lot of benefits from the AWS certification and thus, it will help you create a bright future.
Learn and enhance your AWS certification knowledge. Become an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Now!
