Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular secure cloud services platforms, that offers to compute power, database storage, content delivery and other functionality to assists the business to scale up and grow. There are millions of customers are currently leveraging AWS cloud products and solutions for building sophisticated applications with increased flexibility, scalability and reliability. And, AWS certification is one of the key ways to fill the gap between demand and supply of skilled professionals in cloud computing industry. Therefore for the survival and growth of Tech professionals in Cloud computing field it is important to follow the defined learning path and align their skills to match the current scenarios.
Initially cloud technologies was not very promising but with passing time it has become one of the most growing fields in the IT with a continuous growth. Nowadays most of the companies are migrating their infrastructure to the cloud with increased need to shift. Very often we have seen developers to be in a dilemma whether to invest their time and money for such professional certifications. But as we see there is a great amount of transformation and updates happening across the world with introduction of new technologies – AWS has emerged as one of the dominant forces in cloud computing.
Learning Path or Road Map for AWS Certification
So if you are starting your career it is important to have clarity with reference to the career path.
AWS Certification Levels
Amazon Web Services offers various levels of certifications
ARCHITECTING LEVEL : For this you need to pass the following certification path
- AWS certified Cloud Practitioner
- Then, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional
DEVELOPING LEVEL: For this you need to pass the following certification path –
- AWS certified Cloud Practitioner
- Next, AWS Certified Developer Associate
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional
OPERATIONS LEVEL: For this you need to pass the following certification path
- AWS certified Cloud Practitioner
- Next, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional
Then there are specialty certification to obtain specialization in respective domains –
SPECIALTY LEVEL –
- Advanced Networking Specialty
- AWS Certified Big Data Specialty
- AWS Certified Security Specialty
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS/DOUBTS
Which is the most popular certification to begin ?
If you are serious about get into this field then go directly to the Associate certification. AWS Solution Architect Associate is considered the most popular AWS certification. It gives a a good understanding of the platform.
Can I go directly to the professional or a specialty certification?
No, you shouldn’t and you can’t move directly to the professional or specialty level. It is important to clear the associate level as a prerequisite
Also it is very important to have an in-depth about the subject and it becomes all the more difficult to fill the gap between associate and professional certification exam.
What are the various sources to prepare and pass the AWS solution architecture exam?
It is suggested to use a professional and comprehensive video training. This is considered as the fastest way to learn and evaluate. You can also use a soft or hard copy material of the official certification guide to prepare (suggested to use atleast 2-3 sources to prepare). Remember only going through the course content does not guarantee clearing the exam. However, it is also suggested to refer sources for practicing to have a glimpse of your actual preparation. I think one of the reasons for candidates to fail in the first attempt is because of lack of proper preparation and practice.