AWS Certifications

Explore the top AWS certifications that are important to a successful career.

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Getting Certified as a AWS

In the rapidly expanding realm of cloud computing, AWS certifications emerge as a beacon, guiding professionals through the complexities of Amazon Web Services' extensive platform. For those in the field, these certifications are not just accolades but essential tools that demonstrate a robust understanding of cloud architecture, operations, and security.

This guide aims to illuminate the path for both novices and seasoned practitioners in the AWS ecosystem, offering a comprehensive overview of the certifications that can accelerate your career. By aligning your certification choices with your professional goals, you can ensure that you're not just keeping pace with the industry, but setting the standard for excellence in cloud services.

Top AWS Certifications

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Best AWS Certifications

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Certification Provider
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Best For
Entry-Level IT Professionals, Technical Sales Associates, Project Managers with a focus on IT or cloud projects, Business Analysts interested in cloud technology, Non-technical roles requiring cloud familiarity (such as procurement & finance), Marketing Professionals in cloud services companies
Description
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a foundational credential offered by Amazon Web Services that validates an individual's overall understanding of the AWS Cloud. It covers essential AWS concepts, basic infrastructure, key services, security, and compliance aspects, as well as pricing and support. Designed for individuals with an understanding of the AWS platform, this certification is ideal for those looking to demonstrate cloud fluency and contribute to cloud-driven projects. It serves as a stepping stone for more specialized AWS certifications and is suitable for a diverse range of professionals, from technical to managerial roles.
Includes Certification
Yes
Time to Complete
20-30 hours
Price
$100
Prerequisites
  • No formal prerequisites are required to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
  • Recommended to have at least six months of exposure to AWS Cloud in any role, including technical, managerial, sales, purchasing, or financial.
  • Applicants should have a basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform.
  • Knowledge of core AWS services, use cases, billing and pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud impacts your business is beneficial.
  • Before taking the exam, AWS recommends completing the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course or equivalent training.
  • Registration for the exam through the AWS Certification website is required, with the option to take the exam online or at a testing center.

    • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineer with cloud focus, DevOps Engineer, IT Project Manager with AWS projects, Software Developer with cloud architecture responsibilities
    Description
    The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is a globally recognized credential offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual's expertise in designing scalable, elastic, secure, and cost-effective systems on the AWS platform. This certification focuses on creating robust solutions using architectural design principles based on customer requirements. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to deploy and manage applications on AWS technologies, ensuring they are versed in AWS best practices and the latest cloud innovations.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80-120 hours
    Price
    $150
    Prerequisites
  • At least one year of hands-on experience with AWS, including using compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services
  • Experience with AWS deployment and management services
  • Understanding of basic architectural principles of building on the AWS Cloud
  • Ability to identify and define technical requirements for an AWS-based application
  • Knowledge of best practices for building secure and reliable applications on the AWS platform
  • Familiarity with a scripting language, AWS CLI, or the AWS SDKs

    • AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    System Administrators, DevOps Engineers, Cloud Operations Engineers, IT Managers with AWS experience, Network Administrators with cloud focus, Security Engineers with AWS expertise
    Description
    The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification validates technical expertise in deployment, management, and operations on AWS. Aimed at system administrators and those in a DevOps role, it requires proficiency in managing scalable, highly available systems. Candidates should understand AWS cloud best practices and be skilled in data transfer, security, and disaster recovery. This certification involves a combination of multiple-choice questions and hands-on practical scenarios to assess AWS knowledge and skills.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80-120 hours
    Price
    $150
    Prerequisites
  • At least one year of hands-on experience with AWS technology, including using compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services.
  • Experience with AWS deployment and management services.
  • Ability to identify and define technical requirements for an AWS-based application.
  • Understanding of the AWS tenets – architecting for the cloud.
  • Hands-on experience with the AWS CLI and SDKs/API tools.
  • Understanding of network technologies as they relate to AWS.
  • Understanding of security concepts with hands-on experience in implementing security controls and compliance requirements.

    • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Senior Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, Enterprise Architect, Technical Architect with cloud focus, DevOps Engineer with architecture responsibilities, IT Project Manager with AWS projects
    Description
    The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification is a prestigious credential offered by Amazon Web Services for advanced practitioners. It validates an individual's expertise in designing distributed systems and applications on the AWS platform. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to design, deploy, and evaluate complex infrastructures while applying best practices for security, cost-efficiency, and scalability. This certification requires a deep understanding of AWS services, a strong architectural background, and practical experience in managing and operating systems on AWS.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    120 hours
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • Two or more years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.
  • Advanced knowledge of AWS architectural principles and services.
  • Ability to evaluate cloud application requirements and make architectural recommendations for implementation, deployment, and provisioning applications on AWS.
  • Skills to provide best practices guidance on the architectural design across multiple applications and projects within an enterprise.
  • Familiarity with a scripting language, AWS CLI, and AWS APIs.
  • Previous AWS certification at the associate level, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, is recommended but not required.

    • AWS Certified Security – Specialty

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Cloud Security Engineer, Security Architect, Systems Engineer with security focus, DevSecOps Engineer, IT Security Consultant, Compliance Analyst
    Description
    The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates an individual's expertise in securing the AWS platform. It focuses on areas such as data protection, infrastructure security, incident response, and understanding of AWS security services and features. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to design and implement secure solutions on AWS, ensuring the integrity and security of data and resources. This certification is ideal for security professionals seeking to prove their skills in the cloud security landscape.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80 hours
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • At least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads.
  • A minimum of five years of IT security experience designing and implementing security solutions.
  • Understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms.
  • Knowledge of data encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them.
  • Experience with AWS security services and features of services to provide a secure production environment.
  • Competency gained from practical experience with AWS security best practices and understanding of security operations.

    • AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Big Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Professionals, Machine Learning Engineers, Cloud Solutions Architects
    Description
    The AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty certification validates an individual's expertise in extracting insights from large datasets using AWS services. It demonstrates proficiency in designing and implementing AWS solutions to handle big data, including data processing, storage, and analysis. Candidates should have a deep understanding of data analytics concepts and experience in using AWS Big Data services before attempting this certification, which is ideal for data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers looking to showcase their AWS Big Data skills.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • At least two years of hands-on experience using AWS technology
  • A background in defining and architecting AWS Big Data services capable of processing large amounts of data
  • Experience in designing a scalable and cost-effective architecture to process data
  • Understanding of big data analysis technologies and how they integrate with AWS services
  • Familiarity with AWS security best practices, particularly regarding data encryption and secure data storage and transport
  • Passing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or any Associate-level certification before attempting the AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty exam (recommended but not required)

    • AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Network Architect, Senior Network Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, AWS Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Network Operations Manager, Cloud Security Specialist
    Description
    The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification validates an individual's expertise in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. This credential is aimed at professionals who perform complex networking tasks, focusing on areas such as design, development, and deployment of cloud-based solutions, as well as network optimization and security. Candidates should have a deep understanding of AWS networking concepts and technologies, making this certification ideal for network engineers seeking to demonstrate their advanced skills in the AWS ecosystem.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80 hours
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • Minimum of two years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.
  • Experience with AWS networking concepts and technologies, including VPC, Direct Connect, VPN, and Route 53.
  • Understanding of network technologies as they relate to AWS, such as DNS, TCP/IP, and firewalls.
  • Advanced knowledge of AWS security services and features of services to provide a secure production environment.
  • Ability to leverage tools to automate AWS networking tasks.
  • Recommended to have previously earned AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or a current Associate-level certification (AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, AWS Certified Developer - Associate, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate).

    • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, Cloud Solutions Architects with ML focus, Big Data Specialists with ML expertise, Software Developers with ML/AI projects experience
    Description
    The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification validates an individual's expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining machine learning (ML) solutions for a range of business problems. It assesses the candidate's ability to select and justify the appropriate ML approach, work with AWS services to develop and deploy scalable, cost-effective ML solutions, and ensure data security and privacy. This certification is ideal for professionals seeking to demonstrate their skills in ML and AI on the AWS cloud platform.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80 hours
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • At least two years of hands-on experience developing, architecting, or running machine learning/deep learning workloads on the AWS Cloud
  • Familiarity with basic machine learning and deep learning frameworks and practices
  • Understanding of AWS services relevant to machine learning, such as Amazon S3, Amazon SageMaker, AWS Lambda, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
  • Ability to express the intuition behind basic ML algorithms and to perform basic hyperparameter optimization
  • Ability to implement ML and deep learning frameworks
  • Experience with ML and deep learning frameworks

    • AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    DevOps Engineers, Cloud Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers, Systems Administrators with DevOps experience, AWS Cloud Architects, Software Developers with AWS experience
    Description
    The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification validates technical expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform. Aimed at experienced DevOps professionals, this certification covers automation of processes, continuous delivery, monitoring, and logging, with a strong emphasis on the principles and methodologies of the DevOps philosophy. Candidates will demonstrate their ability to design and manage tools that enable automated deployment and infrastructure updates, ensuring high-availability and secure, scalable operations.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80-120 hours
    Price
    $300
    Prerequisites
  • Two or more years of experience provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments
  • Experience developing code in at least one high-level programming language
  • Understanding of modern development and operations processes and methodologies
  • Experience with automation and management of AWS infrastructure and services
  • Ability to implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS
  • Ability to implement and automate security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation

    • AWS Certified Developer – Associate

    Certification Provider
    Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    Best For
    Software Developers, Cloud Application Developers, AWS Solutions Architects with development focus, DevOps Engineers, Full Stack Developers, Software Engineers with cloud experience
    Description
    The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification validates an individual's proficiency in developing and maintaining applications on the Amazon Web Services platform. It focuses on core AWS services, best practices, and the basics of AWS architecture. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to write code that optimizes AWS application performance and to understand the AWS SDKs. This certification is ideal for software developers with one or more years of experience designing and maintaining an AWS-based application.
    Includes Certification
    Yes
    Time to Complete
    80 hours
    Price
    $150
    Prerequisites
  • In-depth knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
  • Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in designing and maintaining AWS-based applications.
  • Understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices.
  • Ability to identify and define requirements for an AWS-based application.
  • Experience with deploying, managing, and operating scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
  • Proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS.

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    Benefits of Having a AWS Certification

    Industry Recognition and Professional Validation: An AWS certification is a badge of honor that showcases your dedication and proficiency in cloud computing. It's recognized globally by employers and industry professionals, signaling that you've mastered the skills necessary to navigate the AWS platform. This recognition can be a significant asset in establishing your reputation as a knowledgeable and capable cloud specialist.

    Comprehensive Skill Enhancement: AWS certifications are designed to cover a wide range of topics and services within the AWS ecosystem, ensuring that you gain a thorough understanding of cloud architecture, security, and management. By pursuing certification, you're committing to a comprehensive skill upgrade that will keep you at the forefront of cloud technology advancements.

    Career Growth and Competitive Edge: Holding an AWS certification can be the key to unlocking new career opportunities and achieving higher earning potential. It differentiates you from non-certified peers and can be a deciding factor in hiring, promotions, and salary negotiations. As organizations increasingly migrate to the cloud, certified AWS professionals are in high demand.

    Access to the AWS Community and Resources: Becoming AWS certified grants you access to the exclusive AWS Certified Global Community, as well as additional resources such as whitepapers, webinars, and workshops. This network is an invaluable resource for continuous learning, sharing best practices, and connecting with other cloud professionals. Confidence in Cloud Expertise: Earning an AWS certification is a rigorous process that requires a deep understanding of the platform. Successfully achieving certification can significantly boost your confidence, affirming your ability to design, deploy, and manage applications on AWS. This confidence translates into better decision-making and leadership in cloud initiatives.

    How to Choose the Best AWS Certification

    Selecting the right certification as an AWS professional is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your expertise and marketability in the cloud computing domain. Given the comprehensive suite of services offered by AWS, it's essential to choose a certification that not only aligns with your current skills and experience but also positions you for future growth and success in this dynamic field. The following tips are designed to guide you through the process of evaluating and selecting an AWS certification that is tailored to your professional development and career objectives.
    • Identify Your Specialization: AWS offers certifications across various levels and specialties, including Architecting, Developing, Operations, and Specialties like Advanced Networking and Security. Determine where your interests and current job responsibilities lie to select a certification that will deepen your expertise in that area. For example, if you're involved in designing distributed systems, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect might be a suitable choice.
    • Consider the Certification Tier: AWS certifications are structured into foundational, associate, and professional tiers. Reflect on your level of experience with AWS services when choosing a certification. If you're new to AWS, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner serves as a starting point, whereas more experienced individuals may aim for the Professional or Specialty certifications to advance their careers.
    • Examine Role-Based Relevance: Align the certification with the role you are aiming for. If your goal is to manage AWS infrastructures, the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate might be appropriate. For those looking to develop on AWS, the AWS Certified Developer – Associate could be more relevant. Ensure the certification you choose will equip you with the skills needed for your desired job role.
    • Review Industry Demands and Trends: Stay informed about the industry's evolving needs. Certifications in areas like machine learning, data analytics, and security are increasingly in demand. By choosing a certification in a high-growth area, you can position yourself at the forefront of emerging technologies and increase your value to employers.
    • Assess Training and Resources: Before committing to a certification, investigate the training and resources available to help you prepare. AWS provides various learning paths and materials, including digital training, classroom courses, and whitepapers. Consider the quality and accessibility of these resources, as they can greatly influence your preparation and success in obtaining the certification.

    Preparing for Your AWS Certification

    Preparing for an AWS certification is a journey that can significantly enhance your cloud computing skills and open up new career opportunities. As an AWS professional, obtaining a certification not only validates your technical knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to the profession. To ensure that you are ready to tackle the certification exam and can leverage the certification in your career, a strategic approach to preparation is essential. Here’s how you can gear up for success:

    Identify Your Certification Level: Firstly, determine which AWS certification aligns with your experience and career goals. AWS offers certifications ranging from foundational to professional levels, as well as specialty certifications in areas like Advanced Networking, Security, and Machine Learning. Understanding the scope and requirements of the certification you aim for will help you focus your preparation efforts effectively.

    Develop a Comprehensive Study Plan: Once you've chosen the right certification, create a detailed study plan. Break down the AWS certification exam guide into topics and subtopics, and allocate time to each based on their complexity and your familiarity with them. Incorporate a mix of learning resources such as online courses, whitepapers, AWS documentation, and hands-on labs. Schedule regular study sessions and stick to your plan to maintain a consistent pace.

    Utilize AWS Training Resources: AWS provides a wealth of training resources, including digital and classroom training, that are tailored to different certification tracks. Take advantage of these official materials as they are designed to cover the exam blueprint comprehensively. Also, consider enrolling in AWS's free tier to gain practical experience with the platform.

    Join AWS Learning Communities: Connect with other AWS certification aspirants and professionals through forums, study groups, and social media platforms. Engaging with a community can offer support, insights, and the opportunity to discuss complex topics. You can also find study partners or mentors who can help you navigate areas you find challenging.

    Practice with Mock Exams: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types by taking practice exams. These mock tests can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to fine-tune your study plan. Time yourself during these practice sessions to improve your time management skills for the actual exam.

    Apply Knowledge to Real-World Scenarios: Theory is important, but the ability to apply AWS concepts in real-world situations is crucial. Engage in hands-on projects or simulations that allow you to implement what you've learned. This practical application will not only reinforce your knowledge but also give you confidence in your ability to solve real problems using AWS services.

    Review and Reflect: As your exam date approaches, review all the topics systematically. Reflect on your practice exam results and revisit areas where you need improvement. Ensure you understand the underlying principles and not just memorize facts. This deeper comprehension will be

    Certification FAQs for AWSs

    Is getting a AWS certification worth it?

    The worth of an AWS certification is contingent on your professional objectives, the role you're aiming for, and the industry's climate. For novices, it acts as a credibility booster, showcasing a solid grasp of cloud infrastructure and AWS services. For seasoned tech professionals, it's a testament to their expertise and dedication to staying abreast of the evolving cloud landscape.

    In the dynamic and growing field of cloud computing, an AWS certification can distinguish you from other candidates, potentially leading to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement. It's a tangible asset that signals to employers a serious commitment to mastering the complexities of AWS.

    Do you need a certification to get a job as a AWS?

    While a certification is not an absolute requirement for becoming an AWS (Amazon Web Services) professional, it can significantly bolster your chances of landing a job in this competitive field. AWS certifications are highly regarded in the tech industry and can demonstrate to employers your commitment to mastering the platform.

    For those with limited hands-on experience with AWS, certifications can serve as a testament to your technical knowledge and skills. However, employers also highly value practical experience with AWS services, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of cloud architecture. In essence, while certifications can enhance your profile, they are most effective when combined with practical experience and a solid understanding of cloud computing concepts.

    Can AWS certifications help pivoters make the transition into Dev & Engineering from another career path?

    Yes, AWS certifications can be a significant asset for those transitioning into cloud computing roles. These certifications validate your technical knowledge and skills in the AWS platform, which is crucial for roles that require cloud expertise. They signal to employers your dedication to professional development and your proactive approach to mastering AWS services. Additionally, the process of certification often includes practical, hands-on experience that can be directly applied to real-world scenarios, making you a more competitive candidate even if you're coming from a different background.
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