What is AWS Certification?
AWS (Amazon Web Services) certification is a validation of an individual’s expertise and knowledge in cloud computing services provided by Amazon. AWS certifications are designed to test and prove a candidate’s proficiency in various AWS services and best practices. These certifications are highly regarded in the tech industry and are a valuable asset for professionals looking to demonstrate their skills and expertise in cloud computing.
There are several types of AWS certifications available, each targeting a specific area of expertise. These certifications include AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, and AWS Certified Security – Specialty. Each certification has its own set of requirements, exam format, and level of difficulty.
Why Pursue AWS Certification?
AWS certification is a valuable asset for professionals looking to advance their careers in cloud computing. By obtaining an AWS certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise and proficiency in Amazon Web Services, making them more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential. According to Global Knowledge, the average salary for AWS certified professionals in the US is $129,868, making it one of the highest paying IT certifications.
AWS certification also helps professionals stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies and best practices. AWS is constantly evolving and updating its services, and certification holders need to keep up with these changes to maintain their certification status. By pursuing AWS certification, individuals gain access to the latest AWS training and certification resources, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and stay competitive in the job market.
Additionally, AWS certification provides professionals with a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their skills and expertise. AWS certification is a rigorous process that requires a significant amount of time and effort, and successful certification holders can take pride in their achievement. AWS certification also provides professionals with a sense of community and belonging, as they become part of a larger network of AWS certified professionals who share their knowledge and expertise.
How to Get AWS Certified: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting AWS certified involves several steps, including registration, study, and taking the exam. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain AWS certification:
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Choose the right certification: AWS offers several certifications, each with its own set of requirements and exam format. Choose the certification that best aligns with your skills and career goals.
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Create an AWS account: To access AWS training and certification resources, you need to create an AWS account. This account provides access to free AWS training, as well as AWS services and tools.
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Study for the exam: AWS provides several resources to help you prepare for the exam, including online training, practice exams, and study guides. You can also take advantage of third-party resources, such as online courses, practice exams, and study groups.
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Schedule and take the exam: Once you feel prepared, schedule the exam through the AWS Certification website. The exam is administered by a third-party testing center, such as Pearson VUE or PSI. Make sure to bring a valid ID and arrive early to the testing center.
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Maintain your certification: AWS certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you need to complete ongoing training and pass a recertification exam.
By following these steps, you can obtain AWS certification and demonstrate your expertise in Amazon Web Services. Remember to take advantage of all available resources, including AWS training and certification resources, to help you prepare for the exam.
Popular AWS Certifications: An Overview
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a variety of certifications for professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing. Here are some of the most popular AWS certifications:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is designed for professionals who can design and implement scalable, secure, and robust AWS systems. This certification has two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level requires candidates to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS, while the Professional level requires at least two years of experience.
AWS Certified Developer
The AWS Certified Developer certification is designed for professionals who can develop, deploy, and debug cloud-based applications using AWS. This certification requires candidates to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS and knowledge of at least one high-level programming language.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification is designed for professionals who can deploy, manage, and operate scalable AWS systems. This certification requires candidates to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS and knowledge of operating systems, networking, and security.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification is designed for professionals who can design, implement, and manage AWS systems that are scalable, secure, and highly available. This certification requires candidates to have at least two years of hands-on experience with AWS and knowledge of continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code.
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification is designed for professionals who can design, implement, and deploy machine learning models using AWS. This certification requires candidates to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS and knowledge of machine learning algorithms, data engineering, and software development.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is designed for professionals who can design and implement secure AWS systems. This certification requires candidates to have at least two years of hands-on experience with AWS and knowledge of security controls, data encryption, and incident response.
By obtaining one or more of these AWS certifications, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing and increase their earning potential. According to Global Knowledge, the average salary for AWS certified professionals in the US is $129,868, making it one of the highest paying IT certifications.
Real-World Experience: The Key to Success
While AWS certification is a valuable way to demonstrate expertise in Amazon Web Services, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Real-world experience with AWS services is equally important, as it allows professionals to apply the concepts and best practices covered in the certification exam. Hands-on experience with AWS services can help candidates better understand how to design, deploy, and manage scalable, secure, and highly available systems.
There are several ways to gain real-world experience with AWS services. One way is to participate in AWS training and certification programs, which often include hands-on labs and exercises. AWS also offers a free tier of services, which allows professionals to experiment with AWS services and build their own systems without incurring any costs. Additionally, many companies use AWS for their cloud computing needs, providing professionals with opportunities to work with AWS services in a real-world setting.
Real-world experience with AWS services can help professionals in several ways. First, it can help them better understand the concepts and best practices covered in the certification exam. Second, it can help them develop practical skills in designing, deploying, and managing AWS systems. Finally, it can help them demonstrate their expertise to potential employers, increasing their earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
In summary, real-world experience with AWS services is a critical component of AWS certification. By gaining hands-on experience with AWS services, professionals can better understand the concepts and best practices covered in the certification exam, develop practical skills, and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. Whether through AWS training and certification programs, the AWS free tier, or real-world experience, professionals should aim to gain as much experience as possible with AWS services.
Maintaining AWS Certification: Tips and Best Practices
AWS certifications are valid for three years, after which professionals must recertify to maintain their certification. Recertification ensures that professionals stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies and best practices. Here are some tips and best practices for maintaining AWS certification:
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Stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies: AWS is constantly evolving, with new services and features being added regularly. Professionals should stay informed about the latest AWS technologies and best practices by reading AWS blogs, attending AWS webinars, and participating in AWS communities.
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Take advantage of AWS training and certification resources: AWS offers a variety of training and certification resources, including online courses, practice exams, and study guides. Professionals should take advantage of these resources to stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies and best practices.
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Participate in AWS communities: AWS communities provide professionals with opportunities to connect with other AWS professionals, share knowledge, and learn from each other. Participating in AWS communities can help professionals stay informed about the latest AWS technologies and best practices.
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Earn continuing education units (CEUs): AWS requires professionals to earn a certain number of CEUs to maintain their certification. Professionals can earn CEUs by attending AWS training courses, participating in AWS events, and completing AWS certifications.
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Plan ahead for recertification: Professionals should plan ahead for recertification by scheduling their recertification exam well in advance. This will ensure that they have enough time to prepare for the exam and maintain their certification.
By following these tips and best practices, professionals can maintain their AWS certification and demonstrate their expertise in Amazon Web Services. AWS certification is a valuable way to demonstrate expertise in cloud computing, and maintaining certification is essential for career advancement and increased earning potential.
AWS Certification vs. Other Cloud Certifications: A Comparison
When it comes to cloud computing certifications, AWS is just one of several options available. Here’s a comparison of AWS certification to other cloud certifications, such as Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform:
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Microsoft Azure: Microsoft Azure offers a variety of certifications, including Azure Fundamentals, Azure Developer Associate, and Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Azure certifications focus on Microsoft’s cloud platform and are designed for professionals with experience in Microsoft technologies. AWS certification, on the other hand, focuses on Amazon Web Services and is designed for professionals with experience in cloud computing.
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Google Cloud Platform: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a variety of certifications, including Google Cloud Certified – Associate Cloud Engineer and Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect. GCP certifications focus on Google’s cloud platform and are designed for professionals with experience in cloud computing. AWS certification, again, focuses on Amazon Web Services and is designed for professionals with experience in cloud computing.
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Career paths: AWS certification can lead to a variety of career paths, including cloud solutions architect, cloud developer, and cloud systems administrator. Microsoft Azure certification can lead to career paths such as Azure solutions architect, Azure developer, and Azure administrator. GCP certification can lead to career paths such as GCP solutions architect, GCP developer, and GCP administrator.
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Salary potential: According to Global Knowledge, the average salary for AWS certified professionals in the US is $129,868, making it one of the highest paying IT certifications. The average salary for Microsoft Azure certified professionals is $116,312, and the average salary for GCP certified professionals is $138,056.
In summary, AWS certification, Microsoft Azure certification, and GCP certification are all valuable ways to demonstrate expertise in cloud computing. The choice of certification depends on the professional’s experience, career goals, and preferred cloud platform. AWS certification is a valuable way to demonstrate expertise in Amazon Web Services and can lead to a variety of career paths and high earning potential.
Conclusion: Is AWS Certification Right for You?
AWS certification is a valuable way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in Amazon Web Services and cloud computing. By obtaining AWS certification, professionals can enhance their career prospects, increase their earning potential, and stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies. However, AWS certification is not for everyone. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether AWS certification is right for you:
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Experience: AWS certification is designed for professionals with experience in cloud computing and Amazon Web Services. If you are new to cloud computing or AWS, you may want to gain some experience before pursuing certification.
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Career goals: AWS certification can lead to a variety of career paths, including cloud solutions architect, cloud developer, and cloud systems administrator. Consider your career goals and whether AWS certification aligns with your career aspirations.
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Time and cost: AWS certification requires a significant investment of time and money. Consider whether you have the time and resources to invest in studying for and taking the certification exam.
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Real-world experience: While AWS certification is a valuable way to demonstrate expertise, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Real-world experience with AWS services is equally important. Consider whether you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with AWS services in your current role or through personal projects.
In conclusion, AWS certification is a valuable way for professionals to demonstrate their expertise in Amazon Web Services and cloud computing. By following the step-by-step guide, gaining real-world experience, and maintaining certification, professionals can enhance their career prospects, increase their earning potential, and stay up-to-date with the latest AWS technologies. However, AWS certification is not for everyone. Consider your experience, career goals, time and cost, and real-world experience before pursuing AWS certification.