aws certification

12 AWS Certification: What is best for you?

by Umang Gupta

AWS certifications hold significant value in today’s job market as they validate an individual’s expertise in various aspects of Amazon Web Services. With over 200 cloud services and products, AWS is widely utilized by businesses worldwide to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

AWS certifications are awarded to individuals who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in specific AWS cloud computing systems. These credentials, directly provided by AWS, serve as evidence of one’s proficiency in AWS and can be a valuable addition to a resume. For business owners or hiring managers, AWS certifications are an essential criterion to consider when seeking professionals who can leverage AWS systems effectively.

Currently, there are 12 AWS certifications available, each representing a different level of proficiency. Whether you are interested in pursuing an AWS certification yourself or looking to hire AWS-certified professionals, understanding the various credentials offered can provide valuable insights.

What is an AWS certification?

An AWS certification is a recognized credential awarded by Amazon Web Services for demonstrating expertise in various aspects of AWS cloud computing. It validates knowledge and skills through exams covering topics such as architecture, development, security, and more. AWS certifications enhance professional credibility, open up job opportunities, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning. They are valuable for individuals and organizations leveraging AWS services.

Why is an AWS certification important?

An AWS certification is important for several reasons. Firstly, it validates an individual’s expertise and proficiency in using AWS services, which can enhance their credibility in the job market and increase their chances of securing AWS-related roles. Secondly, AWS certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing. Additionally, AWS certifications are recognized by employers and clients, serving as a reliable measure of an individual’s knowledge and skills. Overall, AWS certifications can provide a competitive edge, expand career opportunities, and showcase one’s ability to effectively utilize AWS services.

Choosing the right AWS certification: What’s the value?

Obtaining an AWS certification signifies possession of highly sought-after skills, validated by a renowned authority in cloud computing. It demonstrates proficiency in in-demand and profitable abilities, making individuals more desirable in the job market. Moreover, certification fosters a common understanding of the AWS platform and establishes a shared language and expertise level within the enterprise. This shared knowledge expedites the implementation of cloud projects, accelerating the time to achieve business value. AWS certifications, recognized for their credibility, contribute to professional growth, enhance career prospects, and enable individuals to contribute effectively to cloud initiatives in organizations of all sizes.

How long does it take to become AWS certified?

The time required to become AWS certified varies based on prior knowledge, certification choice, and study dedication. For individuals with some AWS experience, focused preparation typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Beginners may require additional time to grasp fundamental concepts. Factors such as study pace and availability impact the duration. Creating a structured study plan and allocating dedicated time can facilitate efficient certification preparation.

How do I become AWS certified?

To prepare for the AWS certification, consider these steps:

  1. Enrol in AWS training classes or courses to enhance your knowledge of cloud computing and AWS.
  2. Review Study or Exam Guides provided by AWS.
  3. Read relevant AWS whitepapers to gain valuable insights and answers to common questions.
  4. Practice extensively with practice exams to build confidence and familiarity with the exam format.
  5. Schedule the exam once you feel prepared. The recommended preparation time is around 80-120 hours, depending on experience and the chosen certification.
  6. Consider utilizing a Cloud Certification Fast-track program for team training, personalized support, progress tracking, and program management assistance.
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12 types of AWS certification

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Level: Foundational (entry-level)

Purpose: Validate overall understanding of the AWS cloud

Recommended experience: At least six months of general AWS cloud experience in any role (technical, managerial, sales, etc.)

Format: Multiple choice & Multiple response questions

Duration: 90 minutes

Cost: USD 100

Areas covered:

  1. Understanding of basic AWS architectural principles
  2. Knowledge of the value proposition of the AWS cloud
  3. Familiarity with key AWS services and their common use cases
  4. Understanding of basic security and compliance, including the shared responsibility model
  5. Core deployment and operating principles
  6. Awareness of cloud costs, economics, and billing practices

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Certification Level: Associate

Target Audience: Tech team leaders and individuals seeking a solid foundation in AWS cloud computing

Purpose: Validate skills in designing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response questions

Exam Time: 130 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 150

Areas Covered:

  1. Network technologies and their implementation in AWS
  2. Functioning of AWS-based applications and client interfaces connecting to AWS
  3. Building secure and reliable applications on the AWS platform
  4. Deployment of hybrid systems combining on-premises data centres with AWS components

Exam Domains:

  1. Designing highly available, scalable, and performant systems (requires familiarity with AWS infrastructure and concepts)
  2. Implementation and deployment in AWS
  3. AWS-related data security practices
  4. Cost optimization techniques

Exam Updates: The exam was updated in August 2022 to include more AWS services and best practices.

3. AWS Certified Developer

Certification Level: Associate

Focus: Developing and maintaining AWS-based applications

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response questions

Exam Time: 130 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 150

Areas Covered:

  1. Understanding the basic AWS architecture and core AWS services
  2. Hands-on experience in designing, developing, deploying, debugging, and maintaining applications
  3. Working knowledge of applications utilizing key AWS services, including databases, notifications, workflow services, storage services, and change management services.

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

Certification Level: Associate

Focus: Geared towards system administrators

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response, and Exam lab. Exam labs involve performing tasks in the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI based on a given scenario.

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 150

Areas Covered:

  • Deploying applications to the AWS platform across distributed architectures
  • Sending and receiving data between data centres and multi-VPC architectures
  • Selecting appropriate AWS services to meet organizational needs
  • Provisioning, managing, and securing systems in an AWS environment

Additional Note: Previous experience as a Linux or Windows administrator is beneficial for this certification.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Certification Level: Professional

Focus: Evaluating organization requirements and providing architectural recommendations for AWS-based applications

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Recommendations: Two years of hands-on experience in designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS, along with knowledge of multi-application architectural design best practices, is recommended.

Areas Covered:

  1. Best practices for architecting and designing scalable applications on AWS
  2. Selecting the appropriate AWS services to meet application requirements and ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and reliability
  3. Migration of complex application systems to AWS using a multi-tier architecture design
  4. Knowledge of cost optimization strategies

Note: The exam was updated in November 2022 to include additional AWS services and best practices.

6. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

Certification Level: Professional

Focus: Provisioning, operating, and managing applications on the AWS platform with a focus on continuous delivery (CD) and automation of processes

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Recommendations: Experience in provisioning and managing AWS-based applications, along with a strong understanding of modern application development and agile methodologies, is recommended.

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Areas Covered:

  1. Understanding modern continuous delivery methodologies
  2. Implementing and managing continuous delivery systems
  3. Setting up monitoring, security controls, and logging systems on AWS
  4. Implementing highly available, scalable, and self-healing systems on AWS
  5. Designing and managing tools for the automation of production operations

7. AWS Certified Data Analytics

Certification Level: Specialty

Target Audience: Individuals with a background in data analytics and experience in designing and architecting big data solutions using AWS services.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Areas Covered:

  1. Architecting best practices for implementing core AWS big data services
  2. Designing, maintaining, and visualizing data
  3. AWS Tools for automating data analysis
  4. Security best practices for data analytics solutions
  5. AWS services covered include Kinesis, Athena, Quicksight, and Rekognition.

8. AWS Certified Advanced Networking

Certification Level: Specialty

Last Updated: July 2022

Target Audience: Individuals with a background in architecting and implementing network solutions, and advanced knowledge of networking on AWS.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 170 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Areas Covered:

  1. Designing, developing, and deploying cloud solutions with AWS
  2. Implementing core services according to architectural best practices
  3. Automation for AWS tasks for network deployments
  4. Security and compliance design and implementation
  5. Network optimization and troubleshooting.

9. AWS Certified Security

Certification Level: Specialty

Target Audience: Security professionals and teams seeking to master security fundamentals and best practices on the AWS platform.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 170 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Areas Covered:

  1. Using AWS services to implement appropriate security levels for deployments and sensitive data
  2. Implementing data protection techniques, including encryption mechanisms
  3. Deploying logging and monitoring solutions for detecting and analyzing security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in infrastructure
  4. AWS services covered include AWS Identity and Access Management, AWS CloudTrail, AWS Config, Amazon Inspector, AWS Trusted Advisor, Amazon GuardDuty, Amazon CloudWatch, and Amazon Key Management Service.

10. AWS Certified Machine Learning

Certification Level: Specialty

Target Audience: Developers and data scientists with 1-2 years of experience using machine learning (ML) and/or deep learning on the AWS Cloud.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Areas Covered:

  1. Choosing the most appropriate machine learning approach for a given business problem and justifying your choice
  2. Identifying and utilizing relevant AWS solutions to create and deploy machine learning solutions
  3. Designing and implementing cost-optimized, scalable, reliable, and secure machine-learning solutions

11. AWS Certified Database

Certification Level: Specialty

Target Audience: Professionals working closely with databases and implementing database solutions, with at least two years of experience with AWS Cloud-based and on-premises relational and NoSQL databases.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

Areas Covered:

  1. Database Design: Designing efficient and scalable database solutions on AWS, considering performance, availability, and security requirements.
  2. Deployment and Migration: Implementing database deployment and migration strategies, including AWS database services and tools.
  3. Management and Operations: Managing and operating AWS database solutions effectively, including backup, recovery, and maintenance tasks.
  4. Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Implementing monitoring and troubleshooting techniques to ensure the optimal performance and availability of AWS database solutions.
  5. Security: Implementing security measures and best practices to protect AWS database solutions, including encryption, access controls, and data privacy.

12. AWS Certified SAP on AWS

Certification Level: Specialty

Target Audience: Individuals with critical knowledge related to SAP solutions and workloads running in the AWS Cloud.

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers

Exam Time: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: USD 300

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Areas Covered:

  1. Designing an SAP solution on AWS: Designing SAP solutions in adherence to the AWS Well-Architected Framework, as well as meeting SAP certification and support requirements.
  2. Implementing new SAP workloads on AWS: Implementing new SAP workloads and solutions on the AWS Cloud, including infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and optimization.
  3. Migrating existing SAP workloads to AWS: Planning and executing the migration of existing SAP workloads from on-premises or other cloud environments to AWS.
  4. Operating SAP workloads on AWS: Managing and operating SAP workloads on AWS, including performance optimization, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Note: This certification was released in April 2022 and focuses specifically on SAP solutions and workloads running on the AWS Cloud.

Recertification and Staying Up-to-Date

AWS certifications require recertification every three years to ensure continued expertise and knowledge of up-to-date AWS services. Here are some tips for maintaining current skills:

Recertification:

  1. Cloud Practitioner: Automatically renewed by passing an Associate level certification.
  2. Solutions Architect – Associate: Renewed by passing the Solutions Architect – Professional exam.
  3. SysOps Administrator/Developer – Associate: Renewed by passing the DevOps Engineer – Professional exam.
  4. Associate/Professional Certifications: Renew the Cloud Practitioner exam that is currently being held.

Continuous Learning:

  1. Stay Updated: Read AWS Release Notes and Cloud Academy AWS blog posts.
  2. Hands-on Practice: Use Cloud Academy Hands-on Labs to experiment with new services.
  3. Attend re:Invent: Participate in the AWS re:Invent conference.
  4. Test Your Skills: Take AWS practice exams.
  5. Advocate Training: Encourage training and skill development at work.

Remember, certifications represent your knowledge at a specific time. To stay current and excel in AWS, prioritize ongoing learning and create a culture of knowledge sharing.

FAQ regarding AWS certification:

How long does it take to become AWS certified?

The time required to become AWS certified varies based on the candidate’s existing experience and the certification level they are aiming for. While AWS suggests a certain amount of prerequisite experience for each certification, dedicated study and hands-on practice can help you pass the exams without meeting those criteria. It is recommended to maintain a study schedule, with at least 1 hour of study per day for the Practitioner and Associate levels, and more immersion for the Professional and Specialty levels.

How much does it cost to get AWS certified?

The exam fees vary based on the level of certification:

  • Practitioner: $100
  • Associate: $150
  • Professional: $300
  • Speciality: $300

What are the different levels of AWS certification?

AWS offers four levels of certification:

  • Practitioner: Foundation level, recommended before taking Associate certifications.
  • Associate: Requires more experience and hands-on skills in AWS.
  • Professional: Advanced level, typically preceded by Associate certifications.
  • Speciality: Focuses on specific domains within AWS, requiring deep technical knowledge and experience in a particular area.

Which certification is best in AWS?

The “best” AWS certification depends on your interests, role, and career goals. Different certifications cater to different career paths and domains within AWS. It is recommended to align your certification choices with your interests and desired career trajectory.

Are AWS certifications worth it?

AWS certifications are valuable assets in the IT industry. They validate your knowledge and demonstrate commitment, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Certifications can help differentiate you from other candidates and enhance your professional profile.

Can I get AWS certifications online?

Yes, AWS certifications can be taken online from the comfort of your own home. You must ensure your computer meets the system requirements and communicate with an English, Japanese, or Mandarin-speaking proctor. Certain guidelines and restrictions apply, such as remaining in a private and quiet place during the exam.