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What is AWS Certification?
AWS Certifications can be defined as a level of Amazon Web Services cloud expertise gained by an IT professional after clearing the exams offered by the provider. It demonstrates and validates technical cloud knowledge, and skills, both of which are considered to be highly essential by recruiters. Typically, AWS certifications last for two years, following which IT professionals can update their specific certification after it reaches the expiry date.
AWS, or Amazon Web Services, is among the top 10 leading cloud service providers that hold more than 1000 services that help different companies or organisations in using storage, security and database, among many other resources. Simply put, it helps an organisation create its complete infrastructure. Furthermore, companies only need to pay for the services they wish to use in their operations, which means there is no unnecessary expenditure.
Types Of AWS Certifications:
There are a total number of 6 different AWS certifications that are grouped into four main categories, namely,
- Cloud Practitioner
- Architect
- Developer
- Operations
There is also an additional type, categorised as Speciality, which can further be divided into five different subpaths. Those are
- AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Speciality
- AWS Certified Security- Specialty
- AWS Certified Machine Learning- Specialty
- AWS Certified Alexa Skill Building- Specialty
Cloud Practitioner Learning Path:
This is specifically designed for aspirants who wish to build and validate their overall understanding of the AWS cloud. It can be quite beneficial, especially for job roles surrounding finance, technical, sales, or managerial.
The format for this foundational AWS exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a given time frame of 90 minutes. The topics usually cover the core principles of the AWS cloud, including the various AWS services and features and business use cases, among others.
Architect Learning Path:
Contrary to the Cloud Practitioner learning path, the Architect learning path is designed for individuals who wish to learn how to design applications and systems on AWS. The ideal candidates for this would comprise solution design engineers and solutions architects. It can further be divided into two other categories,
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate:
The format for this AWS certification consists of 65 multiple-choice questions, which need to be answered within a specified time frame of 130 minutes. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of how to design, manage and distribute applications on AWS. The cost for this AWS certification is $150.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional:
This exam is specifically designed for candidates who have two or more years of experience in designing and deploying AWS cloud architectures. Additionally, candidates are also required to complete their associate-level AWS-certified solutions architect certification exam.
Developer Path:
This learning path is specifically crafted for individuals who wish to learn how one can develop cloud applications on AWS. It can further be divided into two categories, namely,
AWS Certified Developer – Associate:
The associate-level AWS certified developer certification exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions which need to be answered within 130 minutes. The cost for the same is $150. In order to pass this test, you need to have a functional knowledge of code-level security practices, encryption strategies, and credential creation.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional:
As the name suggests, the AWS DevOps Engineer certification exam is designed for professional candidates who have two or more years of experience in managing AWS architectures. The format for the same includes 75 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 180 minutes. The cost for these AWS certifications for developers is $300.
Operations Path:
For those who wish to learn the various tools and techniques required for creating automatable and repeatable deployments of systems, applications, and networks in AWS, this is the one to go for. The Operations learning path is specifically for system administrators or those interested in the DevOps role. It can further be categorised into two types.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate:
In order to qualify for this certification, you need to have at least one year of experience in AWS systems operations. It tests your knowledge of managing cloud systems for both fault tolerance and high ability. The format for the same includes 65 multiple-choice questions, and the given time frame is 130 minutes. The cost for AWS certification is $150.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer- Professional:
Some of the most common topics that you will encounter in this certification exam include continuous integration, continuous delivery methodologies, practices for compliance checks, and automating security. The test consists of 75 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 180 minutes. The fee for the same is $300.
Benefits of Getting AWS Certifications And Training:
Securing AWS certifications might not be as easy as it seems. In fact, it requires candidates to go through comprehensive study guides and practical experience. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, AWS certifications need to be recertified every two years. With all these complexities and challenges, one might wonder, is AWS really worth it? Well, to answer the same, here is a list that highlights some of the top benefits of securing AWS certifications.
Development of Professional Expertise:
As stated earlier, AWS certifications require a comprehensive study of the latest AWS trends and technologies. Candidates are not only required to show their expertise to earn the certifications but also need to invest a good amount of time and effort in retaining those certifications. All these lead to a massive development of professional expertise.
Furthermore, candidates also have the option to venture into other areas of AWS certifications to broaden their skill sets. For example, you can quite easily opt for AWS DevOps certification after qualifying for AWS Developer associate-level certification.
Recognition for Certified Professionals:
Yet another advantage is that every AWS-certified professional receives a digital badge upon successful completion of their exam. This recognition not only reflects your certification achievement, but you can also use it to gain access to exclusive AWS certifications events sponsored by AWS.
Higher Salary:
Last but not least, AWS certifications increase your chances of landing a higher salary package, which comes alongside other lucrative benefits as well. In fact, reports suggest that the salary of a working professional with AWS certification can increase by almost 25.9%. So why not make use of this advantage, and get that much-required boost to your professional career?
Conclusion:
To sum it all up, AWS certifications and training are indeed one of the best ways to advance your knowledge and your skills. The demand for AWS professionals has increased manifold over the years. If you are a fresher, the AWS cloud practitioner certification exam is the right choice for you. Additionally, you can also check out other AWS certifications for developers, and solutions architects, that have been listed above.
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