AWS (Amazon Web Services) certification is a credential that validates your expertise and skills in cloud computing using AWS technologies. It is recognized globally and is sought after by IT professionals who want to enhance their cloud computing careers.
AWS certifications are divided into different levels and specialty areas, catering to various roles and expertise. Here’s a detailed explanation:
AWS Certification Paths
- Foundational Level:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Overview: Basic understanding of AWS Cloud concepts, services, and pricing.
- Exam: CLF-C01
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Experience: 6 months of AWS Cloud and industry knowledge.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Associate Level:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate:
- Overview: Designing distributed systems on AWS.
- Exam: SAA-C03
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Experience: 1 year of hands-on experience with AWS services.
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate:
- Overview: Developing and maintaining applications on AWS.
- Exam: DVA-C02
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Experience: 1 year of hands-on experience with AWS services, plus a strong understanding of at least one high-level programming language.
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate:
- Overview: Deploying, managing, and operating scalable systems on AWS.
- Exam: SOA-C02
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Experience: 1 year of hands-on experience with AWS services, including managing and operating systems on AWS.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate:
- Professional Level:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional:
- Overview: Advanced technical skills for designing distributed applications on AWS.
- Exam: SAP-C02
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Experience: 2 years of comprehensive experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional:
- Overview: Managing, provisioning, and operating applications on AWS.
- Exam: DOP-C02
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Experience: 2 years of experience managing AWS environments and provisioning, operating, and managing AWS systems.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional:
- Specialty Level:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty:
- Overview: Designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale.
- Exam: ANS-C01
- Duration: 170 minutes
- Experience: 5 years of hands-on experience with network architecture and 2 years of hands-on experience working with AWS.
- AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty:
- Overview: Designing and implementing AWS services to derive value from data.
- Exam: BDS-C01
- Duration: 170 minutes
- Experience: 5 years of experience with data analytics technologies and 2 years of hands-on experience with AWS.
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty:
- Overview: Advanced methods for securing the AWS platform.
- Exam: SCS-C01
- Duration: 170 minutes
- Experience: 5 years of IT security experience, with at least 2 years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads.
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty:
Benefits of AWS Certification
- Career Advancement: Recognized by employers, AWS certification can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.
- Enhanced Knowledge: The certification process deepens your understanding of AWS services and best practices.
- Credibility: Certification provides credibility to your skills and expertise in the cloud computing domain.
- Community and Resources: AWS-certified professionals gain access to the AWS Certified Global Community and additional AWS resources.
Cost and Renewal
- Cost: Exam fees range from $100 to $300, depending on the certification level.
- Renewal: AWS certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must recertify by either passing the latest version of the exam or earning a higher-level certification.
Certification Registration
Register for the Certification by clicking on the official AWS link.
Conclusion
AWS certification is a valuable credential for anyone looking to build or advance a career in cloud computing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, there’s an AWS certification that fits your skill level and career goals.
