Obtaining an AWS certification demonstrates that you possess valuable and profitable skills recognized by a respected leader in cloud computing.
In the corporate world, certification showcases a shared understanding of a platform, a common vocabulary, and a certain level of cloud expertise that can accelerate the time it takes to achieve value from cloud projects.
AWS certifications are a great way to validate your expertise in cloud computing and can open doors to new career opportunities and higher salaries. Whether you are a veteran IT professional or just starting in the field, AWS certifications can help you advance your career.
This guide will provide an overview of the 12 AWS certifications. So, let's get started!
Why should you choose the AWS Certifications?
An AWS certification is a widely recognized credential demonstrating your Amazon Web Services cloud technology expertise. It helps to build credibility and can be used to validate your skills to potential employers.
In addition, organizations can use AWS certifications to identify skilled professionals to lead cloud initiatives using AWS.
Here are the benefits of earning the AWS certifications:
Recognition:
There is no doubt that Amazon Web Services is the leading cloud platform, and its certifications have gained a great amount of respect and recognition among employers. In order to distinguish yourself from your competition and demonstrate your level of expertise in cloud computing, AWS certification is the right choice.
Career opportunities:
In this day and age, companies are increasingly looking for candidates with AWS skills and having an AWS certification can open up doors to higher salaries and new career opportunities.
Continued learning:
Getting an AWS certification requires significant time and effort. Preparing for the exam can help you gain a deeper understanding of the AWS platform and help you develop current skills as the platform evolves.
Networking:
In addition to facilitating networking with colleagues in the field and sharing knowledge and best practices, the AWS certification process can also provide opportunities to foster connections with other professionals in the field.
Career advancement:
Obtaining an AWS certification will help you advance in your career and allow you to take on new roles and responsibilities within your organization.
Foundational-level Certifications
Cloud Practitioner - Foundational
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam is a great opportunity for individuals new to cloud computing to gain a strong foundation. This course is suitable for anyone, regardless of background or technical experience.
Even if you have no prior programming knowledge or are just starting in the field, you can still enroll in this course as long as you have a bachelor's degree with a minimum average of 50%.
By completing this training and certification program, you can demonstrate your expertise in cloud computing to potential employers and take advantage of the many benefits the cloud offers.
With the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, you can showcase your skills and knowledge to companies looking for cloud experts to help them modernize their operations. You can continue to grow and improve your skills through ongoing learning and development.
Format: Multiple choice & multiple response questions Length: 90 minutes Cost: 100 USD
Who should take this exam?
Candidates for this certification may include:
- Seeking a career in the AWS Cloud from a non-IT background
- Interested in improving communication with stakeholders and customers about the AWS Cloud for roles in sales, marketing, or as a business analyst
- New to the AWS Cloud and in need of a foundational understanding before pursuing AWS certification for roles in on-premises IT or the cloud
Associate-level Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Obtaining certification demonstrates your dedication to becoming a top performer in your field and showcases your desire to improve and grow continuously. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - The associate is a technical certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at individuals working in solution architecture and organization design.
This certification enhances your resume and signifies your ability to excel in the field. By earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, you demonstrate your proficiency in developing and implementing cloud applications on AWS. This certification benefits both individuals seeking to advance their careers and organizations looking to identify and develop talented professionals with the necessary skills for cloud implementation.
Additionally, obtaining the AWS Solution Architect - Associate certification allows you to stay up-to-date with new technologies and deepen your understanding of them. This highly sought-after certification is valuable for system administrators, developers, and DevOps engineers.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response Time: 130 minutes Cost: 150 USD
Who should take this exam?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is a good starting point for those who:
- Experience in AWS technology
- Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
- Experience working in other cloud services
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
By passing the AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C01) exam, developers can demonstrate their understanding of core AWS services, ability to utilize them effectively, and familiarity with basic AWS architecture best practices.
This certification is proof of an individual's expertise in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS. It is valuable for organizations looking to identify and develop professionals with the necessary skills for cloud implementation and is a testament to an individual's ability to create and deploy cloud-based applications.
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate, covers topics such as deployment, security, development with AWS services, refactoring, monitoring, and troubleshooting. To pursue this certification, it is recommended to have hands-on experience designing and maintaining an AWS-based application and a strong understanding of at least one high-level programming language.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response Time: 130 minutes Cost: 150 USD
Who should take this exam?
Those with any of the following skills would benefit from becoming an AWS Certified Developer - Associate:
- Background as a developer with extensive knowledge of at least one high-level programming language
- Exposure to AWS technology
- Solid on-premises IT experience and ability to translate that knowledge to the cloud
- Experience with other cloud services
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the most popular and widely used cloud provider worldwide, offering over 200 feature-rich services from data centers around the globe. The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) certification, achieved through an online exam, is one of the most sought-after certifications in the field.
This certification demonstrates expertise in the deployment, administration, integrity, and operation of the AWS platform for system administrators tasked with cloud operating tasks. It is ideal for systems administrators, operators, and individuals looking to enhance their professional skills.
To pursue this certification, it is recommended to have at least one year of hands-on experience working with systems running on AWS, including provisioning, operating, and maintaining them.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response, and exam lab Time: 180 minutes Cost: 150 USD
Who should take this exam?
- For individuals with the following skills, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate is the perfect starting point.
- Experience working in a systems administrator role
- Experience in AWS technology
- Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
- Experience working in other cloud services
Professional-level Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification is intended for professionals with at least two years of hands-on experience building and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.
This certification helps organizations identify and cultivate talent with the relevant skills for cloud implementation. Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional demonstrates your ability to develop, implement, and evaluate AWS applications in various situations.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional (CSA-Pro) exam tests your ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations, navigate sub-optimal trade-offs, and extract important details from the text.
This rigorous exam ensures that only individuals with a thorough, multi-dimensional understanding of cloud infrastructures can be certified as Professional Solutions Architects.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer Time: 180 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
To be eligible for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certification, it is recommended that candidates have at least two years of hands-on experience designing and implementing cloud architecture on AWS.
Before attempting this exam, it is suggested that individuals have the following:
- Knowledge of tools and technologies such as AWS CLI, AWS APIs, AWS CloudFormation templates, the AWS Billing Console, the AWS Management Console, a scripting language, and Windows and Linux environments
- Expertise in providing best practice guidance on the architectural design across multiple applications and projects of an enterprise, as well as the ability to align business objectives with application/architecture requirements
- Proficiency in evaluating cloud application requirements and making architectural recommendations for implementation, deployment, and provisioning applications on AWS
- Ability to design a hybrid architecture using key AWS technologies (e.g., VPN, AWS Direct Connect) and a continuous integration and deployment process
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Amazon Web Services is a highly respected cloud computing provider and a well-known name in the tech industry. The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam (DOP-C01) is a highly sought-after certification valued by enterprises and professionals in the relevant field.
DevOps experts work with IT departments to ensure that development, testing, and operations are seamlessly integrated. They are responsible for automating deployment and synchronization operations.
Earning this certification will enhance your cloud skills and provide access to high-paying job opportunities in various industries around the world. It will also allow you to delve into the DevOps field and seek employment at top companies, further expanding your professional exposure.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 180 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
To be eligible for the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional certification, it is recommended that candidates have at least two years of experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments.
Before attempting this exam, it is suggested that individuals have:
- Proficiency in developing code in at least one high-level programming language, building highly automated infrastructures, and administering operating systems
- Familiarity with modern development and operations processes and methodologies
- Ability to set up and maintain continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS
- Expertise in implementing and automating security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation
- Proficiency in defining and deploying monitoring, metrics, and logging systems on AWS
Specialty Certifications
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
The AWS Certified Data Analytics: Specialty exam (DAS-C01) is a highly respected certification offered by Amazon AWS. It is an excellent addition to the resume of individuals specializing in data analytics and helps relevant organizations identify professionals with the necessary skills for cloud implementation.
The AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty verifies your foundational understanding of extracting insights from data using various AWS data lakes and advanced analytics tools. This credential is intended for professionals who design, install, secure and maintain analytics solutions.
According to AWS guidelines, applicants should have five years of experience with data analytics systems and two years of hands-on experience with AWS before pursuing this certification.
This recommendation is based on the assumption that a candidate with this level of expertise will be familiar with creating, managing, and protecting data analytics services using AWS.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 180 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
AWS Certified Data Analytics: Specialty is designed for individuals with experience designing, building, securing, and maintaining analytics solutions on AWS services.
The following are recommended prerequisites for taking this exam:
- Proficiency in common data analytics technologies with 5 years of experience
- Practical experience and skills in using AWS services to design, build, secure, and maintain analytics solutions for 2 years
- Familiarity with AWS data analytics services and their integration with each other
- Ability to describe how AWS data analytics services fit into the data lifecycle of collection, storage, processing, and visualization
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
The AWS Advanced Networking: Specialty (ANS-C00) exam is designed for individuals who are AWS Networking Specialists. This exam tests advanced technical skills and experience designing and implementing large-scale AWS and hybrid IT network architectures. It is intended for individuals responsible for complex networking tasks.
It verifies their ability to design, develop, and deploy cloud-based solutions using AWS, implement core AWS services according to established architectural best practices, and design and maintain network architecture for all AWS services. The AWS Advanced Networking - Specialty certification demonstrates expertise in designing and maintaining network architecture for a wide range of AWS services.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 170 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
Those with five years of experience architecting and implementing network solutions should qualify for AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty. It is recommended that you have the following knowledge before taking this exam:
Professional experience using AWS technology, AWS security best practices, AWS storage options and their underlying consistency models, and AWS networking nuances and how they relate to the integration of AWS services. Knowledge of advanced networking architectures and interconnectivity options [e.g., IP VPN, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), virtual private LAN service (VPLS)].
Familiarity with the development of automation scripts and tools. This should include the design, implementation, and optimization of the following: Routing architectures (including static and dynamic); multi-region solutions for a global enterprise; highly available connectivity solutions (e.g., AWS Direct Connect, VPN).
Knowledge of CIDR and sub-netting (IPv4 and IPv6); IPv6 transition challenges; and generic solutions for network security features, including AWS WAF, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), DDoS protection, and economic denial of service/sustainability (EDoS).
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
The AWS Certified Security Specialty (SCS-C01) is a certification that provides advanced training in cloud security and application security on AWS. This highly respected AWS Security Certification gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and helps organizations identify and develop professionals with the necessary skills for cloud implementation.
The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification verifies your knowledge of data security and activities on the AWS Cloud. If you work in a security role and have at least two years of hands-on experience protecting AWS workloads, you should consider obtaining the AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
The major areas covered in this certification include incident response, logging and monitoring, infrastructure security, identity, access management, and data protection.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 170 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
To qualify for AWS Certified Security: Specialty, you must have at least two years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads. It is recommended that you have the following knowledge before taking this exam:
- 5 years of experience in IT security, specifically in designing and implementing security solutions, with at least 2 years of hands-on experience in securing AWS workloads
- Working knowledge of AWS security services and features, as well as an understanding of security operations and risks, to provide a secure production environment
- Familiarity with the AWS shared responsibility model, security controls for workloads on AWS, logging and monitoring strategies, cloud security threat models, patch management and security automation, and disaster recovery controls such as BCP, backups, encryption, access control, and data retention
- Understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms, data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them, and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms to implement them
- Ability to make tradeoff decisions between cost, security, and deployment complexity to meet a set of application requirements
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
The AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty (MLS-C01) certification is valuable for enterprises looking to identify and assess professionals with the necessary skills for cloud implementation.
Earning the AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty demonstrates your expertise in building, training, modifying, and deploying machine learning (ML) models on Amazon Web Services.
This certification is ideal for individuals working in the field of machine learning who want to stand out. It verifies a professional's knowledge and understanding of various AWS cloud services related to machine learning and deep learning, as well as their machine learning skills.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 180 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
To be eligible for the AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty certification, it is recommended that candidates have at least one year of experience in a development or data science role, developing, designing, or managing machine learning/deep learning workloads in the AWS Cloud.
It is recommended that you have the following skills before taking this exam:
- Practical experience in developing, designing, and managing ML or deep learning workloads on AWS Cloud for at least two years
- Knowledge of the intuition behind basic ML algorithms
- Experience in basic hyperparameter optimization
- Familiarity with ML and deep learning frameworks
- Ability to adhere to model training, deployment, and operational best practices
AWS Certified Database – Specialty
The AWS Certified Database Specialty certification (DBS-C0) is a highly respected AWS designation for database experts. This certification demonstrates your understanding of AWS databases and their interfaces and debugging capabilities.
The AWS Certified Database Specialty exam covers various databases-related topics, including design, migration, deployment, access, operation, automation, monitoring, security, and troubleshooting. It is designed to ensure that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of databases.
Individuals with experience and expertise working with on-premises and AWS cloud-based relational and non-relational databases, such as Aurora, RDS, DynamoDB, graph, cache, and data warehousing, should consider pursuing the AWS Certified Database – Specialty. This certification is suitable for IT professionals who want a deeper understanding of AWS.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answers Time: 180 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
To be eligible for the AWS Certified Database – Specialty exam, it is recommended that individuals have experience and expertise working with both on-premises and AWS cloud-based relational and non-relational databases.
It is also helpful to have a strong understanding of the key features of AWS database services and the ability to analyze needs and requirements to design and recommend appropriate database solutions using AWS services.
- Proficiency in common database technologies with 5 years of experience
- Practical experience and skills in using both on-premises and cloud-based relational and NoSQL databases, specifically on AWS, for 2 years
- Familiarity with the key features of AWS database services
- Proficiency in analyzing needs and requirements to design and recommend suitable database solutions using AWS services
AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty
The AWS Certified SAP on AWS: Specialty certification is a specialized credential for individuals with experience with SAP applications and infrastructure on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This certification showcases the holder's expertise in using AWS to design, deploy, and operate SAP applications and infrastructure at scale.
To earn the AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty certification, candidates must deeply understand SAP applications and their integration with AWS services. They must also demonstrate their ability to design and deploy SAP solutions on AWS, including the ability to migrate SAP workloads to the cloud and operate them in a production environment.
To be eligible for the AWS Certified SAP on AWS - Specialty certification, candidates must have a valid AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certification or have passed an equivalent SAP-specific certification exam. This certification is intended for professionals working with AWS solutions, including SAP solution architects, administrators, and developers.
It is a valuable credential for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in using AWS to support SAP applications and infrastructure.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple responses Time: 170 minutes Cost: 300 USD
Who should take this exam?
Before attempting the AWS Certified: SAP on AWS - Specialty exam, it is recommended that individuals have experience with both SAP and AWS. This certification is intended for professionals in roles that require knowledge of both technologies.
- At least five years of experience with SAP
- One year or more of experience working with SAP on AWS
- Skills in designing an SAP solution that runs on AWS following best practices in the AWS Well-Architected Framework and SAP certification and support requirements.
The Final Verdict
Obtaining an AWS certification remains valuable, even as enterprises adopt multi-cloud strategies. According to the 2018 RightScale State of the Cloud Report, 64% of enterprises and 68% of SMBs are running applications on AWS, which remains one of the most desired choices for public cloud adoption, with over one million customers.
AWS's strong financial performance, the ongoing expansion of services, and geographic regions, including a dedicated intelligence community region in 2017, suggest that there is still significant growth potential for the platform.
If you are interested in earning an AWS certification, you can click on the chat button below to get in touch with one of our advisors. We will be happy to assist you and guide you through the process.
