With cloud computing becoming the backbone of modern business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are some of the hottest IT credentials on the market. An AWS certification will allow you to validate your skills and open various opportunities with high-paying roles, irrespective of whether you are new to cloud technology or planning to upgrade your career as an experienced professional. However with so many paths to take, how do you determine the right AWS certification path for your career objectives? In this guide, we will go through each AWS certification and assess what path to take according to your current knowledge and career goals.
An Overview of the AWS Certifications
AWS (Amazon Web Services) has multiple certifications that validate your cloud skills. There are four categories of certifications.
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Foundational Level
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Best for Cloud beginners. This includes introductory AWS concepts along with the core services and security services. It does not need too much technical knowledge and is a good entry point to the certification.
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Associate Level
AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate: For those who want to design distributed systems upon AWS. It includes more detail on AWS services and best practices.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate: This is for developers who create and maintain applications on AWS. You will learn about essential AWS services and fundamental AWS architecture best practices.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: This system administrator certification is all about deployment, management, and operations on AWS.
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Professional Level
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: A step beyond the associate certification, this level is also more difficult and is designed for anyone who wishes to demonstrate technical expertise in cloud architecture and has the ability to design distributed applications.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: Best for those who work in continuous delivery and the automation of processes. Ideal for anyone looking to sharpen or formalize their application operating and management skills on AWS.
- Specialty Certifications
These are for people who wish to learn something very specific in niche areas like machine learning, security, advanced networking and database management.
Evaluate What You Have and Where You Want To Be
Now, which certification path is right for you depends on your previous knowledge and future goals →
If You Are a Newbie: The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is your best starting point; it provides foundational understanding of AWS services and basic cloud infrastructure.
For Developers or IT Profs: Associate-level certs such as the AWS Certified Developer and Solutions Architect are perfect, as they align well with development and architecture skill sets in the cloud.
If You Have Deep Cloud Experience: Professional-level certifications are designed around advanced skill-sets used to design complex solutions and implement cloud strategies.
For Those With a Focus: If you need to concentrate your specialty certifications show the potential for unique technologies, such as Security or Machine Learning, and are essential in select industries and high-demand positions
Diving Into Each AWS Certification Path
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Microsoft Fundamentals — Entry Level certification for those who are beginners or having little experience in cloud computing. It includes the fundamentals of cloud, security and core AWS services, which acts as a stepping stone for other AWS certifications.
Certifications for Associate Level
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate — This is a very popular certification exam which tests your ability to design cost-effective, scalable and highly available systems.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate: Targeted to developers, this certification emphasizes application development on AWS with a focus on debugging, monitoring, and deployment.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate: Aimed at system administrators, this cert deals with sysops such as system deployment, monitoring, and operational management.
Industry Impact Careers Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: A higher-level certification that assesses your skills in designing sophisticated applications on AWS.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: It is for professionals with a background in DevOps and its practices like continuous integration, delivery, and automation within AWS.
Specialty Certifications
Such certifications are ideal for those professionals who want to advance their knowledge on certain topics:
- Specialty in AWS Certified Security
- AWS Advanced Networking Speciality
- Specialization Study Path for AWS Certified Machine Learning
- Speciality in AWS Databases — Certified
All of these entries into their fields allow professionals to take on roles in areas becoming critical to the solutions built in the cloud today, such as cybersecurity, data science and network architecture.
Suggested AWS Certification Paths Based on Career Goals
Cloud for Beginners: If you want to start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, to learn foundation knowledge, and after, you can take Solutions Architect Associate or Developer Associate to explore it more.
- Developers: Start at Developer Associate, then Solutions Architect — Professional or DevOps Engineer — Professional for mid/advanced levels.
- For System Administrators: SysOps Administrator Associate is perfect with a long term goal being DevOps Engineer – Professional.
- Enhanced Specialized Certifications: Opt for a Specialty Certification (Security or Machine Learning) to focus on niche skills and become an authority in any one domain of cloud computing.
AWS Certification Tips
- Use AWS training resources – There are courses and study materials provided by AWS itself that you can find very useful. Utilize the AWS whitepapers, FAQs, and AWS Well-Architected Framework
- Use Online Learning Platforms: Use interactive content, labs, and mock exams to master all concepts relating to AWS with A Cloud Guru, Coursera and Udemy.
- Practical Application: There is no substitute for practical experience, so use your skills as much as you can, in a sandbox environment, or through projects in your job.
- Participate in Study Groups and Forums: The AWS community is very engaging. You can find some assistance, question-answer services, and tips on how to take the exams through study groups and forums on Reddit or LinkedIn.
Reasons to Choose Ethans Tech for AWS Training
We at Ethans Tech have a detailed Approach Towards AWS training to make you Learn and Crack an AWS Certification Exams. Ethans Tech works with E&ICT, IIT-Guwahati and offers an in-depth curriculum through offline programs. Next, you have realistic learning experience with practical exposure with the help of hands-on labs and real world projects conducted by expert trainers. We have a dedicated placement team that will assist you in securing a job with top employers so that you can begin or grow your career in the cloud confidently. At Ethans Tech not only will you be AWS certified but also upskill as well as get job opportunities and assistance leaving you at the top of the cloud game.
Conclusion
For anyone wanting to establish a career in cloud computing, selecting which AWS certification path is the question to answer. Evaluating your current skill set, evaluating each level of certification, and selecting a path that matches your career will help you be positioned for success. With our AWS training covering all the essential skills and solid placement assistance, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the cloud computing industry and pursue your dream career.
