The 12 AWS Certifications: Which is Right for You and Your Team?
As companies increasingly shift workloads to the public
cloud, cloud computing has moved from a nice-to-have to a core competency in
the enterprise. This shift requires a new set of skills to design, deploy, and
manage applications in cloud computing.
As the market leader and most mature provider in the cloud
computing space, AWS is considered a thought leader and point of reference for
all of its competitors. In 2020, AWS continues to lead in public cloud
adoption, and it currently offers 12 certifications that cover both
foundational and specialty cloud computing topics.
Why choose the right AWS certification? Here’s why it
matters.
Choosing the right AWS certification: What’s the value?
Getting AWS certified shows that you have some of the most
in-demand (and profitable) skills as validated by one of the most recognizable
entities in cloud computing. In the enterprise, certification demonstrates a
shared understanding of a platform, a shared terminology, and a certain level
of cloud expertise that can speed up time to value for cloud projects.
Why is AWS certification important?
Even as enterprises adopt multi-cloud strategies, this
doesn’t diminish the importance of an AWS certification – quite the opposite.
With more than one million customers, AWS is still the provider of choice for
public cloud adoption, where 64% of enterprises and 68% of SMBs are running
applications (according to the 2018 RightScale State of the Cloud Report).
Continued strong financial performance, a constant stream of new services, and
a continuous geographic expansion (including a dedicated intelligence community
region announced in 2017) are an indication that there is still much more to
come.
Candidate certifications
AWS certifications themselves stand out for their rigor and
thoroughness in evaluating a candidate’s skills, with an emphasis on hands-on
experience and best practices. If you’re already working with AWS, preparing
for a certification can help strengthen your knowledge by clarifying key
concepts. If you’re new to AWS, it can provide the foundational knowledge and
skills you’ll need to work with AWS services and solutions down the road. For
organizations looking for new recruits, AWS certifications validate a
candidate’s familiarity and knowledge of best practices in cloud architecture,
management, and security.
Employer certifications
In the enterprise, the core training materials used to
prepare for AWS certifications are a valuable component in a company’s own
internal training path. As IT environments become more customized and
requirements for new skills grow, an increasing number of companies are
building their own certification programs. Many of them are using vendor
certification training paths in connection with internal training materials to
stand up certification tracks specific to their business needs.
How long does it take to become AWS certified?
With a full-time job and other commitments, investing 80
hours of study usually takes two months. If you are entirely new to AWS, we
recommend approximately 120 hours or three months to prepare. Start with the
fundamentals, and then move to the Solutions Architect – Associate Learning
Path.
Which cloud certification is best?
AWS currently offers 12 certifications: a foundational
certification, three associate-level certifications, two professional-level
certifications, and six specialty certifications. You can find a full overview
of all Learning Paths to prepare for the certifications on the Cloud Academy’s
AWS Certifications page.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
*Note: new exam version (SAA-C02) starts March 22, 2020
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
AWS Certified Database – Specialty (coming soon)
*Note: brand new certification starts April 6, 2020
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (coming soon)
*Note: new certification name and exam version starts April
13, 2020 (formerly AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty)
AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
How do I become AWS certified?
While there are not set-in-stone steps to studying for the
AWS certification, these steps are the most straight-forward.
Enroll in an AWS training class, such as any of the ones
mentioned in this article. They will certainly increase your knowledge of cloud
computing and AWS.
Review any Study or Exam Guides available.
Read multiple AWS whitepapers. These hold some invaluable
information, which may answer many of your questions.
Practice, practice, practice. Practice exams will help ease
any worries or stress you may be having about the certification exam.
Schedule the exam once you are ready. It typically takes
anywhere from 80-120 hours of practice/studying to be prepared for the exam
based on experience and the certification you are pursuing.
Let’s take a closer look at each exam.
Foundational Certification
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is AWS’s newest
certification. This entry-level certification is designed to validate a
candidate’s overall understanding of the AWS cloud.
Prerequisites: At least six months of general AWS cloud
experience in any role (technical, managerial, sales, etc.) is recommended.
Format: Multiple choice questions
Length: 90 minutes
Cost: 100 USD
Areas Covered:
Understanding of basic AWS architectural principles
The value proposition of the AWS cloud
Key AWS services and their common use cases
Basic security and compliance, the shared responsibility
model for security
Core deployment and operating principles
Prepare for the Foundational Certification, with Cloud
Academy’s Cloud Practitioner Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
AWS Certifications
Associate-Level Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is
designed for those with some experience in designing distributed applications.
Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate their ability to design, manage,
and implement applications using tools and services on the AWS platform. This
exam was updated in February 2018 to include more AWS services and best
practices.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Time: 130 minutes (based on the new exam)
Cost: 150 USD
Areas Covered:
Network technologies and how they work in AWS
How AWS-based applications work and how client interfaces
connect to the AWS platform
How to build secure and reliable applications on the AWS
platform
Deploying hybrid systems – those with an on-premises data
center and AWS components
The exam domains include the design of highly available and
scalable systems, (requires familiarity with AWS infrastructure and concepts),
implementation and deployment in AWS, AWS-related data security practices,
disaster recovery techniques, and troubleshooting
Prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
with Cloud Academy’s Solutions Architect – Associate Certification Preparation
for AWS Learning Path.
Note!
The Certified Solutions Architect – Associate debuts a new
exam version (named SAA-C02) on March 23, 2020. The last day to take previous
version (SAA-C01) is March 22, 2020.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
The AWS Certified Developer – the Associate exam is all
about developing and maintaining AWS-based applications. You will need to know
how to write actual code that uses AWS software to access AWS applications from
within your custom business applications.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Time: 80 minutes
Cost: 150 USD
Areas Covered:
Understanding the basic AWS architecture and the core AWS
services
Hands-on experience designing, developing, deploying, and
maintaining applications
Working knowledge of applications that utilize key AWS
services such as AWS databases, notifications, workflow services, and services
for storage and change management services
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s
Developer – Associate Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – the Associate exam
is the only certification that is fully geared toward system administrators.
Passing this exam requires both technical expertise and conceptual knowledge of
the operational aspects of the AWS platform. Previous experience as a Linux or
Windows administrator will be a plus.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Time: 80 minutes
Cost: 150 USD
Areas Covered:
Deploying applications to the AWS platform
Sending and receiving data between data centers and AWS
Selecting the appropriate AWS services to meet an
organization’s needs
Provisioning, managing, and securing systems in an AWS
environment
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s SysOps
Administrator – Associate Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
Professional-level Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
A professional AWS architect is someone who can evaluate an
organization’s requirements and make architectural recommendations for
implementing and deploying applications on AWS. The Certified Solutions
Architect Professional certification requires a high degree of technical skill
and experience designing AWS-based applications.
Prerequisites: Status as AWS Certified Solutions Architect –
Associate.
Two years of hands-on experience designing and deploying
cloud architecture on AWS and best practice knowledge of multi-application
architectural design is recommended.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Time: 170 minutes
Cost: 300 USD
Areas Covered:
Best practices for architecting the designing applications
on AWS
Selecting the right AWS service for the requirements of an
application
Migration of complex application systems to AWS
Knowledge of cost optimization strategies
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s
Solutions Architect – Professional Certification Preparation for AWS Learning
Path.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
The DevOps Engineer certification is all about provisioning,
operating, and managing applications on the AWS platform. This exam focuses
heavily on continuous delivery (CD) and the automation of processes, two
fundamental concepts of the DevOps movement.
Prerequisites: Status as AWS Certified Developer – Associate
or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate. Experience in provisioning
and managing AWS-based applications, as well as a firm understanding of modern
application development such as the agile development methodology, is
recommended.
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple answer
Time: 170 minutes
Cost: 300 USD
Areas Covered:
The basics of modern CD methodologies
How to implement CD systems
Set up, monitoring, and logging systems on AWS
How to implement highly available and scalable systems on
AWS
How to design and manage tools that enable automation of
production operations
Specialty Certification
AWS specialty certifications are designed to validate a
candidate’s skills in big data and networking.
Prerequisites: Current associate-level certification and a
minimum of five years of relevant experience
Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer
Time: 3 hours
Cost: 300 USD
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s DevOps
Engineer – Professional Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (new name)
The AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty certification
is for those with a background in data analytics and experience using AWS
services for designing and architecting big data solutions. It is designed to
validate a candidate’s experience in extracting value from data using AWS
services.
Areas Covered:
Architecting best practices for implementing core AWS big
data services
Designing and maintaining big data
AWS tools for automating data analysis
Security best practices for big data solutions
AWS services covered include: Kinesis, Athena, Quicksight,
and Rekognition
Note!
This certification was formerly called AWS Certified Big
Data – Specialty, with its last day being April 12, 2020. The new certification
name and exam version (DAS-C01) go into effect on April 13, 2020.
You can prepare for this exam with the latest version of
Cloud Academy’s Big Data – Specialty Certification Preparation for AWS Learning
Path. Our updated AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty learning path is
coming soon.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
certification is designed to validate a candidate’s skills and experience in
connection with performing complex networking tasks on AWS and hybrid IT
networking architecture at scale. Candidates should have a background in
architecting and implementing network solutions and advanced knowledge of
networking on AWS.
Areas Covered:
Designing, developing, and deploying cloud solutions with
AWS
Implementing core services according to architectural best
practices
Automation for AWS tasks for network deployments
Security and compliance design and implementation
Network optimization and troubleshooting
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s Advanced
Networking – Specialty Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty
The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification covers
topics that security pros and teams need to master security fundamentals,
follow best practices, and build deep knowledge in key services unique to the
AWS platform. It is designed to validate your AWS knowledge across security
topics such as data protection and encryption, infrastructure security,
incident response, identity, and access management, monitoring and logging.
Areas Covered:
Use a variety of AWS services to select the appropriate
level of security based on your deployments and the sensitivity of your data
Select the most appropriate data protection techniques
including encryption mechanisms
Implement logging and monitoring solutions to detect and
analyze security vulnerabilities and weaknesses within your infrastructure
AWS services include: AWS Identity and Access Management,
AWS CloudTrail, AWS Config, Amazon Inspector, AWS Trusted Advisor, Amazon
GuardDuty, Amazon CloudWatch, Amazon Key Management Service
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s Security
– Specialty Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path
AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
The AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
certification validates your technical expertise in creating, testing, and
deploying Amazon Alexa skills. This exam is for anyone who performs a role as
an Alexa skill builder. Candidates should have at least six months of hands-on
experience building Alexa skills using the Alexa Skills Kit and should be
proficient in a programming language.
Areas Covered:
Learning about the value of voice
User experience design
Following AWS and Alexa best practices for security
Creating, testing, and validating for the skill
Working with the Alexa Developer Console
Prepare for this certification by learning more about the
AWS Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty certification.
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification
validates your ability to create, implement, and maintain machine learning
solutions for a range of business problems. This exam is for anyone who
performs a development or data science role. Candidates should have one to two
years of experience using ML and/or deep learning on the AWS Cloud.
Areas Covered:
Choosing and defending the best ML approach for a given
business problem
Identifying the relevant AWS solutions to create and deploy
your ML solution
Designing and implementing cost-optimized, scalable,
reliable, and secure ML solutions
Prepare for this certification with Cloud Academy’s Machine
Learning – Specialty Certification Preparation for AWS Learning Path.
AWS Certified Database – Specialty
Note!
This is a brand new certification. The first date to take
the exam is April 6, 2020.
The AWS Certified Database – Specialty certification
validates that you have an overall comprehension of all the AWS database
services offered, as well as how to bring value to your business through
optimized database integration and architecting. This exam is for anyone who
works closely with databases and implements DB solutions. Candidates should at
least two years of experience working with both AWS Cloud-based and on-premises
relational and NoSQL databases.
Areas Covered:
Database Design
Deployment and Migration
Management and Operations
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Security
Cloud Academy’s certification learning path for the Database
Specialty is coming soon.
Recertification and Staying Up-to-Date
The number of new AWS features and services increases every
year. To demonstrate continued expertise and knowledge of best practices for
the most up to date AWS services, certification holders are required to
recertify every two years.
You may recertify by either passing the professional-level
exam for the same certification or by passing the recertification exam for your
existing certification. Recertification exams run for 80 minutes and cost 75
USD.[Source]-https://cloudacademy.com/blog/choosing-the-right-aws-certification/
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