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Top 12 AWS Certifications | Right AWS Certification Path

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Amazon Web Service (AWS) is a broad concept. AWS is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments, on a metered Pay-As-You-Go Basis (PAYG). Today, AWS is considered one of the best-in-market providers of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It has spread to over190 countries from the time it was launched.

The main benefits of Amazon Web Services are that it is reliable, easily scalable, and inexpensive. One can join it for Free and pay only for what they use!

Now, you might be curious to know what AWS is and what it does. So, read further to unwind this concept.

Topics that we will be discussed in this blog are as follows:

Let’s get started!

What is Amazon Web Services (AWS) and what does it do?

Amazon Web Services, called AWS in short, is a comprehensive, easy to use computing platform that is provided by Amazon. It is a secure cloud service platform that offers a range of features such as computing power, database storage, content delivery, plus many other functionalities that help businesses to scale and grow.

Traditionally, companies were dependent on in-house Servers which were very expensive and had limited functionalities. As those companies attained growth, they would need more in-house servers and a complex system to maintain them. Having a huge storage system inhouse would mean huge costs. Building a limited storage system was disastrous if the company took off, as the costs would escalate if the needs increased.

AWS has addressed all these problems. Where you can buy storage as per your current needs and scale it on the go! With AWS, companies pay for what they use. They don’t have to face a huge upfront cost to build a storage system which may not be utilized immediately. AWS customers have the flexibility to use services as per their needs and scale them as they grow.

AWS is one among those companies that introduced the concept of Pay-As-You-Go cloud computing model that scalesup to provide users with computing storage as per the requirements.

Amazon provides low-cost migration services so that existing companies can easily move their existing infrastructure over to AWS.

AWS is much more secure and reliable compared to any inhouse systems employed by any company. AWS data centers, spread across the globe, are continuously monitored and strictly maintained.

This has made AWS a profit-making platform for Amazon and this growth has increased the demand for professionals who have the right skills to work with AWS platform. Therefore, various AWS certifications are becoming highly sought-after by Professionals.

“Amazon continues to lead the worldwide IaaSmarket with an estimated $15.5 billion of revenue in 2018 and a market share of 47.8% – Gartner”

Let’s next understand what it does.

AWS enables you to do the following things:

What is AWS certification?

AWS certification is an exam that provides you a platform to showcase your skill and knowledge about the AWS platform without any other test. AWS certifications are the most in-demand certification in the present IT market and provide industry recognition when you opt to apply for jobs.

AWS, with its role-based certifications and exams, enables you to gain more recognition for your technical skills and helps to build a brand image for your knowledge beyond your working with AWS services.

Being AWS certified means that you are a professional that has acquired the most industry-centric cloud competencies that are validated by the world leader in the Cloud Computing domain.

Now that you have understood what AWS certification is, let us proceed a step further to see how you can obtain such certifications.

How do I become AWS certified?

To start learning any new technology and become a certified professional, you need to have proper material, well-written documentation and online video courses, etc., with which you can successfully master the technology and earn a certificate as well.

Being an AWS certified professional is not a tough ask if you follow the right path and prepare in a systematic manner.

Although there are no industry-specified or recommended steps, the following are the most strategically defined steps to pursue an AWS certificate. These steps hold good for both: whether you are an experienced professional or a beginner.

So, here the steps:

Step1:Learn all the basic concepts of cloud computing.

Step2:Enroll to an AWS training class provided by reputed online learning platforms like Simpliv. This will certainly enhance your knowledge of cloud computing and AWS.

Step3:Choose which certificate you want to pursue (we will discuss about these certifications at a later part of this blog) and plan your studies accordingly.

Stpe4: Read various AWS whitepapers and FAQ’s that provide all the valuable information to find the answer for queries related to AWS.

Stpe5: Take the help of practice exams provided by Amazon. You can write these exams and increase your confidence level to clear the AWS certificate exams.

Step6: Once you feel confident about applying for certification exams,  you can go through the complete exam guidelines and schedule your exam.

Well, these steps would help you to become a certified professional. But you need to prepare very well and understand AWS services and its architectural principles well to clear the exams.

Some of the topics, such as security, networking, etc., are very important. These topics appear to be new for a few people but having good knowledge about such topics is very important.

All in all, if you work hard and keep your focus strong then you can successfully clear the exam in one attempt.

Are you interested in learning AWS from experts? Enroll to this virtual classroom course on AWS provided by Simpliv

AWS Certificate Path

Now that you know what AWS is and have also understood the different steps involved in pursuing AWS certification, you might be curious to know about AWS certificate path.

So, to help you all, let us give detailed information about all the different certifications provided by AWS.

Here we go:

Amazon Web Services currently offers 12 different certification exams. These certification exams are categorized into four different types as follows:

Below is the complete list of all the different certificates available in the above-mentioned categories.

A foundational certification

Associate-level certifications

Professional-level certifications

Specialty-level certifications

Now let us start understanding each of these certifications in detail.

A fundamental certification

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Who should take Cloud Practitioner Certification?

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification is an entry-level exam. This exam can be taken by candidates who want to demonstrate their overall understanding of the AWS cloud. Earning this certificate will validate that you have an overall understanding of the AWS platform which includes usual terms and concepts.

Becoming an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is recommended. However, it is an optional step to achieve thehigher lever certificates such as Associate level or Specialty Certified professional.

By taking up this fundamental certification, you will learn how to explain the value proposition of AWS. As a result, this certification benefits both non-technical professionals as well as IT professionals.

There is no prerequisite to take this exam; candidates can directly appear for this AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification exam.

Skills validated by the certification

Some of the skills validated by the certification are as follows:

Prior knowledge and experience required

To pursue this certificate, the candidate needs to have a basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform.

To take up this certificate exam, it is good to have at least 6 months of experience with the AWS cloud in any role, including traditional and non-traditional.These could be in any role, such as students, and individuals exploring AWS cloud, which could be IT managers, sales managers, etc., as well as the professionals who work in finance, legal departments, etc.

How much does the AWS Certification exam cost?

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification with Simpliv’s- AWS Certified Cloud Practioner course

Associative-level certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Who should take AWS Certified Solution Architect – Associate Certification?

AWS Certified Solution Architect – Associate examination is for individuals who perform a solutions architect role. This certification exam is suitable for anyone willing to become an AWS Solution Architect. This is one of the most in-demand certificates in the IT industry.

A new version of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam (SAA-C02) has been available from March 23, 2020. The older version of this AWS Certified Solution Architect – Associate exam (SAA-C01) will also be available through July 1, 2020.

There is no prerequisite to take up this certification exam. Aspiring professionals can directly appear for this certification exam. But if you clear the foundational AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, then it will be an added advantage for you. 

Skills validated by the certificate

Prior knowledge and experienced required

In today’s computing sphere candidate needs to have various skills and abilities to be called certified professionals. Some of the skills they require are as follows:

Aspiring candidates also need to have one year of hands-on experience in designing reliable, scalable, cost-effective distributed systems on the AWS platform. They also need to possesshands-on experience with computing, storage, networking, and database, etc.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 150. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice exam at USD 20.

Important details about the exam:

1. You can download the exam guide here (older exam version) and here (newer exam version)

2. You can download the sample questions here (older exam version) and here (newer exam version)

SOA-C02 (New version of exam)

Prepare for this certification with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Soution Architect – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrators – Associate

Who should take AWS Certified SysOps Administrators – Associate Certification?

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrators exam is fully aimed at system administrators. This certification exam demonstrates and validates the developer’s knowledge of operating, managing, and deploying AWS-based systems.

This certification exam is for such professionals who are interested in making a career in cloud computing and for those who are willing to develop his/her application over Amazon Cloud- Amazon Web Services.

There is no prerequisite for taking up this exam. One can directly take up this Amazon AWS certification exam. But if you have cleared the foundational AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, then it will be an added advantage for you.

In order to pass this exam, aspiring candidates need to have a better understanding of both technical and conceptual knowledge of the operational aspects of the AWS platform.

Skills validated by the certificate

Some of the skills validated by this certificate are as follows:

Prior knowledge and experienced required

Some of the required prior knowledge are as follows:

Besides, candidates should have a minimum of one-two years of experience as a system administrator. They also need to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS. Candidates should also have hands-on experience with SDKs/API and AWS CLI devices.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 150.  However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice exam at USD 20.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified SysOps Administrators – Associate

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

Who should take AWS Certified Developer – Associate Certification?

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate is about developing and maintaining AWS based applications. This certificate perfectly suits new developers who are planning to enter  the field of cloud with the AWS Certified Developer Associate level certification course.

Aspiring candidates need to know how to write actual code that uses AWS software to access AWS applications from within their custom business applications.

In this certificate course,you will learn some of the important concepts such as Elastic Beanstalk, DynamoDB, SNS, and SQS.

There is no prerequisite required for taking up this AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification exam. One can directly take up this examination. But if you have pursued the foundational AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam then it will be an added advantage for you.

Skills validated by the certificate

Some of the skills validated by the certificate are as follows:

Prior knowledge and experience required:

Some of the required prior knowledge are as follows:

To pursue this certificate, you need to have a handful of experience of one or more years in developing and maintaining an AWS-based application.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 150. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice exam at the cost of USD 20.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Developer – Associate Exam

Professional-level certifications

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Who should take AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Certification?

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professionals exam is specifically designed for professionals who are willing to gain a deeper understanding related to AWS. With the help of this certificate, candidates can demonstrate their knowledge of designing distributed systems and applications on the AWS platform.

This certification demands a high degree of technical skills and experience in designing AWS-based applications.

In October 2018, the organization removed a few prerequisites to give candidates more flexibility to take up this certification. Now, candidates who are willing to take up this professional-level certification need not have completed the associate level certification, but we recommend you to take up this AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associative level exam as it proves to be very advantageous.

Skills validated by the certificate

Prior knowledge and experience required

To pursue this certificate, you need to have two or more years of experience of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice exam at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certificate with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Solution Architect – Professional

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional

Who should take AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional Certification?

The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam is about provisioning, operating, and managing applications on the AWS platform. Professionals who want to gain advanced technical skills needed to become a DevOps Subject Matter Expert can take up this exam.

There is no prerequisite to take up this certification exam. Candidates need not have an associate-level certificate to pursue this professional certification exam. But it is recommended that you take up the associate level exam, as it helps you to gain an advanced skill set.        

Skills validated by the certificate

Prior knowledge and experience required

To pursue this certificate, candidates need to have two or more years of experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice exam at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification exam with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional

Specialty-level certifications

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

Who should take AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty Certification?

This AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam is designed for professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding related to the networking aspects of AWS. It is intended for individuals who perform complex networking tasks.

There is no prerequisite to take this exam. However, it is recommended that candidates hold a fundamental level course- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or any of thesecurrent Associate-level certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate.

Skills validated by the certificate

Prior knowledge and experience required

Candidates need to have five years of hands-on experience architecting and implementing network solutions.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification exam with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty course

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

Who should take AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification?

AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam will help cloud security professionals to enhance their knowledge of designing and implement security solutions to secure the AWS platform.

This exam allows experienced cloud security professionals to demonstrate and validate their ability to secure the AWS platform.

There is no prerequisite to take up this exam, and you can directly appear for this exam. However, we recommend that you take up the Fundamental level or Associate level provided by the AWS platform.

Skills validated by this certificate

Prior knowledge and experienced required

Candidates need to have a minimum of IT security experience, designing and implement security solutions.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice test at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification exam with Simpliv’ AWS Certified Security – Specialty Course

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

Who should take AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty Certification?

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty Certification exam is aimed at individuals who perform a development or data science role. This exam validates your skills to build, train, and deploy Machine Learning models with the help of the AWS cloud.

There is no prerequisite to take up this exam. Aspiring candidates can directly appear for this exam. However, we recommend that you take up the fundamental level or Associative level exam that will  enhance your skillset and can help you to easily pass the specialty exam.

Skills validated by the certificate

Prior knowledge and experience required

Candidates who want to pursue this certificate are expected to have the following skills sets:

Aspiring candidates need to have 1-2 years of experience in developing, architecting, or running Machine Learning/Deep Learning workloads on the AWS Cloud.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice test at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certificate course with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty Course

AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty

Who should take AWS Certified Alexa Skills Builder – Specialty Certification?

The AWS Certified Alexa Skills Builder – Specialty exam intended towards such professionals who want to perform a role as an Alexa Skill Builder. This certificate validates your technical expertise in deploying, maintaining, and creating Amazon Alexa Skills.

There is no prerequisite for the AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty for appearing this exam. But it is recommended that candidates need to pursue the fundamental level or associative level certificate exam before taking up this specialty exam.

Skills validated by this certificate

Prior knowledge and experience required

Candidates need to have proficiency with a programming language and a published Alexa skill.

Besides you also need to have a minimum of 6 months of working experience in Alexa skills building using Alexa Skills Kit, which includes services from the AWS Cloud.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about 300 USD. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice test at the cost of 40 USD.

Important details about exam:

AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

Who can take up this AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Certification?

The AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty exam aims at validating your expertise in AWS data lakes and analytics services. This exam is for professionals who have a background in data analytics and have a good experience of using AWS services for designing and architecting big data solutions.

“One important pointed to be noted here is that prior to April 12, 2020, this certificate was named as AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty. From April 13, 2020, this certificate is renamed as AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty.”

There are no prerequisites to take up this certificate exam, but we recommend that you pursue the fundamental level and associate level exam given by the AWS platform.

Skills validated by this certification

Prior Knowledge and experience require

Some of the skills required are as follows:

Candidates also need to have at least 5 years of experience with data analytics technologies and in addition to this, they need to have 2 years of hands-on experience of working with AWS.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice test at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this Certification course with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty Course

AWS Certified Database – Specialty

Who can take up the AWS Certified Database – Specialty Certification?

The AWS Certified Database – Specialty exam validates technical skills and experience in designing, deploying, and managing AWS database services. This certification exam is focused towards IT professionals, Data platforms engineers, and Database developers.

This certificate exam applies to those working with both on-premises and AWS databases.

In order to provide flexibility to professionals, Amazon has removed a few prerequisites to take up this exam. But we recommend professionals to take up the fundamental level or associate-level certification exam before taking this specialty exam.

Skill validated by this certification

Prior knowledge and experienced required

Candidates should have expertise with on-premises and AWS-Cloud-based relational and non-relational databases.

Besides, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience with database technologies and they need to have 2 years hands-on experience working on AWS.

How much does this certificate cost?

The cost of this certification exam is about USD 300. However, aspiring candidates can take up the practice test at the cost of USD 40.

Important details about the exam:

Prepare for this certification exam with Simpliv’s – AWS Certified Database – Specialty Course

This is all about the 12 different AWS certifications provided AWS platform. With every new passing year, AWS keeps increasing the features and services of its certification exams. These certifications will keep providing you industry recognition and help you to improve your technical skills.

Wrap up:

In this blog, we have discussed about all the 12 AWS certificates provided by Amazon. This blog has been an attempt to help our readers provide information about who can take up these certification exams, what are the required skills set and required experience, and some other important details about each of these exams.

We hope our readers have found this information helpful. Is there some more information you feel needed to be discussed here in this blog? Please let us know. Your feedback is very valuable to us.

Happy reading!

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