Amazon Web Service (AWS) changed how businesses operated in the past. AWS is a revolutionary cloud computing platform with a host of services under its wing. More than 77% of existing companies use this cloud platform to run their business, while new enterprises are switching their operational models for AWS.
AWS is a vast ecosystem of services, including storage, development, security, and infrastructure. And only a professional with experience in application deployment and cloud management can survive in the AWS maze. Incidentally, each service has its own set of commands and operational rules, making AWS more complicated. Anyone planning to scale this mountain should get AWS training and certification asap.
But are these certs worth it? And how long does it take to cover them all? This write-up is all about answering these questions.
Why Get AWS Certified?
AWS is the global market leader in cloud-based services. They run independent examinations to test a candidate’s proficiency in managing and handling the AWS cloud platform. These certs are universally recognized and respected in the tech domains globally.
And an AWS certification can open multiple avenues for you. A professional with AWS certs is more likely to be picked for promotions and salary hikes. Plus, many candidates agree that AWS training has improved the quality of their work. These candidates are more confident in utilizing the AWS ecosystem and reaping its benefits.
What Are The Different AWS Certifications? And How To Choose The Right One?
AWS Certification consists of 11 independent examinations that validate a professional’s expertise in the AWS cloud domain. These exams are grouped as
- Foundational certification (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)
- Associate-level certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator)
- Professional-level certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer)
- Specialty certifications (AWS Certified Data Analytics, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified Security, AWS Certified Machine Learning, and AWS Certified Database)
There are plenty of certifications lined up for the candidates to attempt, but not all certs add the same value to the resume. The foundational cert is the first step in this multilevel AWS certification training, followed by an associate, professional, and specialty.
The foundational level is the most basic of the lot and requires only six months of general experience in the AWS cloud environment. Associate-level is a step up from the foundational course and slightly more complex than its predecessor. On the contrary, Professional and Specialty exams are somewhat equal in their respective difficulty levels. Specialty certs test a candidate’s expertise in specific regions.
Candidates new to AWS should start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam and then move to Associate – Professional – Specialty levels. Or you can jump levels and skip a step as well, but it is not recommended.
How To Prepare For AWS Certs?
Here is a step-by-step guide on preparing AWS certs:
- Foundational Level (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)
The Foundational level marks the beginning of AWS certs, and it is open to everyone. It tests the candidate’s fundamental knowledge of AWS cloud principles and the critical services under the platform. AWS recommends at least six months of experience in the AWS cloud before attempting the examination. Professionals with expertise in cloud technologies can smoothly sail through this certification. But candidates new to the cloud, worry not. Dedicate time to learning the AWS ecosystem, at least fundamentally, and then go for the certificate.
- Associate Level
The Associate level offers Solutions Architect, Developer, and SysOps Administrator certifications. A candidate with experience in AWS cloud can skip the foundational course altogether, but it is not recommended. Associate-level examinations cover a lot of ground which makes these exams more challenging. And you will need a dedicated study and practice hour on AWS consoles to ace them.
- Professional Level
Professional level exams will be more demanding than their predecessor. In these exams, candidates are expected to come with a greater level of experience in AWS and how to use its products and services. They must produce answers based on their knowledge and experience in using the tools, and this must be done in 180 minutes.
- Specialty Level
Although the Specialty level is the last step in the AWS certification exam, it is not necessarily the toughest of the lot. This level tests the depth of a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in the domain. The tests will be complex, but hands-on experience in the AWS specialty you aim for can help cut. But opinions do vary.
How Long Does It Take To Become AWS Certified?
The answer to this question mostly depends on your current proficiency in AWS and the certification level you are trying to attempt. A professional with relative experience in AWS, investing 80 hours of study, could take two months to prepare for the test fully. However, someone entirely new to AWS would need to commit more hours to prepare.
According to the instructors at the AWS certification training bootcamp, a beginner must start with the foundational topics and then move to the more advanced levels. Professionals with AWS training must work on filling their knowledge gaps before attempting AWS certs. Why? Because the AWS ecosystem has expanded exponentially, it is practically impossible for anyone to master the entire platform.
AWS is challenging but not unscalable. With the proper training and preparation, you too can clear the certs with ease. Remember, AWS certification training with hands-on experience with the various services covered in certification exams can help you win the race. Also, you can reach out to SynergisticIT. They offer dedicated AWS training for the exams to help you flare better in the course
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