Your Guide to AWS Certification

What is AWS certification?

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon for hosting servers, storage, networking, migration, computing, email, mobile applications and development, and security. A wide range of companies uses this system, which creates job opportunities for people who know how to build, operate, and manage them. Certification in AWS shows you have the technical skills and knowledge to manage, develop, and maintain AWS systems. AWS is at the top of the cloud market and is a valuable tool for anyone in the tech industry. 

Is AWS certification worth it?

AWS certification establishes you as a credible, knowledgeable, competent specialist in AWS systems. Getting certified in AWS increases your eligibility for specialized cloud computing positions and can generally help you further your cloud expertise. IT professionals often pursue Amazon cloud certifications to validate their skills and objectively measure their familiarity with cloud systems.

Benefits of AWS certification

AWS certification offers several benefits, whether entering or progressing through your cloud computing career. More and more information and data are being uploaded to the cloud every year, and AWS currently possesses 33 percent of the cloud computing market [1].

AWS certifications require a lot of work, study, and practice. When you complete a certificate in AWS, you show that you’ve dedicated considerable effort and time to learning the ins and outs of cloud computing systems. Certain tiers of learning will earn you digital badges and allow exclusive access to AWS events and circles. 

A further benefit of AWS certification is that it often leads to improved salaries. AWS certifications increased the salary of 70 percent of survey respondents by up to 20 percent, according to a survey by Jefferson Frank [2].

Significant demand for AWS-certified professionals and cloud computing

Many companies are shifting to cloud computing and cloud-based systems. As a result, experts in cloud computing are in greater demand. According to Amazon, a significant number of companies anticipate the need to hire employees with cloud skills.

Learning AWS and pursuing certification can open doors in a growing industry that seeks out professionals who have earned this credential.

Types of AWS certifications

Several different AWS certifications exist, including six core and five specialty certifications spanning a broad range of experience levels. You can choose from Foundation, Professional, Associate, or Speciality levels. Before earning one of these certifications, research them and identify the ones that best align with your personal and professional goals. The following list includes a few of your options:

• Foundation: Cloud Practitioner

• Associate certifications: Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator

• Professional: Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer

• Specialty: Advanced Networking, Data Analytics, Machine Learning

Which AWS certification should I get?

Choosing an AWS certification depends on your skills, interests, and prior experience. There is an application for AWS in nearly every field, but some levels of AWS certifications and specific certificates are better for certain jobs. You can even find certifications for architects, developers, and engineers, amongst other cloud computing professionals. Picking the proper AWS certification for you will be linked to your goals, strengths, and interests, and you can pursue more than one or multiple levels, showing your expertise in several areas.

What jobs can you get with an AWS certification?

More advanced and high-level certifications often result in executive positions with higher salaries. Fundamental certificates tend to cover basic concepts and be designed for entry-level roles requiring less technical expertise. The list below outlines relevant job titles and their respective average salaries. 

*Note: The salaries below were sourced from Glassdoor in July 2023. Figures represent the average base salary and reported additional yearly pay. Additional pay can include commissions, profit-sharing, or bonuses.

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (US): $126,787 per year

• AWS Certified Cloud Architect (US): $177,719 per year

• AWS Certified Developer (US): $111,245 per year

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (US): $137,075 per year

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (US): $191,039 per year 

Read more: What Is an AWS Solution Architect? Course, Career, Job, Salary

Significant demand for AWS-certified professionals and cloud computing

Many companies are shifting to cloud computing and cloud-based systems. As a result, experts in cloud computing are in greater demand. According to Amazon, a significant number of companies anticipate the need to hire employees with cloud skills.

Learning AWS and pursuing certification can open doors in a growing industry that seeks out professionals who have earned this credential.

How to begin AWS certification training

A typical pathway to AWS certification is first enrolling in an AWS training course and studying for the certification exam. In preparation, consider reading AWS white papers or exam guides because they contain valuable information about the exam. These exams require dedication and practice. Practice exams and online courses may ease your worries about taking the actual exam. Once you feel that you’re ready, it's time to schedule the exam.

Prerequisites

The foundational certificate requires basic knowledge of IT services and how they are used in the AWS platform and a minimum of six months' work experience with AWS cloud systems in a sales, managerial, purchase, technical, or financial capacity. Other senior-level certifications can require passing other exams, work experience, or additional criteria. In some cases, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in a high-level programming language and the ability to create functioning applications that involve AWS components.

Although you're not expected to be a subject matter expert, many AWS certification exams require proficiency in understanding, managing, and planning cloud systems. Here are some skills and topics that you may need before working on a certification:

• Data management

• Programming

• Amazon services like SDK, IAM, and Amazon's API gateway for applications

• Networking

• Statistics

How can I prepare for the exam?

You can access many resources for preparing for the AWS certificate exam, including books, online courses, boot camps, videos, practice exams, and AWS white papers. Whichever route you choose to take, look for resources online, both free and paid options. In addition to reading available materials, take advantage of practice tests.

They show you what types of questions you can expect to see on test day, and they also typically include explanations of answers that help you understand why the correct answers are correct.

Do AWS certifications expire?

Upon earning an AWS certification through Amazon, it is valid for three years. Before the three-year period is over, you must recertify to keep your certification active. If you are looking to maintain multiple certifications, you should be able to get a voucher from your AWS account to cover part of the fee to retake your exams. AWS encourages you to continue learning and taking courses offered by AWS during the three years of your certification so that you are ever-growing and learning about the systems.

Prepare for your AWS certification with Coursera

If you’re ready to get started in a cloud computing career, consider enrolling in the Starting Your Career with AWS Cloud Specialization on Coursera. This program covers topics like cloud operations on AWS, cloud computing, data analytics on AWS, and more. Learners will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and perform tasks that are common in a cloud computing role. Upon completion, earn a certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.