How to Get Started with AWS Certifications: Learning Path

Cloud computing skills are in demand with nearly 63% of IT leaders admit it’s harder to find qualified engineers or software developers. So, if you are also looking to take your career to the next level or switch to a new field, why not start with the AWS certifications? It’s the market leader in the cloud computing ecosystem.
Pursuing AWS can help open the door to some life-changing career paths, you can be anything from AWS Solutions Architect to Developer to DevOps Engineer. But keep in mind this will not happen overnight, you need to work hard on it.
So, which AWS certification should be done first? Or which AWS certification is easiest to pursue? What’s the right AWS certification path? If you also have these questions then read on to know more about AWS training and certification.

What are AWS Certifications: Brief Introduction

Amazon Web Services conducts AWS certifications exam to “validate technical skills and cloud expertise to grow your career and business.” AWS offers 11 individual certifications based on four different levels: Foundational level, Associate level, Professional level and Specialization level. AWS Certification cost varies depending on which level of exam you are appearing for. The Cloud Practitioner exam costs $100, while Associate-level exams cost $150 and Professional-level and Specialty exams are $300.

Who Are All Eligible for AWS Certifications?

According to Amazon Web Services, you don’t need an educational degree to appear for any of the AWS Certification exams. But there are certain prerequisites that you need to follow, like:

Hands-on practice with AWS platform, a minimum of six months for Foundational Certification.

One year of experience in solving and implementing solutions using AWS cloud.

At least two years' experience in designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions using the AWS cloud platform.

AWS Certifications for Beginners & Advanced Level Candidates

AWS Certifications Path for Beginners

As a Beginner, you don’t need to have any solid understanding of coding or programming language. So, choose the following certification, if you want to start as a beginner:

Foundational Certification: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The learning curve starts from scratch to a level wherein you can be a handy resource for the organizations and then move upward to other advanced certifications.

AWS Certifications Path for Advanced-level Professionals

Suppose you already have hands-on experience in building secure and reliable applications on the AWS cloud platform. In that case, you can go for the following certifications:

Solutions Architect- Associate Certification

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

AWS Certification-Professional.

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

Advanced level certification requires you to have an in-depth understanding of the AWS Cloud platform, the right hands-on expertise in scalability, implementation and securing of AWS architecture and framework, and developing programming languages such as Python SQL. You can also choose to go for more advanced roles such as:

AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

AWS Certifications: How Do I Become AWS Certified?

While there are no set-in-stone steps to studying for the AWS certification, these steps are the most straightforward.

Review Study or Exam Guides available, AWS offers one on its official website as well.

Enrolling in an AWS training class will help you increase your knowledge of cloud computing and AWS.

Go through AWS whitepapers as they hold invaluable information regarding AWS, cloud computing and can clear many of your doubts or queries.

Practice exams, especially focus on mock exams, will help ease any worries or stress you may be having about your AWS certification exam preparation.

Schedule the exam only when you are ready and take proper care of your sleep and food. This is a must for a healthier mind that possesses the ability to clear the exam.

Where to Register for The Exam?

Go to the AWS training page and sign in or sign up for an AWS account.

Click on “Certification” in the top navigation.

Find a list of all the eligible exams on this page. Scroll down to find the exam that you want to book

Next, click AWS Certification Account, followed by Schedule New Exam.

From AWS Certification Account, schedule your exam with either of AWS testing vendors: Pearson VUE or PSI.

Click on Next and now you’ll be on the Payments page.

Final Thoughts

With so many companies increasingly shifting clouds, cloud computing skills seems to be the new hot trend in the market. AWS certifications provide you with that skill set to create a niche for yourself. It presents a wealth of opportunities to individuals seeking careers in cloud computing.
No matter which AWS Certification you decide to opt for, they all are an investment worth paying in. Still, the most significant career benefit you get from AWS certification is the satisfaction in knowing you invested in yourself.
Hopefully, this blog has cleared your doubts regarding AWS certifications and exams. With the guide and insightful information that the blog has provided, you’ll surely choose one of the most in-demand IT certifications.
Good luck, and please reach out with any tips you’ve found helpful!