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Discover the AWS Certification System


What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands as the leading comprehensive cloud platform, widely adopted worldwide. It offers over 175 feature-rich services from global data centers. AWS serves millions of customers, including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies, helping them lower costs, enhance flexibility, and accelerate innovation.


AWS

Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing involves delivering IT resources on demand via the Internet with a pay-as-you-go model. Instead of purchasing, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers, you can access computing power, storage, and databases on an as-needed basis from cloud providers like AWS.

Cloud computing provides numerous benefits: speed, flexibility, cost savings, and quick deployment. Hence, acquiring cloud knowledge and applying it to software development can optimize time and cost savings. For developers, an AWS certification adds significant value to their resume, making them more attractive to employers. Let’s dive into the AWS certification system.

AWS Certification Overview

The AWS Certification System, provided by Amazon, evaluates expertise in cloud computing, specifically AWS services, and their practical application. These certifications are divided into roles: Cloud Practitioner, Architect, Developer, and Operations, with additional Specialty certifications. They come in three levels of difficulty: Foundational, Associate, and Professional.

  • Foundational: Requires at least 6 months of experience in any role with basic AWS Cloud knowledge.

  • Associate: Typically requires around 1 year of experience in problem-solving and implementing solutions using AWS Cloud.

  • Professional: Requires approximately 2 years of comprehensive experience in designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions using AWS Cloud.

  • Specialty: Involves technical expertise in a specific domain with AWS Cloud.

Languages and Pricing: Available in English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and more. Non-native English speakers get an additional 30 minutes for exams. Costs range from $100 to $300.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

This certification is ideal for individuals who need a fundamental understanding of AWS Cloud, independent of specific technical roles. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online.

Skills Validated:

  • Define AWS Cloud and its basic global infrastructure.

  • Explain key AWS Cloud architectural principles.

  • Describe the AWS Cloud value proposition.

  • Identify key services and their common use cases.

  • Outline basic security and compliance aspects and the shared responsibility model.

  • Detail billing, account management, and pricing models.

  • Locate documentation or technical support resources.

  • Describe core deployment and operation characteristics on AWS Cloud.

Recommended Knowledge:

  • Six months of AWS Cloud experience in any role.

  • Basic understanding of IT services and their use on AWS.

  1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate This certification is for individuals aiming to perform as a solutions architect with one or more years of hands-on experience designing cost-efficient, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.

Skills Validated:

  • Architect and deploy secure and robust applications on AWS technologies.

  • Define solutions using architectural design principles.

  • Provide implementation guidance based on best practices.

Recommended Knowledge:

  • Practical experience with AWS services and deployment.

  • Ability to define technical requirements for AWS-based applications.

  • Knowledge of best practices for building secure and reliable applications.

  • Understanding of AWS global infrastructure and networking technologies.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate


This certification is for developers with one or more years of experience developing and maintaining applications on AWS.

Skills Validated:

  • Understand core AWS services and architecture best practices.

  • Proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications.

Recommended Knowledge:

  • Proficiency in a high-level programming language.

  • Familiarity with AWS core services and architecture best practices.

  • Experience using AWS service APIs, CLI, and SDKs.

  • Knowledge of the AWS shared responsibility model and application lifecycle management.

  • Ability to implement CI/CD pipelines and secure coding practices.

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

This certification is for system administrators with at least one year of experience managing and operating systems on AWS.

Skills Validated:

  • Deploy, manage, and operate scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems.

  • Implement data flow control and select appropriate AWS services.

  • Identify operational best practices and cost-control mechanisms.

  • Migrate on-premises workloads to AWS.

Recommended Knowledge:

  • Understanding of AWS architectural principles and network technologies.

  • Hands-on experience with AWS CLI and SDKs/APIs.

  • Experience with virtualization, security controls, and compliance.

  • Proficiency in monitoring and auditing systems.

For more detailed information on each certification, including recommended courses, visit AWS's official certification page.

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