Different Types of AWS Certifications Explained in a Nutshell

What is Amazon Web Services (AWS)?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) stands as the global leader among cloud service providers, extending a comprehensive suite of cloud computing solutions tailored for both enterprises and individuals. The significance of AWS certifications has surged in tandem with the growing trend of companies migrating their operations to the cloud. These certifications serve as a testament to the expertise and acumen of professionals in their utilization of AWS services, enhancing their job prospects and facilitating career progression.

In this article, we will explore the various AWS certifications that cater to different skill levels and job roles, along with their respective prerequisites.

Foundational Certifications

Foundational Certifications are tailored for individuals who are newcomers to AWS, serving as a means to validate their foundational understanding and proficiency in AWS cloud computing. AWS offers only one Foundational Certification, which is the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – validates an individual’s understanding of the AWS Cloud, its global infrastructure, and the basic services offered by AWS. It also tests an individual’s knowledge of AWS Cloud economics, security, and compliance.

Associate Certifications

Associate Certifications are tailored for individuals with prior experience in AWS services, serving as a means to validate their expertise and comprehension. AWS provides three Associate Certifications: the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, the AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate. These certifications signify proficiency in their respective domains within AWS.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate – is designed for individuals who develop and maintain applications on AWS.
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate – is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing and monitoring systems on AWS.

Professional Certifications

Professional Certifications are specifically designed for individuals possessing substantial expertise in AWS services, seeking to showcase their advanced proficiency and deep knowledge. AWS offers two Professional Certifications: the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional and the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional. These certifications symbolize an elevated level of mastery within their respective AWS domains.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying complex systems on AWS.
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional – is designed for individuals who are responsible for implementing and managing continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS.

Specialty Certifications

Specialty Certifications are intended for individuals with specialized knowledge in specific areas of AWS. At present, AWS offers six Specialty Certifications, namely the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, AWS Certified Database – Specialty, AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty, and AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing advanced networking solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing data analytics solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified Database – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing database solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models on AWS.
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing security solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty – is intended for individuals who have experience working with SAP systems and want to validate their skills and knowledge in deploying and managing SAP workloads on AWS infrastructure.

AWS certifications hold substantial prestige in the industry and can be instrumental in advancing one's career. Whether you are just starting with AWS or already possess extensive experience in working with AWS services, there is a certification that can prove highly advantageous and relevant to your professional development.

* This newsletter was sourced from this Tutorials Dojo article.