There are a total of 12 different categories of AWS certifications. They can be broadly split into four categories, which are further separated as indicated in the next section.
Each certification addresses particular skill sets, and the certifications as a whole create a hierarchy. Depending on the depth of the subject, it begins at the fundamental level and progresses to the professional level. The specialist certification type delves more deeply into particular facets of the AWS cloud. The several AWS certifications, their costs, the specifics of which one needs to know to begin with, and the most effective route to master AWS cloud skills are covered below:
The Basic Level
This level is essential for you if you have at least six months of experience in the field and daily experience using the AWS platform. If you fall under this level, you can only pursue the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.
1. An AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
If you have experience working on the AWS cloud platform in a technical or non-technical capacity, this certification is for you. This exam aids in improving your knowledge of the product and boosting your confidence when using it, for instance, if you work on the financial team that utilizes the Amazon cloud platform.
Before applying for this certification, it is advised that you have some familiarity with the AWS platform and its services.
Pricing and exam information for the Amazon Cloud Practitioner Certification:
90 minutes
Cost: $100 (practice test: $20)
Available in English, Indonesian (Bahasa), Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Associate Level
If you have at least a year of experience utilizing the AWS cloud to solve issues and implement solutions, this level is for you. At this level, the certifications available include: Solution Architect, SysOps Administrator, and Developer
1. Associate AWS Certified Solutions Architect
This exam aids in validating your expertise in developing distributed systems for the AWS cloud. It mostly addresses cloud architecture. This is the most fundamental certification needed to lay the groundwork for your career if you're interested in working on the Amazon cloud platform. You may get a quick overview of how Amazon offers different services including security, networking, and data analytics.
Since the certification will evaluate your understanding of the architectural principles on the platform, it is strongly advised that you have at least a year of experience deploying systems.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification:
Duration: 130 minutes
Cost: $150 (practice test: $20)
Available in English, Indonesian (Bahasa), Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
2. Associate in AWS Certified SysOps Administration
Your proficiency in management, deployment, and operations on the AWS cloud is validated by this certification. Anybody who uses Amazon, including SysOps administrators, can benefit from it. It aids in your understanding of the AWS infrastructure. It is advised to finish all associate-level certificates before moving on to the more difficult professional-level certifications because this exam, despite its seeming simplicity, is regarded to be the most difficult to pass at this level.
To earn this certification, you must have at least a year's worth of experience administering Amazon applications and following AWS best practices for deployments and product life cycle management.
Pricing and exam information for the Amazon Certified SysOps Administrator certification:
Duration: 130 minutes
Cost: $150 (practice test: $20)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
3. An Associate-Level Of AWS Certified Developer
Your capacity for creating and sustaining an AWS-based application is tested by this exam. You must have a working knowledge of code-level security procedures including credential generation and encryption techniques. Despite the title's misleading use of the word "developer," anyone who uses AWS can earn this certification. It primarily deals with services where you are expected to be familiar with their use, such as DynamoDB, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, etc. It is best to pursue this certification after earning your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate level.
You must have at least a year's worth of hands-on experience building and managing apps using AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Amazon DynamoDB, etc.
Pricing and exam information for Amazon Developer Certification:
Duration: 130 minutes
Cost: $150 (practice test: $20)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
The Expert Level
This level is intended for those with more than two years of expertise creating, running, and troubleshooting solutions using the AWS cloud. At this level, you can choose between the specialties of Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer.
1.AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS CSA – Pro)
This certification attests to your proficiency in managing and running Amazon systems, as well as your capacity to install multi-tier applications on the AWS cloud and create enterprise-scale cloud solutions using AWS resources. You should get all of the associate-level certificates before taking this test. Also, you should only undertake it if you are certain that you are well-versed in the issue, covering areas like security and direct communication. Since it requires testing you on every single AWS cloud feature, this certification is regarded as the last stage.
Before applying for this certification, you must have an associate-level AWS Solutions Architect certification and at least two years of experience deploying distributed systems.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification:
Duration: 180 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional (AWS DevOps – Pro)
Your proficiency in managing, maintaining, and provisioning AWS infrastructure is demonstrated by this certification. This certification delves deeper into topics like deployments and life cycles. Although most of the topics overlap with those in AWS CSA - Pro, this certification serves as a link between associate-level certificates and AWS CSA - Pro. Therefore, it is advised that you complete this one before attempting the AWS CSA - Pro certification.
If you want to apply for a professional level in this certification, you must already have an associate-level AWS certification in SysOps Administrator and Developer, and you also need to have at least two years of experience managing Amazon cloud deployments and automation methods.
Pricing and exam information for the Amazon DevOps Professional certification:
Duration: 180 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
Specialty Level
This level is for you if you have familiarity with the technical side of the AWS cloud in specialized fields including advanced networking, security, machine learning, Alexa Skill Builder, data analytics, and databases.
Except for Alexa Skill Builder, it is advised that before attempting any of the certifications at this level, you have 2–5 years of relevant experience in the AWS cloud. Since these tests evaluate your deeper understanding of the subject, it is advisable that all certifications at this level not be taken lightly.
1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty
Your knowledge of controlling the network architecture and working on intricate networking projects will be tested on this exam. If you are well-versed in subjects like direct connect, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and routing, it is appropriate for you. This certification makes the AWS CSA - Pro test easier for you if you plan to take it later because the exam focuses mostly on hybrid networks and networks that use just AWS.
Before applying for this certification, it is advised that you have at least five years of network management experience, an associate-level certification, or the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner designation, as well as a solid grasp of networking fundamentals.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Advanced Networking certification:
Duration: 170 minutes
$300 USD.
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
2. AWS Certified Security - Specialty
The advanced techniques used to secure the AWS cloud are the focus of this certification. You must be able to show that you have expert-level knowledge of data security and encryption procedures in AWS environments. In the present world, everyone wants their data to be secure, so if you are passionate about AWS Security and have experience with it, this certification is for you and will allow you to demonstrate your expertise.
To pass this certification test, it is strongly advised that candidates have at least 5 years of IT security expertise and at least 2 years of experience working to secure Amazon workloads.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Security Specialist certification:
Duration: 170 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
3. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
Your proficiency in creating, implementing, and sustaining Machine Learning (ML) solutions for fixing real-world business issues will be validated by this certification. Machine learning, a seemingly unimportant concept that has revolutionized everything from voice assistants to self-driving automobiles, is growing in importance every day. If you have this subject and experience, this is where you can demonstrate your expertise.
It is advised that you have sufficient experience utilizing machine learning and deep learning on the AWS cloud.
Price and Exam Information for AWS Certified Machine Learning Certification:
Duration: 180 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
4. AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
Your ability to create, test, and publish Amazon Alexa skills is validated by this certification. This certification is for you if you have expertise with voice applications and want to learn more about Alexa's inner workings.
You must have at least six months of hands-on experience creating voice apps using the Amazon Skills Kit, be proficient in a programming language, and have at least one published Alexa skill to take this exam.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Alexa Skill Builder Certification:
Duration: 170 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English and Japanese
5. AWS Certified Data Analytics-Specialty
Your knowledge of Amazon Data Lakes and Analytics services will be put to the test for this certification. You must understand where the AWS Data Analytics services fit into the process of gathering, storing, processing, and visualizing data. This certification is the best option for you if you have experience in the area and want to demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of providing data insights.
It is advised to have at least 5 years of experience working with Data Analytics technology and at least 2 years of practical experience working with the AWS cloud.
Pricing and exam information for the AWS Data Analytics Certification:
Duration: 180 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
6. AWS Certified Database – Specialty
This certification will strengthen your reputation and inspire confidence if you work in a position that specializes in this field by confirming your knowledge of creating, suggesting, and maintaining the best database systems.
It is advised to have at least 5 years of expertise in database technology, 2 years of actual Amazon cloud experience, and familiarity with both relational and non-relational databases.
Pricing and exam information for the Amazon Database Certification:
Duration: 180 minutes
Cost: $300 (practice test: $40)
Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
