AWS Certification Roadmap 2024
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, cloud computing stands at the forefront of innovation, transforming how businesses operate and manage their IT infrastructure. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leader in this domain, offering a wide range of cloud services that enable organizations to scale, innovate, and stay competitive. To meet the growing demand for cloud expertise, AWS provides a structured certification roadmap that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in various AWS services. This blog explores the AWS Certification Roadmap for 2024, highlighting the certifications available, their benefits, and how to get started.
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Getting Started with AWS
Before you dive into the world of AWS and its services, you should understand the basics of cloud computing. Cloud computing is all about accessing virtual computing solutions such as servers, storage, databases, and networking, which are provided by providers such as AWS. Cloud computing offers multiple benefits to users, including enhanced scalability, allowing access from anywhere, and reducing capital expenses.
AWS, being the leading cloud computing platform, offers a comprehensive suite of more than 200 cloud computing products and solutions. Some of the key services of AWS are:
Amazon EC2: EC2 is an elastic compute cloud that offers scalable virtual servers that can deploy applications and run workloads on the cloud.
Amazon S3: S3 is a simple storage service that allows users to store and retrieve data from anywhere on the web.
Amazon RDS: Relational Database Service (RDS) helps in settling up and maintaining the operational tasks and scaling of relational databases by supporting database engines such as MySQL, Oracle, etc.
Amazon CloudFront: It is a content delivery network service that delivers data, videos, and applications to users with low latency and high transfer speeds.
How To Get Started With AWS
To get started with AWS, you need to follow the following steps:
Step 1: Create an AWS account.
To do this, visit the official AWS website and click on the “Create an AWS account” tab. Fill in the necessary details, including your email address and payment details.
Step 2: Verify your Account.
Once you have created your account, you will receive a confirmation to verify your email address. Click on the link given in the email to verify your account.
Step.3: Access the AWS Management Console.
Once your account is verified, you can log in to the AWS Management Console using your email address and password. Once you login, you can easily manage and access various AWS services now.
AWS Certification Levels
AWS offers different certifications with different levels and specializations. Here are the certifications:
Foundation Level:
Those new to AWS and cloud computing can take this certification level to learn the fundamental concepts of AWS services, architecture, and best practices. The foundational exam covers cloud security, pricing models, and questions related to AWS global infrastructure.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
It is an entry-level certification designed for newbies who want to start their career in AWS. This AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is beneficial for those who are linked with the managerial, sales, and technical roles and would like to build up and validate their understanding of the AWS cloud. A candidate needs to go through the cloud practitioner exam with AWS-Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam tips to dive deeper into the conceptual knowledge of the AWS work methodology.
Associate level:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate
At this certification level, you have to demonstrate your knowledge of how things are designed and managed and how well you can use AWS tools. If you are taking this certification, you must possess the ability to design and deploy highly scalable and available systems in AWS. Although it is not necessary, it is just recommended that those who wish to take this certification have at least one year of hands-on experience designing and deploying highly fault-tolerant and scalable AWS systems.
2. Associate Level: AWS Certified Developer — Associate
This certification provides you with code-level knowledge and understanding of AWS application design, development, and maintenance. It is highly recommended — and not mandatory — that you possess a minimum of one year of experience maintaining AWS applications before taking this certification.
3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator — Associate
This path provides a single certification, though the DevOps Engineer Professional in the Developer path also sits across this route. It provides knowledge of the operations and deployment of different AWS services and architectures, including data migration and application deployment.
4. AWS Certified Data Engineer — Associate
The AWS Certified Data Engineer — Associate credential verifies an individual’s proficiency in fundamental data-related AWS services, as well as their aptitude for setting up data pipelines, keeping an eye on problems, troubleshooting them, and using best practices to optimize performance and cost. This beta exam gives you the chance to become one of the first people to obtain this new certification if you’re interested in leveraging AWS technology to transform data for analysis and actionable insights.
Professional Level:
- Professional Level: AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional
Now here comes the Boss of the Associate, the Professional, to undertake this certification. It is recommended (not required) to take the Associate-level AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam and have at least two years of hands-on experience designing and deploying AWS systems (not mandatory at all). In this certification, you are required to showcase knowledge of complex AWS applications, including how to apply application design best practices in an optimized manner and how to move applications to AWS.
2. Professional Level: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer — Professional
This path is specifically designed for software developers who are interested in learning how to create cloud applications on AWS and how they work. It has two sub-paths that include:
For this certification, it is recommended to have at least two years of hands-on experience provisioning and managing AWS. Professionals learn various concepts involving continuous deployment and automation of AWS processes as well as how to implement them into the AWS architecture.
Specialty level:
These certifications validate one’s expertise in specific areas of AWS services or specialized domains. The exams cover specific specialty concepts related to every domain.
While you are struggling with ‘How to choose the right AWS certification level’, you should focus on your work experience and background knowledge of AWS. If you are new to AWS, you should start with foundational certification. Also, you can consider your current job role when selecting the certification. Choose the one that aligns with your interests and career paths, such as architect, associate, developer, etc. Additionally, you can do some research and choose the one that is in high demand and can impact your career growth.
AWS Certified Machine Learning — Specialty
This certification is intended for those who perform a development or data science role. It primarily validates a candidate’s ability to design, implement, deploy, and maintain machine learning (ML) solutions for particular problems. Machines can adapt and learn, and so can you.
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking — Specialty
This Certification is designed to validate the candidate’s skills and experience in performing complex networking tasks on AWS and hybrid IT networking architectures at scale. A person should possess a background in architecting and implementing network solutions and advanced knowledge of networking on AWS.
2. AWS Certified Security — Specialty
The certification covers major topics such as security pros and teams’ need to master security fundamentals, follow best practices, and build deep knowledge of key services unique to the AWS platform.
3. AWS Certified Database — Specialty
It basically validates that you have an overall comprehension of all the AWS database services offered, as well as how to bring value to your business through optimized database integration and architecting.
4. AWS Certified SAP on AWS — Specialty
This certification validates knowledge of SAP workload design, implementation, migration, and operation on AWS. Organizations can now identify and develop the right talent for optimizing SAP workloads on AWS.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing, AWS stands out as a leading platform providing a diverse range of services that cater to various organizational needs. The AWS Certification Roadmap 2024 is designed to help professionals gain and validate the skills necessary to leverage AWS’s vast array of solutions effectively. Whether you are a beginner starting with foundational knowledge or an experienced professional aiming for advanced expertise, AWS certifications offer structured paths to enhance your career. By earning these certifications, individuals can not only demonstrate their proficiency in AWS but also unlock numerous career opportunities in the growing field of cloud computing. As businesses continue to adopt and integrate cloud solutions, certified AWS professionals will be at the forefront of this technological revolution, driving innovation and operational excellence.
FAQs
- What are the prerequisites for taking AWS certification exams?
There are no strict prerequisites for taking AWS certification exams, but it is recommended that you have some hands-on experience with AWS services. Basic knowledge of cloud computing concepts is sufficient for foundational certifications. However, for associate, professional, and specialty certifications, it is advisable to have practical experience and a deeper understanding of AWS services relevant to the certification level.
2. How can we prepare for the AWS certification exams?
Preparing for AWS certification exams involves a combination of study methods. Utilize official AWS training resources, such as AWS Training and Certification courses, whitepapers, and practice exams. Additionally, hands-on practice using the AWS Management Console and AWS Free Tier can be invaluable. Online courses, study guides, and community forums can also provide insights and tips from other professionals who have taken the exams.
3. How long are AWS certifications valid, and how can we recertify?
AWS certifications are valid for three years from the date of certification. To recertify, you must pass the current version of the certification exam. AWS also offers a 50% discount on recertification exams to encourage certified professionals to maintain their credentials. Staying current with new AWS features and services through continuous learning and practice will help you succeed in the recertification process.
