Is the Amazon Web Services Certification worth it?

Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses run their online applications and the job
market for developers is booming. With Amazon Web Services (AWS) at the forefront of
this cutting edge technology, it begs the question: should you become AWS certified?

First, let’s cover the basics.

What is an Amazon Web Services Certification?

The AWS Certification is a test of your ability to manage, design, and deploy applications on
AWS. The exam is multiple choice and typically lasts between an hour and an hour and a
half to complete.

There are eight types of Amazon AWS Certifications (not including exams in beta stage), broken
into three tracks:

Image source: https://aws.amazon.com/certification/

The first certificate covers a foundation of knowledge and skills that are not specific to any one of the three tracks.This certificate is not required as a pre-requisite for any other certificates.

Next, all three AWS tracks have an Associate certification:

AWS Certified Solution Architect
AWS Certified Developer
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

Then, there are the two Professional Amazon certifications:

AWS Certified Solution Architect
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

In order to be eligible for a Professional certification, you must first pass the appropriate Associate certification.

Lastly, there are two Specialty certificates:

AWS Certified Advanced Networking
AWS Certified Big Data

Both of the specialty certificates require you to have passed any of the Associate certifications or the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.

So, back to our original question:

Is the AWS Certification a valuable investment?

They don’t just give certifications away. Just to take the amazon web services exam, you will be
spending$150USD for an Associates certification or $300USD for a Professional certification.
These costs don’t include the hours of studying and potential study aides that you will also be
investing in (there are many platforms that offer AWS certification training online, including
Amazon AWS Training).

And yet, most people say...

Yes, it definitely is.

The AWS certification becomes something of a status symbol in this continuously evolving world
of cloud computing. Having one (or more!) is a good way to get your foot in the door to better and
higher paying jobs - and the jobs are plentiful because amazon web services resources are in
huge demand. The average salary of a AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional can go
up to $115000 currently.Currently the amazon cloud service`s are worth over $250 Billion,
making Amazon making the largest internet company by revenue.

Many top companies like Netflix, Air BnB, Comcast, Tata Motors, Kellogg, Lamborghini
(the list goes on and on) are using AWS to save time and money.

Even if you aren’t looking for a big career move, AWS Certifications have other benefits like
bringing you back to the basics of your craft. Going through the studying and exams will help you
re-enforce best practices, giving you a consistent knowledge base with the AWS community. By
keeping your skills fresh with the dynamic technology, you will challenge the way you currently
problem-solve and use the technology.

While the certification is certainly not a substitute for hands-on experience with AWS and coding in
general, it is definitely worth considering to improve your resume and foundational understanding
of the cloud computing service that is critical for all successful enterprises of the future.

Put your skills to work.

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