Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification Path: Amazon Cloud Skills

Amazon AWS is the pioneer in cloud computing. Due to high cloud technology adaptation among enterprises, learners prefer one or more AWS certification paths to get certified and become architects for better career prospects.  

AWS certifications validate technical expertise in the cloud to grow your career and possibly business if you are associated with that. The AWS cloud certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the industry. 

Globally, there are more than 1.5 million active Amazon Web Services certification holders. This number is constantly increasing over the past few years. The professionals equipped with credentials showcase their expertise in the most demanding skills and organizations build cloud expert teams to expand businesses using AWS.

In this article, we will cover different AWS Certification Paths. Knowing different AWS certifications will help you in choosing the right career.

AWS Certification Levels

The level of Amazon cloud certification is broadly divided into 4 categories based on expertise.  

1. Foundational

This is a knowledge-based instrument for understanding the essentials of Amazon cloud. It lays the foundation for any of the AWS cloud certification paths. No prior experience is required; therefore it can also be suitable for beginners who are starting their AWS journey.  

You might want to evaluate your knowledge of foundational topics using the AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice Exam before attempting this real examination.

2. Associate

These are role-based instruments that showcase your ability and skills on AWS and build your strong credibility in the cloud industry. It recommends having prior cloud or IT experience. The role-based associate-level credentials are as follows

● Solution Architect Associate

● Developer Associate

● SysOps Administrator Associate

● Data Engineer Associate

If you have prepared for your solution architect associate certification then it is a good idea to practice using the AWS Solution Architect Practice Exam before appearing for the real exam.

3. Professional

These are also role-based instruments for validating your advanced skills in designing, securing, and optimizing applications. It also includes automating AWS processes and many more. It recommends having a minimum of 2 years of prior AWS cloud experience. The AWS professional credentials are as follows

● Solution Architect Professional

● DevOps Engineer Professional

4. Specialty

These are the specialized Amazon cloud certifications for getting in-depth knowledge and skills preferred to position you as a consultant to your partner or customers in strategic or specialized areas. The following are the specialized credentials.

 ● Advanced Networking Specialty

● Database Specialty (Retired in April 2024)

● SAP on AWS Specialty (Retired in April 2024)

● Machine Learning Specialty

● Security Specialty

AWS Certification Path - Plan it Wisely

It is important to choose the right path based on your current role or being a beginner. The following paths will also provide information about who is eligible for these credentials. 

1. AWS Cloud Certification Path for non-IT background

If you are a beginner in cloud learning, then start with AWS certified cloud practitioner who validates the fundamental knowledge of the cloud including AWS-specific terminologies. 

You can get entry-level cloud jobs based on these credentials, appropriate knowledge, and skills. You can also go ahead for associate and professional level certs. 

2. Amazon Cloud Certification for IT Experienced

If you have some experience (1-3 Years) in IT then you can start with associate-level Amazon certification based on your role and interest. It validates your cloud knowledge and skills to build and grow a career in the cloud.

Here we’ll discuss more about the AWS certification path aligned based on the top cloud job roles. You can choose the path you are interested in and start learning with the Amazon cloud certification journey to achieve your career goals. In any path of your choice, it is recommended to attain a cloud practitioner foundational cert but it is not mandatory but optional. 

3. Architecture-Path (Track)

In the architecture track, there are two different paths based on roles and responsibilities

● Solution Architect: It is more related to cloud infrastructure. As a solution architect, you need to focus on designing, developing, and managing cloud infrastructure and assets to migrate applications to the cloud. You can further dive deep by acquiring a security specialty exam. 

● Application Architect: It is more related to application architecture. It includes the user interface, middleware, and infrastructure to ensure reliability and manageability in an enterprise. Here in case you want to dive deep then also go for a solution architect professional.

4. Data Analytics – Path (Track)

In data analytics, there is only one path based on roles and responsibilities as follows

● Cloud Data Engineer: It is related to bringing automation in the collection and processing of data structure. It also includes monitoring data pipeline performance. Further, You have the option to go ahead with the security specialty cert. 

5. Development – Path (Track)

In this track, there is again one path based on roles

● Software Development Engineer: It is related to software developers who develop, construct, and maintain software across multiple platforms and devices.

6. Operations – Path (Track)

In the operations track, there are two different paths for AWS certification path based on job roles you can choose from. They are as follows

● System Administrator: As an administrator, you will have to install, upgrade, and maintain computer components and software. It also requires integrating automation processes. Further, you can dive deep into DevOps engineering professionals. 

● Cloud Engineer: The cloud engineer has to operate and maintain computer network infrastructure on the cloud and also ensure data safety and security. Moreover, you have two options to dive deep into DevOps engineering professional and advanced networking specialty. 

7. DevOps – Path (Track)

In the DevOps track, two different paths are there 

● Test Engineer: As a test engineer, you will be performing tests and focused on implementing quality best practices for software development. It includes all phases from design to release across the product life cycle.

Note: This path is exactly the same as in Software Development Engineer.

● Cloud DevOps Engineer: It is related to the design, deployment, and operations of large-scale global hybrid cloud computing environments. There is one option of SysOps administrator associate and for deep dive acquire security specialty cert.   

● DevOps Security Engineer: It is related to helping enterprises implement cloud solutions securely and reliably. It utilizes CI/CD principles for rapid and stable delivery of capabilities.

8. Security – Path (Track)

In the security track, there are two options based on job roles as follows.

● Cloud Security Engineer: Engineers are responsible for designing security architecture including cyber security. The primary goal is to protect information by developing, executing, and tracking the performance of security measures. Further, to dive deep you have a DevOps engineer professional and advanced networking specialty.

● Cloud Security Architect: It focuses more on implementing security governance to identify and minimize business and technical risks. To dive deep you have a solution architect professional. 

9. Networking – Path (Track)

In the networking track, we have 

● Network Engineer: It is related to dealing with the design and implementation of computer networks including LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. Further, for a deep dive, you have a security specialty. 

10. AI/ML – Path (Track)

This is the longest AWS certification path, In this track, we have only one path as follows

● Machine Learning Engineer: It is focused on researching, building, and designing AI (Artificial intelligence) systems to automate predictive models. It also includes designing machine learning systems, models, and schemes. 

AWS Recertification

AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. You need to continuously demonstrate your expertise on the latest AWS knowledge and skills. It strengthens the overall value of your credentials. 

To be recertified, your existing credentials should be active. In case your it is expired then you are not allowed to be recertified.

When you are going for recertification, you are eligible for a 50% discount voucher available in your AWS account.

Here are the various recertification options available based on your current certs. 

AWS Certification Paths - Summing Up!!

The AWS certification path offers a structured approach for individuals seeking to validate their cloud expertise. It consists of four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Starting with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, candidates can progress to role-specific Associate certifications, followed by advanced Professional certifications.

Specialty certifications allow for further specialization in areas like security and machine learning. This pathway not only enhances career opportunities but also equips professionals with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving cloud landscape.