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As the world increasingly moves towards cloud computing, obtaining an AWS certification has become a crucial step for many IT professionals looking to advance their careers. But with so many different certifications and specialties, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at the world of AWS certifications and what each one entails.
What is AWS Certification?
AWS Certification is a program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in using the AWS platform. The certifications are designed for a range of roles, including solutions architects, developers, DevOps engineers, and more.
Why Should You Get AWS Certified?
There are several benefits to obtaining an AWS certification, including:
1. Increased Earning Potential: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an AWS certified professional is over $120,000 per year.
2. Improved Job Opportunities: Many organizations, both large and small, are looking for individuals with AWS certifications to help them transition to the cloud. With an AWS certification, you'll have a competitive edge in the job market.
3. Enhanced Professional Development: The AWS certification program is a great way to enhance your professional development and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in cloud computing.
4. Recognition of Expertise: An AWS certification demonstrates to potential employers and colleagues that you have a deep understanding of the AWS platform and the skills necessary to work with it.
Available AWS Certifications
There are several different AWS certifications available, each with a different focus and level of expertise. These certifications include:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate: This certification is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of the AWS platform and are looking to develop their skills as solutions architects.
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional: This certification is designed for individuals who have a deeper understanding of the AWS platform and are looking to take their skills to the next level.
3. AWS Certified Developer - Associate: This certification is designed for individuals who have experience developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform.
4. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional: This certification is designed for individuals who have experience using AWS tools and services to automate the deployment, management, and monitoring of applications.
5. AWS Certified Security - Specialty: This certification is designed for individuals who have expertise in securing AWS environments and understand the security best practices for the platform.
6. AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty: This certification is designed for individuals who have a deep understanding of the AWS network infrastructure and are looking to demonstrate their expertise in this area.
Preparing for AWS Certification
There are several steps you can take to prepare for AWS certification, including:
1. Gain Hands-On Experience: One of the best ways to prepare for AWS certification is to gain hands-on experience working with AWS services. AWS offers a free tier for many of its services, so you can experiment and get familiar with the platform without incurring any costs.
2. Study AWS Documentation: The AWS documentation is a wealth of information and is a great resource for preparing for AWS certification. Make sure to read through the documentation for each service you'll be tested on.
3. Take Online Courses: There are several online courses available that can help you prepare for AWS certification, including the AWS Certified Solutions Architect course on Udemy and the AWS Certified Developer - Associate certification guide on Linux Academy.
4. Practice with AWS Practice Exams: Practicing with AWS practice exams is a great way to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you'll see on the certification exam. AWS offers a range of practice exams, and there are also many third-party practice exams available.
5. Join an AWS User Group: Joining an AWS user group is a great way to connect with other AWS professionals, learn from their experiences, and get help with any questions you may have.
6. Get Involved in AWS Community Projects: Participating in AWS community projects is a great way to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the AWS community. You can find AWS community projects on the AWS GitHub page.
Taking the AWS Certification Exam
Once you're ready to take the AWS certification exam, you can schedule it through the AWS certification portal. The exams are computer-based and are proctored at testing centers. The exams are designed to test your understanding of the AWS platform and your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.
AWS Certification Maintenance
Once you've obtained an AWS certification, it's important to maintain it to ensure that your knowledge and skills remain up-to-date. AWS requires that certified individuals complete continuing education requirements every two years to maintain their certifications.
Conclusion
An AWS certification is a valuable asset for anyone looking to advance their career in the world of cloud computing. Whether you're a solutions architect, developer, or DevOps engineer, an AWS certification can help you stand out in the job market and demonstrate your expertise. With the range of certifications available and the many resources available to help you prepare, there has never been a better time to get started on your AWS certification journey.
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