Top AWS Certifications for IT Professionals

Foundational-level Certifications

Under foundational-level, there comes only one certification,  i.e. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Cloud Practitioner exam certification gives you a high-level introduction to AWS. As this is the foundational level certification, it will help you build a strong foundational base you’ll need as you delve deeper into the inner workings of AWS. 

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is one of the best AWS certifications to kick start a cloud computing career.  It will help you land various AWS jobs for freshers at the beginning of your AWS career path.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Level	Foundational
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 100 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	Basic knowledge of IT services and their applications in AWS Cloud platform At least 6 months of work experience in AWS cloud
Topics Covered	Underlying security and compliance Core deployment and operating principles AWS services and their use cases A basic understanding of AWS architectural principles The value proposition of the AWS Cloud
Pros & Cons	Pros A Perfect foundational training option to learn the basics of AWS  It is Affordable  Cons  One will need more certifications to get a good job  One should have experience in, AWS to begin with

Associate-level Certifications

If you are dreaming of jobs in AWS and looking to join a firm grounding for actually working in the cloud, these certifications are the most required. AWS Cloud Practitioner certification provides a solid conceptual footing, whereas the AWS Associate-level certifications help you gain practical knowledge for day-to-day implementation.

Under associate level, there are three certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Do you have experience in developing cost-effective and scalable distributed systems on AWS? Get your experience validated with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification. To be AWS certified professional, you should also be able to demonstrate your ability in designing, managing, and implementing applications with various tools and services on the AWS platform. This is an ideal choice for those who have some experience in AWS architecture and looking for the best AWS certifications. 

Pro Tip: Read this AWS Solutions architect Certification Guide for in-depth details

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Level	Associate
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 150 plus applicable t axes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	Basic knowledge of the AWS global infrastructure, architectural principles of building on the AWS Cloud, network technologies, and security features and AWS tools  Hands-on practical experience in computing, database, networking, and storage AWS services including AWS deployment and management services The ability to find the required AWS services for an AWS-based application Knowledge of building secure and reliable applications on AWS
Topics Covered	All about the Network technologies and how they work in AWS Functioning of AWS-based applications and how client interfaces connect to the AWS platform  Building secure and reliable applications on the AWS   Deploying hybrid systems
Pros & Cons	Pros Teach from scratch how to build solutions  It is Affordable  Cons  A step up in difficulty from the foundational course

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

The AWS Certified Developer certification is mainly focused on the development and maintenance of AWS-based applications. This is one of the best AWS certifications for professionals having one or more years of experience in developing and preserving AWS-based applications.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Level	Associate
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 150 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	A better understanding of cloud-native applications  Author, debug and maintain code modules on AWS Identify key features of AWS services Using  CI/CD pipeline for deploying applications on AWS Skilled to use and interact with AWS services, APIs, CLI, and SDKs to write applications Understanding of programming language Proficiency in developing, debugging, and deploying cloud-based applications with AWS and writing code for server-less applications
Topics Covered	AWS services, including databases, notifications, storage and change management, and workflow services Basic AWS architecture Core AWS services Designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining applications
Pros & Cons	Pros This is beneficial for anyone using the AWS platform  It is a preferred choice who are interested in earning more certifications  Cons  AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is in higher demand

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps is the only certification that focuses on system administrators. It can be a suitable option for you if have a minimum of one year of experience in deployment, management, and operations on AWS. The SysOps exam is widely considered the most challenging associate exam offered by AWS and among the best AWS certifications. 

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Level	Associate
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 150 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	Knowledge of networking concepts, such as DNS, firewalls, and TCP/IP and Network technologies Understanding of the AWS tenets – architecting and various security concepts  Ability to translate architectural needs  Experience in monitoring and auditing systems
Topics Covered	Applications deployment to the AWS platform Selecting the suitable AWS services as per organizational requirement  Exchange of data among data centers and AWS Managing, provisioning, and securing systems in an AWS environment
Pros & Cons	Pros It helps prepares you for professional certifications  It is super helpful if you run AWS applications   Cons  This is the most difficult associate exam  The new exam format includes challenging lab items

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is a suitable option for professionals having one or more years of work experience as a Professional Solutions Architect role and he has been involved in managing and operating systems on AWS. There are no fixed prerequisites for one of the best AWS certifications; however, to earn this certificate you must have deep knowledge of any facet of AWS. 

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	AWS Certified Developer OR AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification (mandatory) Knowledge of modern development and operations  Ability in administering operating systems, build highly automated infrastructures  Understanding of a high-level programming language
Topics Covered	Fundamentals of modern CD methodologies Designing and managing tools to automate production operations Implement highly-available, scalable systems on AWS Learn to implement CD systems and set up monitoring and logging systems on AWS
Pros & Cons	Pros This certification is explicitly designed for DevOps engineers  It is a good beginning for Solutions Architecture – Professional certification  Cons  It comes up narrow focus   It is one of AWS’s most difficult exams

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking certification is one of the best AWS certifications for professionals who are involved in performing complex networking tasks. To be eligible for this certificate, the candidates must have a background in architecting and implementing network solutions on AWS.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner/AWS Certified Solutions Architect/AWS Certified Developer/AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Ability to develop automation scripts and come up with generic solutions for network security features like DDoS protection, EDoS, IDS, IPS, and WAF Understanding of AWS networking concepts and technologies within the OSI model and how they affect implementation decisions
Topics Covered	Automation of AWS tasks for network deployments Designing, developing, and deploying cloud solutions with the AWS platform Implementing core services concerning architectural best practices Network optimization and troubleshooting Security and compliance design and implementation
Pros & Cons	Pros This certification is suitable for those who want to bring AWS into their networking responsibilities Those having one of several associate certifications are eligible for it.  Cons It is expensive.

AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

Among the top AWS certs, the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty is designed to validate a candidate’s skills and experience in extracting value from data by using AWS services. It is a perfect choice for those who have a background in data analytics and experience using AWS services for designing and architecting big data solutions and who want to become an AWS certified professional. 

AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	At least five years of expertise in designing and implementing security solutions. Two and more years of experience in securing AWS workloads and knowledge of using security controls.
Topics Covered	The best practices of Architecting to implement core AWS big data services Design, maintain and visualize data Best AWS tools for automating data analysis Security practices for data analytics solutions Different AWS services like Kinesis, Athena, Quicksight, and Rekognition
Pros & Cons	Pros This certification is explicitly designed for DevOps engineers It is a good beginning for Solutions Architecture – Professional certification Cons It comes up narrow focus  It is one of AWS’s most difficult exams

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

Another option among the best AWS certifications is the AWS Certified Security certificate is designed for advanced IT professionals with at least five years of experience and over one year of experience using AWS. The certification verifies your knowledge and skills in responding to security breaches, designing and implementing security monitoring systems, troubleshooting secure network infrastructure, and more.

AWS Certified Security – Specialty - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	AWS Certified Developer OR AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification (mandatory) Knowledge of modern development and operations  Ability in administering operating systems, build highly automated infrastructures  Understanding a high-level programming language
Topics Covered	Fundamentals of modern CD methodologies Designing and managing tools to automate production operations Implement highly-available, scalable systems on AWS Learn to implement CD systems and set up monitoring and logging systems on AWS
Pros & Cons	Pros It is the broadest specialty AWS certification.   There is an increasing demand for cloud security experts  Cons  It is not required for many roles.  This is an expensive certification option.

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

The AWS Certified Machine Learning certification is for those looking to make a career in a  Data Science role. It validates your abilities for going with an appropriate ML approach for a given set of business needs, designing and implementing cost-effective, and  scalable, ML solutions Identifying the best AWS services for implementing optimum ML solutions

AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	2+ years of experience to develop, architect, and/or run ML or Deep Learning workloads on the AWS Cloud Ability to use Deep Learning and ML frameworks Express the intuition behind basic ML algorithms Follow model training, deployment, and operational practices
Topics Covered	Design and implement cost-optimized, and secure ML solutions Identify the relevant AWS solutions for creating and deploying the best ML solution Select and justify the best ML approach for some given business problem
Pros & Cons	Pros This is one of the best AWS certifications for developers and data scientists.   Machine learning is in great demand these days.   Cons  It is quite expensive.   It is one of AWS’s most difficult exams

AWS Certified Database – Specialty

One of the latest Amazon Web Service certifications, AWS Certified Database – Specialty validates your ability in recommending, designing, and maintaining AWS database solutions for organizations as per its unique services needs. To become eligible for this certification, you should have 5 years of experience with common database technologies. 

AWS Certified Database – Specialty - Details

Category	Details
Exam Name	AWS Certified Database – Specialty
Level	Professional
AWS Certs Cost	It costs USD 300 plus applicable taxes
Languages Available	English/Japanese/Korean/Simplified Chinese
Prerequisites	Two years of experience in AWS Cloud-based and on-premises relational and NoSQL databases Five years of experience with common database technologies A good understanding of deploying, migrating, managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting databases
Topics Covered	Database Design Deployment and Migration Management and Operation Monitoring and Troubleshooting Security
Pros & Cons	Pros There is a demand for data scientists  Cons It is one of AWS’s most difficult exams

1) AWS Cloud Architect: AWS Job Roles

AWS Cloud Architect is the position that is specifically associated with specialists and additionally customers, furnishing an interface with partners and specialized initiatives. 

The cloud modeler supplies lead execution endeavors and specialized structures guaranteeing that the interspersion of new advances is being embraced. In the event that you have the learning of cloud computing and you are AWS Certified Solutions Architect professional then you can land one of the best AWS cloud jobs.

2) SysOps Administrator: AWS Cloud Jobs

An AWS SysOps Administrator is the one who is in charge of conveying, working, and overseeing frameworks on the AWS stage. Along these lines, on the off chance that you have skill in overseeing and conveying creation tasks on AWS cloud approve your mastery with AWS SysOps manager confirmation. 

This will upgrade your abilities to be chosen in AWS occupations. Getting AWS certs adds a qualification to your resume and in this manner causes you to get better pay and allow you to explore the best AWS cloud jobs.

3) Cloud Developer: AWS Cloud Jobs

Cloud developers are the ones who are in charge of the improvement of programming applications and solutions for ventures. Along these lines, on the off chance that you have critical involvement in programming improvement with some learning of the AWS stage, there are such a significant number of AWS employments for you. What's more, getting an AWS Developer Associate certification will enable you to bring your career one dimension up in AWS positions as a cloud developer.

4) Cloud Sales & Purchase Manager: AWS Cloud Jobs

Do you wish to be a part of an association focused on expanding the appropriation of AWS? On the off chance that you have huge experience in AWS cloud deals/purchases -, initiative aptitudes, and specialized foundation, various AWS employments are out there for you. 

As a Cloud Sales and Purchase Manager, you will have the capacity to develop, drive, and shape the eventual fate of a progressing innovative innovation. 

An effective applicant is prescribed to have AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification that will assist him with getting connected with programming engineers and IT modelers taking a shot at the AWS certs stage.

5) Cloud DevOps Engineer: AWS Job Roles

A DevOps engineer is a senior engineer who has got the ability aptitudes beyond development i.e. in system tasks and framework organization. Along these lines, in the event that you have different abilities with profound information and hands-on involvement on the AWS stage, there are various AWS employments for you. 

These days organizations are searching for Cloud DevOps Engineers to set up DevOps culture in the association. What's more, in the event that you have approved your aptitudes with AWS DevOps Engineer Professional certification, your odds of landing an AWS position nearly doubles. 

DevOps engineer is the IT proficient who handles code discharges by assuming numerous roles. He is the one who is responsible to work with framework administrators, programming engineers, and furthermore with the production group.

6) Key Account Manager, Cloud: AWS Job Roles

A key account manager is in charge of the business, the board of cloud storage, server, and items. He likewise has the obligation to oversee client accounts so as to make the objective of practical buy choices. 

A Key Account Manager is in charge of driving appropriation, income, market penetration, and overseeing an extensive and different client base in the market.

So, would you say that you are the person who has involvement in administrative, purchase, or sales jobs with the information of AWS cloud jobs? If yes, then there are many AWS employees waiting for you. 

Truly, AWS cloud professional certification will approve your abilities and consequently, will bring more open opportunities for you.

7) Cloud Software Engineer: AWS Cloud Jobs

If you are a software engineer programming in Python, Ruby, JavaScript, or C++ there is an incredible opportunity to grow your career with Amazon Web Services. Your ability to plan, create, and actualize framework/programming on the AWS stage can increase your chances to land AWS positions. 

In this way, validate your product plan and advancement abilities with AWS certification and emerge out of the group in the activity advertisement. Start with the associate level AWS designer certification and after that, you can go for the professional level certification test for more development and look for more AWS positions.

Pro Tip: You can refer to this article on AWS Career Path for a complete guide on AWS certs the job roles.

8) AWS Networking Specialist: AWS Job Roles

If you have the capacity to structure and actualize advanced AWS or hybrid organizing ventures, an incredible number of AWS occupations choices are available for you. Truly, to approve your aptitude for working on cloud integration projects, all you require is an AWS accreditation.

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty test is for individuals who have the skill in systems administration. There is a tremendous interest for the people having cloud arrangement designing aptitudes with an AWS certification. In this way, turn into an AWS certified networking pro and get your hands on AWS employment and get the answer for what job can I get with AWS certification? 

9) AWS System Integrator: AWS Job Roles

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the prominent cloud administrations supplier which offers fundamental stockpiling, framework, informing, systems administration, and significantly more administrations to customers over the world. 

At present, organizations, and additionally government associations, rely upon AWS for cloud administrations and arrangements. Along these lines, the interest for framework integrators is expanding to deal with troubleshooting and deployment of AWS applications. 

Having decent learning of AWS platforms, applications, cloud administrations, and data frameworks will make you qualified for this job role.

Pro Tip: What Should You Know About AWS Elastic Load Balancer?

10) AWS Big Data Specialist: AWS Positions

An AWS Big Data specialist is someone who can plan and actualize big data administrations for getting an incentive from the information. For this position, one must have a noteworthy involvement in information analysis. 

On the off chance that you have specialized certification in architecting and characterizing AWS big data administrations which can assist associations with analyzing and maintaining data then you have a great number of career opportunities waiting for you. 

In the event that you are an AWS-certified big data authority, there are more chances for you to land an AWS job.

These are the top roles you can get with the best AWS certifications. Hopefully, you are clear with your doubt on what job can I get with AWS certification? Read more about the Role and responsibilities of AWS Solutions architect here. Next, we will check the career growth and potential opportunities.