Which AWS Certification Should You Get?
Getting an AWS certification illustrates that you have some of the most highly sought-after skills in the cloud computing space. With a plethora of options, it can be difficult to decide which AWS certification you should get. In this post, we’ll explore which AWS certification you should get based on your role and the experience you have.
If you’re already AWS-certified and are looking for exciting opportunities to implement your skills, we can help. Join Nerdly for free today to find hourly, project, contract, and contract-to-hire work from companies of all sizes.
AWS career paths and related certifications
Based on your role or the role you’re applying for, here are the AWS certifications best-suited for your needs and experience.
1. AWS Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the most fundamental AWS certification. Certified Cloud Practitioners have a basic knowledge of different AWS services but don’t have technical responsibilities.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner |
|
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is considered the entry-level certification for the AWS cloud fresher. It’s intended for people who need a critical understanding of AWS but don’t need the same kind of in-depth training as someone in a technical role. To be eligible to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
2. AWS Solutions Architect
AWS Solutions Architects design and deploy scalable, secure, and cost-effective applications for AWS. They understand AWS management and deployment services and are able to identify the technical requirements for AWS-based applications.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Certification |
|
This certification is intended for AWS professionals with experience designing and deploying applications on AWS at the Associate level. To be eligible to take the AWS Certification Solutions Architect (Associate) certification exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Certification |
|
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification is for Solutions Architects with advanced technical experience and skills in designing AWS-based applications. To be eligible to take the AWS Certification Solutions Architect (Professional) certification exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
3. AWS Developer
AWS Developers are responsible for configuring, maintaining, and updating the cloud infrastructure of web applications. They understand core AWS services and can apply security and scalability best practices.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification |
|
This certificate is for AWS developers with significant experience designing, creating, and deploying cloud applications on AWS. To be eligible to take the AWS Certified Developer (Associate) certification exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification |
|
This certification is for AWS professionals in a DevOps role who have considerable experience implementing and managing systems on AWS. To be eligible to take the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (Professional) certification exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
4. AWS Administrator
AWS administrators are responsible for operating, deploying, and managing cloud-based production systems on the AWS platform. They also typically maintain their company’s AWS infrastructure, deliver scalability and stability, ensure data security, and deploy automation on the AWS platform.
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification |
|
This certificate is for AWS Administrators with significant experience operating, deploying, and managing applications and systems on AWS. To be eligible to take the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate certification exam, you must meet one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification |
|
This certificate is for AWS professionals who currently work in a DevOps role, either as administrator or developer. They have significant experience implementing, operating, deploying, and managing applications and systems on the AWS platform.
There technically are no prerequisites for this certification, however, we recommend that AWS Developers first pass the AWS Certified Developer Associate exam and that AWS Admins pass the AWS SysOps Administrator exam before going for this certification. The key concepts you should know for this exam are similar to those of the Associate certification, just on a more advanced level. |
5. AWS Security Specialist
AWS Security Specialists oversee the security of AWS applications and ensure the security of data in the cloud. They have a strong understanding of data protection mechanisms and AWS security services and are increasingly in-demand as cybersecurity threats continue to increase. Earning an AWS security certification demonstrates to potential employers that you are qualified and highly competent in securing data on the AWS Cloud.
AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification |
|
This certificate is for AWS professionals performing encryption and security of data on AWS-based applications and systems. To be eligible to take this exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
6. AWS Networking Engineer
AWS Networking Experts design scalable and secure network infrastructure on AWS. They have advanced knowledge of network security, hybrid IT environments, network integration with AWS services, and network troubleshooting.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification |
|
This certificate is for AWS professionals who perform analysis of complicated networking tasks on AWS-based applications and have advanced technical expertise in designing and implementing hybrid environments. To be eligible to take this exam, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
7. AWS Machine Learning
AWS Machine Learning Experts typically include development or data science roles. An AWS Machine Learning expert is able to design, implement, deploy, and maintain machine learning solutions.
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification |
|
This certificate is for IT professionals whose careers center around data engineering or data science. This certification is also fitting for AWS professionals involved in designing, implementing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning solutions. To be eligible to take this exam, you must meet one of the following criteria:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
8. AWS Data Analyst
AWS Data Analysts design the appropriate data analytics mechanisms for different cloud infrastructures to generate valuable insights from massive volumes of data. Formerly known as AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, this is a must-have certification for those pursuing a career as an AWS data engineer.
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty certification |
|
This certificate is an industry-recognized specialty certification that does not require any prerequisites. However, we do recommend that you have:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
9. AWS Database Administrator
AWS database administrators are responsible for managing and operating databases that are used by applications to store and analyze data.
AWS Database – Specialty certification |
|
This certificate tests your expertise in AWS database services and skills in increasing the speed of database technology. It’s a standalone exam, so you don’t have to qualify for another exam to take this certification. While there are no prerequisites for this certification, we do think you’ll have a better chance of passing if you have:
The key concepts you should be familiar with for this certification include:
|
Put your AWS certifications to good use with Nerdly
Whether you’re working toward an AWS certification or already certified, Nerdly has opportunities for you. Check out our Nerdly overview page to learn more, or register for a free profile by clicking the button below.
The #1 platform for cloud jobseekers
Create your Nerdly profile today, and join a rapidly growing community of the best cloud professionals on the market.
Related articles
From On-Prem to Cloud: How to Build a Persuasive Business Case
Shifting your IT infrastructure from on-prem to the cloud can be a game-changer. However, convincing stakeholders to get on board requires more than just enthusiasm for the latest tech. You need a solid business case that outlines the tangible benefits, the cost...
Ensuring Cloud Security and Compliance with NerdRabbit’s Audits Pod
Ensuring the security and compliance of your cloud infrastructure is more critical now than ever. As companies migrate to the cloud, they face many challenges, from maintaining visibility and navigating complex solutions to evading sophisticated cyberattacks....
The Ultimate Guide to AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification: Everything You Need to Know
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is an excellent starting point for individuals looking to validate their knowledge of the AWS Cloud, independent of specific technical roles. Whether you are a non-technical professional, a student, or someone in the...