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The Ultimate Roadmap to Achieving AWS Certification

The Ultimate Roadmap to Achieving AWS Certification

Written by Akshad Modi

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Do you actually feel that what makes Dropbox, Facebook, WordPress, and other famous stages so amazing is that notwithstanding a huge number of dynamic clients, they serve every single client so possibly and proficiently consistently… ?? In the interim, one of the vital innovations behind this is Cloud Computing!! Verifiably, Cloud Computing has become an essential piece of the associations in an exceptionally limited capacity to focus time and because of this, the interest for Cloud Professionals is likewise expanding dramatically in the tech world. Furthermore, with a similar concern, one of the main cloud stages – Amazon Web Services (AWS) gives you the conspicuous AWS Certifications to help you dominate in Cloud Computing abilities and get some advantageous professional openings in the Cloud area!!

Presently, the inquiry emerges – What is AWS Certification? When all is said in done, 

AWS Certification is all about the certification program given by the Amazon Web Services that assists you with approving your aptitude in the cloud area subsequent to breezing through the specific assessment.

There are different modules that go under AWS Certifications and you can pick the important one dependent on your inclinations and prerequisites. Besides, AWS Certifications are the most-requested and best angles by pretty much every IT big shot, for example, Amazon, IBM, Uber, and so on while paying special mind to the cloud experts. A few other surprising advantages of AWS Certifications are given underneath:

  • It encourages you to exhibit your Cloud Expertise over the world through computerized identifications, testaments, and so forth 
  • An AWS Certified individual gets beneficial profession openings with better checks in contrast with others. 
  • Additionally, you get an opportunity to interface with other splendid personalities through AWS Certified people group. 
  • It thinks of a few other compensating projects, for example, the Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Program, AWS Partner Network (APN), and so on

Along these lines, starting at now, you've thought about AWS Certifications and it's advantages, presently we should move further and investigate the structure of AWS Certifications. AWS Certifications are commonly ordered concerning a few job-based learning ways, for example, Cloud Practitioner, Architect, Developer, and Operations. Besides, these affirmations fall under 4 Levels – Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty dependent on the ability level.

If you are reading this blog, that means you are thinking about getting AWS-certified, isn't it? Smart move! Since cloud computing has taken over the tech world, AWS certifications are like golden tickets to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and industry recognition.

But where do you even start? What certification should you choose? How do you prepare?

Don't worry—we've got you covered. This AWS certification roadmap will let you understand everything you need to know, from choosing the right certification to passing your exam like a pro. Let's explore!

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

It is an entry-level AWS Certification that comes under the Foundational level. It is specifically designed for the individuals who are having a basic understanding of the AWS Cloud platform and you’re strongly recommended to have at least 6 months of industrial experience in the AWS Cloud domain before opting for this exam. Moreover, this foundational level exam covers the following aspects of AWS Cloud – basic global infrastructure, architectural principles, value proposition, basic security and compliance aspects, pricing models, and several others.

  • Level:Foundational
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:90 Minutes
  • Cost:100 USD (Practice Exam: 20 USD)

Associate Level

The next level in theAWS Certification pathis Associate Level. The associate level requires you some in-depth and broad knowledge of a specific domain and the difficulty level of the exams is also higher in comparison to Foundational Level. In Associate Level, there come 3 Certifications –AWS Certified Solutions Architect,AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, andAWS Certified Developerbased on different job-role.

What is the AWS Certification Roadmap?

It is nothing but your step-by-step guide to building an effective cloud career. AWS provides various certification levels, each designed for particular skill sets and job roles.

Here’s how it works:

AWS Certification Levels

AWS Certification Levels

  • Foundational Level: Perfect for beginners.
  • Associate Level: More technical, best-suited for cloud engineers and developers.
  • Professional Level: Advanced certifications for experienced cloud architects and DevOps engineers.
  • Specialty Certifications: Focus on sectors like security, networking, and machine learning.

Each level builds on the previous one, helping you gain expertise in AWS services and solutions.

Not sure where to start? Take a look at the AWS Roadmap to see the best path for your career goals.

Why Get AWS-Certified? The Benefits Are HUGE!

Still doubtful about the AWS certification? Let's break it down!

AWS Certification Benefits:

AWS Certification Benefits

  • Higher Salary Possibility – AWS-certified professionals earn 25-30% more than non-certified individuals.
  • Better Job Security – Cloud computing is expanding, and AWS is leading the way.
  • Industry Recognition – Validates your cloud skills and gives you an advantage in case of competition.
  • Career Growth – Opens doors to leadership roles and specialized tech positions.

For a complete insight about the career opportunities, take a look at the AWS Career Guide and see where AWS can take you.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

This confirmation is intended for the people who are having an encounter of at any rate 1 year in planning conveyed applications and usage of arrangements in AWS Cloud.You'll be needed to exhibit your abilities in planning, overseeing, and organization of utilizations on the AWS stage to procure this affirmation.The AWS Certified Solutions Architect affirmation test covers the accompanying angles – information on engineering and sending of utilizations on AWS, arrangement giving capacities utilizing structural plan standards, usage direction all through the whole venture life cycle, and so on.

  • Level:Associate
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:130 Minutes

3. AWS Certified Developer

TheAWS Certified Developer (Associate)accreditation is intended for the individuals who are having in any event 1 year of advancement experience and capable with the turn of events and upkeep of uses on the AWS stage. To procure this accreditation, you're needed to have a sound information on programming language alongside an inside and out comprehension of centerAWS administrations and essential AWS engineering best practices.Moreover, you likewise need to think about the turn of events, arrangement, and investigating cycles of cloud-based applications alongside different other related ideas.

  • Level:Associate
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:130 Minutes

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (Associate) is intended for the framework administrators experts with at any rate one year of industry involvement with arrangement and procedure on AWS. The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator affirmation test covers the accompanying viewpoints – sending and the board of uses on the AWS stage, information move between server farms and AWS, selecting the applicable AWS administrations for the association according to the necessities, assessment of AWS cost-use and distinguishing proof of operational cost control instruments, and so forth.

  • Level:Associate
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:130 Minutes

Professional Level

After Foundation and Associate Level, here comes the Professional Level which requests the master level of information for the choose job-based accreditation. The accreditations that fall under the Foundational and Associate level can be considered as the essential for this Professional Level. At this level, there come 2 Certifications – AWS Certified DevOps Engineer and AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Professional) affirmation is intended for those peoplewho are having an encounter of in any event 2 years as a Solutions Architect in the cloud business. Then, you're advised to hold AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate) prior to choosing the particular expert-level test. Besides, this expert level confirmation worries with your aptitude and capacities in different zones, for example, assessment of cloud application prerequisites, plan and organization of cloud engineering on AWS, cost-control techniques usage, and so on.

  • Level:Professional
  • Recommended Prerequisite Exam:AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate)
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:180 Minutes

6. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

Here comes another expert level affirmation –AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (Professional)which is intended for people who are having industry experience of at least two years in provisioning and overseeing AWS designs. You're prescribed to hold AWS Certified Developer – Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate prior to showing up for this confirmation test. Likewise, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer confirmations significantly worry with Continuous Delivery (CD) strategies, AWS mechanization measures, checking and log frameworks on AWS, and so forth

  • Level:Professional
  • Recommended Prerequisite Exam:AWS Certified Developer (Associate), AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (Associate)
  • Exam Format:Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Exam Duration:180 Minutes

Specialty

You can likewise select from 6 claim to fame affirmations given by AWS. Notwithstanding, you're needed to have profound information on the picked space as the test level of the strength affirmations is very high. These 6 claim to fame areas are recorded beneath:

  1. AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

The AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty affirmation approves your aptitude in Data Analytics and the capacity to plan and show Big Data arrangements utilizing AWS administrations. You're prescribed to have an encounter of in any event 5 years with information examination innovations alongside 2 years of active experience on the AWS stage prior to showing up for this certification exam.

  1. AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty

The AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty certification encourages you to approve your abilities in building, testing and distributing Amazon Alexa aptitudes. To acquire this accreditation, you're prescribed to have at any rate a half year of industry involvement with building Alexa aptitudes utilizing Alexa Skills Kit and furthermore have sound information on programming dialects.

  • Exam Duration:170 Minutes
  • Cost:300 USD (Practice exam: 40USD)
  1. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification approves your ability in the security space in AWS. You're prescribed to have mechanical experience of in any event 2 years of making sure about AWS outstanding tasks at hand alongside an encounter of at least 5 years of planning and executing security arrangements in the IT security area to acquire this accreditation.

  • Exam Duration:170 Minutes
  • Cost:300 USD (Practice exam: 40USD)
  1. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

The AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification approves your mastery in the turn of events, execution, and support of Machine Learning arrangements utilizing AWS Cloud. To acquire this accreditation, you're prescribed to have a couple of long stretches of involvement with the turn of events and design of Machine Learning or Deep Learning outstanding burdens on the AWS Cloud.

  1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification approves your mastery in taking care of complex systems administration errands on AWS. You're prescribed to hold AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner confirmation or some other Associate-Level affirmations, for example, Architect, Operations, Developer, and so forth prior to settling on this accreditation. You're likewise prescribed to have in any event 5 years of involvement in the design and usage of organization arrangements.

  1. AWS Certified Database – Specialty

The AWS Certified Database – Specialty accreditation approves your skill in planning and upkeep of AWS information base arrangement according to the prerequisites. You're prescribed to have at any rate 5 years of modern involvement in information base advances alongside at least 2 years of involvement on AWS. You likewise need to have a few active involvements in AWS Cloud-based social and non-social information bases.

📍 Planning your AWS certification journey?

🧭 Here's a clear roadmap to guide you through each level, from beginner to expert.

AWS Study Plan: How to Prep Like a Pro

Getting AWS-certified isn’t just about reading a book and showing up for the exam. You need a proper AWS study plan to pass with confidence.

Step 1: Master AWS Key Services

  • Gain practical experience in AWS EC2, S3, Lambda, IAM, and RDS.
  • Understand everything about networking, databases, and security best practices.

Need to brush up on AWS EC2? Here’s a great resource: AWS EC2.

Step 2: Pick the Right AWS Certification

  • If you’re new to AWS → Start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
  • Want to build cloud architectures? → Go for AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
  • Interested in DevOps? → An AWS Certified DevOps Engineer might be your best choice.

You can start your learning with the AWS Solution Architect Associates Course for detailed training.

Step 3: Create a Study Plan

  • Prepare a timetable (2-3 months is ideal for associate-level exams).
  • Use a variety of study resources – AWS research papers, training courses, and experience on labs.
  • Take practice tests to help you know the questions and exam format.

For expert techniques, explore the AWS Solution Architect Exam guide.

AWS Exam Preparation: Tips to Pass on Your First Try

The AWS exam isn’t easy, but with the right approach, you can ace it. Here’s how:

  • Take AWS Practice Exams – Identify weaknesses and try to improve them.
  • Use AWS Free Tier – Try AWS services before the test.
  • Join AWS Study Groups – Learn from others and exchange plans and strategies.
  • Manage Your Time Well – The exam is bound by time, so practice under strict time conditions.

A perfect AWS exam preparation plan will take your confidence to the next level and help you pass with higher marks.

AWS Certification Updates & Recertification: Staying Current in Cloud Tech

AWS certifications are not long-lasting. They are accepted for three years, after that you need
to renew them.

How to Renew Your AWS Certification:

  • Take the same exam again (e.g., reattempt AWS Solutions Architect – Associate).
  • Pass a higher-level certification. For example, AWS Solutions Architect – Professional.
  • Stay up to date with AWS training and webinars.

Make sure you stay informed by checking the AWS Certification Updates regularly.

Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your AWS Career!

AWS certifications improve your originality, increase your salary, and open doors to various career opportunities. Whether you are just starting or looking to go further, following the AWS certification roadmap will set you up for success.

What’s Next? Here’s Your Action Plan:

  • Select the right AWS certification depending on your AWS career roadmap.
  • Follow a structured AWS study plan to prepare effectively.
  • Stay updated with the latest AWS certification benefits and updates.

Ready to level up? Start your AWS certification journey today and unlock new career possibilities in cloud computing with NovelVista!

Topic Related Post
Akshad Modi

Akshad Modi

AI Architect

An AI Architect plays a crucial role in designing scalable AI solutions, integrating machine learning and advanced technologies to solve business challenges and drive innovation in digital transformation strategies.

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