AWS Amazon Certifications: When someone asks me “Why should I have an XYZ Certification?” my answer is “Why not? Have as many as you can! They are your stocks” One of the benefits of living in knowledge society is the fact that we can actually rely on something that we’ve learned and use it to increase the quality of our lives. The more you know, the more opportunities you can grab and get yourself a distinguished career.
The more you know, the more you can earn. This rule especially applies when it comes to Amazon Web Services world.
In AWS Amazon Certifications world rules are quite simple – you need to know how to work with the system, or you’ll not be working at all. As simple as that. To learn how to work with the system, you have a vast knowledge at your disposal, and it is up to you apply it. The best way to prove that you actually know how to work effectively with Amazon Web Services is to have one of five AWS Amazon Certifications.
Why are AWS Amazon Certifications so hot?
Amazon Web Services started certification program in 2013. In only three years these certifications become one of the best assets that you can have if you want to boost your career. According to 2016 IT Skills and Salary Survey salaries of AWS-certified IT pros are increased by 10% comparing to 2015. The same survey says that AWS Amazon certifications are in top five highest-paying certifications that you can have.
Each AWS Certification includes strong conceptual knowledge about AWS platform mixed with hands-on experience that you can gain only by using the platform, it’s components and services on a daily basis. Being an excellent mixture of theory and practice is the secret ingredient which makes this certification highly valued at the IT scene.
An additional reason why AWS Amazon Certifications have a good reputation is the request to reclaim your certification every two years. Re-certification is a brilliant move that pushes you to prove that you are up to date and that you can keep up with the industry.
On top of that, demand for Certified AWS personnel is in the constant raise, and judging by the AWS market expansion, it will only go up in the year to come. So, you should really consider getting yourself one (or even better more) of their Majesties, AWS Certification, if you want to set your career in the fast lane.
Their Majesties: 5 AWS Amazon Certifications
AWS created 5 different types of certification: three of them will gain you Associate level, and two are designed for the Professional level of expertise. Let’s introduce them:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate level
The candidate who is eligible to become AWS Certified Solutions Architect on the Associate level should have some experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. To be able to pass the exam a candidate needs to know:
- how to create and deploy the scalable and highly available system on AWS;
- how to select the correct AWS service that fits the customer’s requirements;
- how to deploy an on-premise app on AWS.
It may sound simple, but there is a lot of hard work waiting for you if you want to get your hands on this certification. But, it will be worth the effort because the average yearly salary for people with such a certification is $123,801.
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Welcome to the level two of AWS Certified Solutions Architect course. If you hold this certification, it means that you really have some advanced technical skills and expertise in working with AWS. To be more specific, you have to be proficient in:
- designing and deploying dynamically scalable and reliable apps and
- migration of complex multi-tier apps.
This certification is created for a truly dedicated people. This is why AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certifiers are highly respected, and they can count on an average yearly salary of $125,652.
3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
If you wish to prove that you can develop and maintain applications on AWS servers, AWS Certified Developer is perfect for you. This certification confirms that you can:
- choose suitable AWS service package for your application,
- use the most out of software development kits which will interact with servers from your application,
- know how to write code that will optimize system performances,
- how to put the security of the application first while still coding it.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is one of the most popular and it is very useful for developers who are working with AWS-based apps. These developers can count on an average yearly salary of $122,753.
4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
A person who has technical expertise in deploying, management and operations on AWS can apply for AWS Certified SysOps Administrator exam. To be able to pass the exam, this person needs to:
- be able to implement and control the data flow to and from AWS,
- migrate on-premises apps to AWS, and
- identify operational cost control mechanism.
SysOps Administrators are quite well paid, but the ones with an AWS certification can count on an average yearly salary of $119,143.
5. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification represents a Pro level for both, AWS Certified Developer and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator level. If you wish to become Certified DevOps Engineer, you need to hold one of these two certifications first. What it takes to be an AWS Certified DevOps Engineer is to have a profound understanding of the platform, and its logic. To be more specific, you have to know exactly:
- how to implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methods on AWS;
- handle and work with tools that will automate operational processes;
- set the security control and governance procedures.
You could say that AWS Certified DevOps Engineers know AWS inside out. Their particular set of knowledge can get them an average salary of $130,284, which is the highest of all the salaries that you can get with other AWS certification.
How can I get my AWS Certification?
To get yourAWS Amazon Certifications, you need to pass the AWS certification exam. All exams are based on the same model, and they all test your knowledge and skills. AWS is taking excellent care of the examination process, so rest assured that you will be well informed about all the details on their website.
Now, passing the exam is entirely up to you. You need to show that you know and have what it takes to be called an AWS pro. To prepare yourself for the exam you should do some learning and work with AWS continuously. Work will help you get your skill set into the right shape. Even if you can try to prepare for the exam on your own, it will be far more efficient and less time-consuming if you take some lessons and find some assistance. Such help will give you more room to experiment and practice while letting you study through your own work.
What’s the benefit to my career from having an AWS Amazon Certification?
You could have figured by now that AWS Certification is quite useful things to have. Now you’ll see just how useful they can be to your career:
1. Increase in salary
We have already said that the average yearly salary of an AWS Amazon Certifications holder is between $119,143 and $130,284. These salaries have gone up by 10% since last year, and there is quite a good chance that they will continue growing. Now, compare your current salary with these figures and calculate what’s your position. I’m sure that the difference will help you decide whether or not it’s worth investing a bit of your time and money to get you there.
2. You’ll be hot on the job market
With AWS market share of 31% and constant growth of revenue, the demand for skilled technicians who can work with the system will be constant. You, being one of those experienced professionals, will become quite hot and desirable on the job market. Having these certifications makes you a wanted material instantly.
3. New level of your expertise
If you want to improve yourself always and stay in the loop of the latest technologies, AWS Certifications are a great way to do that. First, you need to prove that you have some level of expertise to get one, and then need to maintain it, with the assistance of biyearly checkpoints that you need to take. In case you want to go one step further, you can always qualify for another certification and be one of the few who has it all.
4. You’ll appear more serious
When having a highly respected proof for your expertise, you immediately seem more severe to the society, especially to your peers from your own industry. Just to be clear, seriously is good for the business. It is one of those traits which tells the others that you’re a pro and that you take your job very seriously.
5. AWS Amazon Certifications demonstrate commitment to a profession
If you’re willing to invest in your own knowledge, it means that you’re committed to a profession. It also means that you’ll be prepared to dedicate yourself to the project you’re working on and that you will be doing it flawlessly. Commitment to a profession is a great signal to all future colleagues, employers, and partners that you’re a person that they really want in their team.
6. Door opener for new opportunities
We have already mentioned that there is a high demand for AWS pros in the job market. This means that you can choose the particular niche where you wish to work. Certification can open whole new world for you and get you to a place you couldn’t even imagine. With growing AWS market who knows what new challenging company will want you to help them deploy their next big thing on AWS. It may be new Uber, Google or even SpaceX, who knows.
7. Boost for your self-esteem
Self-esteem is often a make-it-or-break-it factor for a successful career. The more confident you are it will be easier for you to go forward. On the other hand, if you’re unsecured and scared you will be afraid to move on. You’re aware that an AWS Amazon Certifications will not make you instantly different from who you already are, but it may be just the thing you need to push you forward.
8. You’ll become an integral part of AWS community
If you are using AWS, you are already part of the community. By getting certification, you are going one step further making the community stronger. It’s like being a part of scouts crew – we’re all scouts, just some of us have a few badges on their jackets. This particular symbol means that you have a specific level of knowledge that gives you certain credibility in the community.
9. New networking opportunities
AWS Certification is a great conversation starter, especially at conferences, meetups, or some other professional gatherings. It gives you a chance to expand your network and to meet many different people that you may miss otherwise.
10. It will make you completely geeky
Yes, it’s true, we’re all geeks in our hearts, and we know it. Having an AWS Amazon Certification proves that you’re an ultimate geek that other geeks are looking forward to working with. Geeky is the new sexy, so the sooner you accept it as your advantage instead of a flaw, you’ll benefit from it hugely.
Now you know it all – why AWS Amazon Certifications are so madly wanted, what types of certification are available for you and what exactly do they imply, and how you can benefit from them. The rest is up to you! If you’re willing to give it a try, I know a few guys how can help you along the way 🙂 Anyway, I wish you a lot of success on your path to being an AWS Certified Professional!
