Your Guide to AWS Certification

What is AWS certification?

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon for hosting servers, storage, networking, migration, computing, email, mobile applications and development, and security. A wide range of companies use this system, which creates job opportunities for people who know how to build, operate, and manage them. Certification in AWS shows you have the technical skills and knowledge to manage, develop, and maintain AWS systems. AWS is at the top of the cloud market and is a valuable tool for anyone in the tech industry. 

Is AWS certification worth it?

AWS certification establishes you as a credible, knowledgeable, competent specialist in AWS systems. Getting certified in AWS increases your eligibility for specialised cloud computing positions and can generally help you further your cloud expertise. IT professionals often pursue Amazon cloud certifications to validate their skills and objectively measure their familiarity with cloud systems.

Benefits of AWS certification

AWS certification offers several benefits, whether entering or progressing through your cloud computing career. Companies upload more and more information and data to the cloud every year, and AWS currently possesses 31 percent of the cloud computing market [1].

AWS certifications require a lot of work, study, and practice. When you complete a certificate in AWS, you show that you’ve dedicated considerable effort and time to learning the ins and outs of cloud computing systems. Certain tiers of learning will earn you digital badges and allow exclusive access to AWS events and circles. 

A further benefit of AWS certification is that it often leads to improved salaries. According to a survey by Jefferson Frank [2], AWS certifications increased the salaries of 70 percent of survey respondents by up to 20 percent.

Significant demand for AWS-certified professionals and cloud computing

Many companies are shifting to cloud computing and cloud-based systems, and, as a result, experts in cloud computing are in greater demand. The global cloud market is expected to reach 1.8 trillion USD by 2029, a 133.57 percent increase from 2024 [3]. Furthermore, AWS is the most popular cloud infrastructure, controlling 31 percent of the market share as of the first quarter of 2024 [1]. Both indicate a high demand for AWS-certified cloud professionals.

Learning AWS and pursuing certification can open doors in a growing industry that seeks out professionals who have earned this credential.

Types of AWS certifications

Several AWS certifications exist, including six core and five speciality certifications spanning various experience levels. You can choose from Foundation, Professional, Associate, or Speciality levels. Before earning one of these certifications, research them and identify the ones that best align with your personal and professional goals. The following list includes a few of your options:

• Foundation: Cloud Practitioner

• Associate certifications: Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Administrator

• Professional: Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer

• Specialty: Advanced Networking, Data Analytics, Machine Learning

Which AWS certification should I get?

Choosing an AWS certification depends on your skills, interests, and prior experience. You’ll find an application for AWS in nearly every field, but some levels of AWS certifications and specific certificates are better for certain jobs. You can even find certifications for architects, developers, and engineers, amongst other cloud computing professionals. Look for the AWS certification that links to your goals, strengths, and interests, and remember that you can pursue more than one or multiple levels, showing your expertise in several areas.

What jobs can you get with an AWS certification?

More advanced and high-level certifications often result in executive positions with higher salaries. Fundamental certificates tend to cover basic concepts and be designed for entry-level roles requiring less technical expertise. The list below outlines relevant job titles and their respective average salaries. 

*Note: The salaries below were sourced from Glassdoor UK in August 2024. Figures represent the average base salary and reported additional yearly pay. Additional pay can include commissions, profit-sharing, or bonuses.

• AWS Certified Cloud Architect (UK): £67,891 per year

• AWS Certified Developer (UK): £51,961 per year

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (UK): £58,526 per year

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (UK): £39,892 per year 

How to begin AWS certification training

A typical pathway to AWS certification is first enrolling in an AWS training course and studying for the certification exam. In preparation, consider reading AWS white papers or exam guides because they contain valuable information about the exam. These exams require dedication and practice. Practice exams and online courses may ease your worries about taking the exam. Once you feel that you’re ready, it's time to schedule the exam.

Prerequisites

The foundational certificate requires basic knowledge of IT services and how they are used in the AWS platform and a minimum of six months' work experience with AWS cloud systems in a sales, managerial, purchase, technical, or financial capacity. Other senior-level certifications can require passing other exams, work experience, or additional criteria. In some cases, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in a high-level programming language and the ability to create functioning applications that involve AWS components.

Although you're not expected to be a subject matter expert, many AWS certification exams require proficiency in understanding, managing, and planning cloud systems. Here are some skills and topics that you may need before working on a certification:

• Data management

• Programming

• Amazon services like SDK, IAM, and Amazon's API gateway for applications

• Networking

• Statistics

Do AWS certifications expire?

Earning an AWS certification through Amazon is valid for three years. Before the three-year period is over, you must recertify to keep your certification active. If you are looking to maintain multiple certifications, you should be able to get a voucher from your AWS account to cover part of the fee to retake your exams. AWS encourages you to continue learning and taking courses offered by AWS during the three years of your certification so that you are ever-growing and learning about the systems.

Prepare for your AWS certification with Coursera

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a leading cloud computing platform offering various services like hosting, storage, networking, and security. Certification in AWS demonstrates technical skills and knowledge, enhancing job prospects in the tech industry and often leading to higher salaries and career advancement.

If you’re ready to start a cloud computing career, consider enrolling in the Starting Your Career with AWS Cloud Specialisation on Coursera. This programme covers cloud operations, cloud computing, data analytics on AWS, and more. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and perform common tasks in a cloud computing role. Upon completion, earn a certificate to include in your CV or LinkedIn profile.