How to Become an AWS Certified Developer?

By: Microtek Learning

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Become an AWS Certified Developer

Likely, you have already spent some time looking into ways to improve your CV if you have lately expressed interest in beginning a career in IT or moving up from the entry-level employment you have held for some time. Education, professional experience, finished projects—all of it helps. And it's even better if you can acquire a certification to demonstrate your professional experience in using well-known and commonly utilized digital systems or platforms!

With good reason, AWS credentials are among the world's most well-liked and respected IT-related qualifications. So what precisely is an AWS certification, and what benefits does it offer while looking for work? How long does it take to earn an AWS certification, what is the training like, and how diligently must you practice? What is the price of an AWS certification, and is it worth it? And last, what does an AWS certification holder make when they obtain a job in the cloud? Let's look for the solutions to these and other questions.

What is AWS?

We need to briefly understand the context before delving into what an AWS certification is. These certifications are targeted at using the AWS platform, as the name suggests. Amazon Web Services is what the name stands for, and there are already more than 175 services available. Nevertheless, the most important thing you should know is that over a million businesses worldwide use the AWS cloud computing platform.

Private physical servers are expensive, take up a lot of room, and need continual ventilation, and other safety measures, making them neither comfortable nor simple for data storage. Furthermore, if a server is lost (for example, due to a flood) without a backup copy in another location, you're pretty much out of luck. A firm has many benefits from skipping all of this effort and choosing cloud solutions instead: not only does it save money and space, but it can also ensure that the data is secure at all times.

AWS has consistently been the industry leader when it comes to cloud services. However, the number of businesses globally in desperate need of AWS specialists is increasing, as is its market share. Therefore, if you're wondering how an AWS certification can help you, the first and most obvious answer is when you're looking for work. If you can show that you are familiar with the AWS system, its infrastructure, core values, and services, employers and recruiters will take notice of you more immediately.

How Certification Works in Practice?

An IT expert who successfully completes one or more of the public cloud provider's exams receives an AWS certification, which attests to their level of familiarity with the Amazon Web Services cloud platform.

IT professionals earn AWS certifications to demonstrate their technical knowledge and qualifications. Cloud engineers, administrators, and architects can take a variety of certification examinations offered by Amazon. You can take the examinations in one of the many testing facilities available worldwide.

You must take a test in a testing facility or online to earn an Amazon certification and enhance your résumé. The process would be monitored by a proctor until you finished the exam, so if you thought the latter choice would be more straightforward, think again. The safety measures ensure that there is no cheating, so hiring managers can be confident that each certified professional truly understands the AWS system from top to bottom. The certification is only valid for three years; you must recertify and ensure that your knowledge is current after that period.

We must examine all of the available choices to comprehend what an AWS certification is. Currently, there are four types of AWS certificates available:

  • Foundational (Cloud Practitioner)

  • Associate (SysOps Administrator, Solutions Architect, and Developer)

  • Professional (Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer)

  • Specialties (Advanced Networking, Security, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Database, and Alexa Skill Builder) 

The foundational-level certification for using AWS and cloud computing in general is called Amazon Cloud Practitioner, and the skills it verifies you possess are valuable in a wide range of occupations. The other certifications are all role-based, as their titles suggest.

There are no prerequisites for any AWS certification exams; in the past, it was necessary to hold an Associate-level certification to pursue a Professional or Specialty-level certification, but this requirement has been removed to give candidates more freedom in deciding how to proceed with their cloud computing careers. Before taking your exam, you are not required to complete any training; however, it is strongly advised.

Advantages of AWS Certification

You might be wondering how having an AWS certification will benefit you. As we've already mentioned, it's a trustworthy testament to your AWS proficiency that raises your employability by vouching for your abilities without the need for additional testing. But that's not all; data indicates that specialists with certifications typically make more money than their non-certified counterparts.

Forbes claims that having an Amazon certification will typically increase your earnings by $12,000 annually. An AWS Certified Associate Solutions Architect, for instance, can make close to $150,000 annually, which is more than enough to maintain a good standard of living. Knowing the actual income of an AWS certification owner might be a wonderful motivator to study harder for your certification examinations. Putting effort towards bettering one's career usually yields positive results. 

  • Provides the means to keep abreast of advancements in the fields of science and technology. 

  • Boosts trust and credibility in sectors involving cloud services.

  • Enhances employment chances.

  • Access to a community of experts where one can learn, network, and share information in fields connected to cloud computing.

  • Assists experts in the creation of solutions that are specifically tailored to the needs of clients.

1. Making plans for the future.

The rising popularity of cloud computing is the first topic covered in the advantages of AWS certification. According to recent studies, enterprise workloads would be moved to the cloud by over 83% by 2020. As far as cloud service companies go, AWS is the industry leader.

So, if you want to be ready for the newest trends in IT hiring, getting your AWS certification is a great place to start. Almost 31% of the market is controlled by AWS, which is gradually increasing its revenue. Most businesses will soon require AWS-certified professionals. Your ability to present your skills to potential employers through AWS certification training may increase your attractiveness to employers.

2. Other ways to build professional expertise.

The growth of professional knowledge is the next entry among the top AWS certification advantages. As was already mentioned, obtaining an AWS certification requires a significant amount of reading, practice, and dedication to studying AWS technology. Recertification issues can be avoided if candidates keep up with AWS developments. Hence, to obtain the certification, you must demonstrate your knowledge. You should also make an effort to keep your certification active.

The ability to expand one's skill set by earning more AWS certifications is the most significant opportunity for candidates. Nobody in the AWS industry is required to only play one position. For instance, if you pass the AWS Developer Associate exam, you can move on to the Amazon DevOps test.

3. Get your efforts recognized.

One important benefit of AWS certification that has to receive specific attention is the identification of certified specialists. Digital badges are given to AWS-qualified individuals. You can add these digital badges to your email signature and social media profiles to show off your certification success. AWS-sponsored exclusive certification events are immediately accessible with the use of digital badges. AWS re Invent's AWS Certification Lounges and certain AWS Summit events are also made accessible only with the help of digital badges.

You are also entitled to invitations to local appreciation banquets if you hold an AWS certification. Our answer to "Is AWS Certification Worth It?" has finally been formulated. Having an Amazon credential would bring a lot of recognition, which everyone would appreciate.

4. Demonstrate your levels of dedication.

In the evidence of your dedication, you can also find the advantages of AWS certification. Candidates who are contending for AWS credentials typically invest a lot of time and effort in order to pass the exams.  But before anything else, the candidates demonstrate their commitment to the Amazon platform by picking AWS certifications. AWS certification demonstrates a professional's expertise and commitment to the AWS platform. 

It is not simple to achieve AWS certification. Those that are able to pass the AWS exams and earn the certification have clearly put in a lot of time and effort. The certificate reflects the commitment of qualified professionals. Earning an AWS credential is one way to demonstrate your dedication and perseverance. 

5. Very minor obstacles exist to obtaining AWS certification

The AWS certification's convenience in comparison to other credentials is another advantage. Since they were first released in 2013, AWS credentials may now be obtained much more easily. There are several tools available right now that can assist you in getting the certification you want. The assistance of whitepapers, documentation, and instructor-led training sessions makes it straightforward for candidates to earn an AWS certification.

Amazon core services are also made accessible through alternative training formats, such as digital and virtual training. To get ready for an AWS certification test, candidates have convenient access to a bank of sample questions and practice exams. Thus, having flexibility in obtaining AWS certification would be desirable to many individuals.

6. Possibilities to broaden your professional network

As was previously mentioned, AWS certification enhances the credibility of certified personnel. The AWS Certified Global Community is a great resource for everyone who has earned their AWS credentials. The AWS Certified LinkedIn Community and other networking events are available to certified professionals.

In addition to growing your network locally, there are chances to expand it. With AWS certification training, attending meetings, conferences, and other business activities becomes simpler. It is now possible for you to communicate with a large number of individuals and expand your network in ways that would not have been possible before. 

7. Include other projects!

More projects could be in your future if you're a freelancer thanks to the advantages of an AWS certification! Clients are more likely to trust a freelancer's knowledge of AWS technology if they hold an AWS certification. You can obtain digital badges if you become certified in AWS, as we previously described. When appropriately included in digital signatures and social media platforms, digital badges may be a useful marketing tool. Hence, you can utilize the digital badge to establish your trust with clients and get higher earning chances.

8. Possibility of advancing to Subject Matter Expert status.

The AWS certification benefit that requires the most emphasis is the ability to participate in the Subject Matter Expert (SME) program. In order to participate in the AWS Subject Matter Expert (SME) program, professionals need to obtain certification. Candidates can learn more about Amazon services and feature sets through the SME program. Professionals can also take part as Subject Matter Experts in other seminars and the development of the test. Therefore, you can boost your credentials by adding a certification that recognizes your work on an industry-standard certification to your list of achievements.

9. Employers also receive advantages.

Employer benefits of AWS certification are the last benefit listed. Companies having employees who hold AWS certifications could join the Amazon Partner Network (APN). With the APN program, companies could apply for several tiers based on their qualifications. Consequently, with the aid of AWS-certified specialists, businesses may be able to achieve the position of an AWS partner.

As a result, companies can have access to a range of equipment and training that will let them provide customers with better services and support. The perks of the partner program vary depending on tier, and they get better as you move up the tiers. So, businesses with a larger number of AWS-certified professionals have a greater chance of realizing the greatest benefits.

What Is the Time Frame for AWS Certification?

The exam itself can last anywhere between 90 minutes (for a Cloud Practitioner certification) to 180 minutes (for a Professional-level certification), depending on the specific qualification. There is no precise number of weeks or months we could provide, but studying and preparing takes a lot longer than that. Every applicant is different because we all learn at a different rates and have varying amounts of free time to study each day.

According to the AWS Certification website, it takes six months to become a Cloud Practitioner, a year to become an Associate, and two years to become a Professional or Specialty. They are not, however, unchangeable; with careful planning, training, and perseverance, you may cut that time in half or even shorter.

What should one do to get ready for the AWS Certified Development Associate Exam?

Sincere preparation is necessary for the AWS certification exam. Likely, you won't do as well as you expect if you only give something half-hearted effort. It's possible that the best method of preparation for one individual is not the best method for another. Here are some recommendations and advice that could assist you in creating your personal study schedule, though.

  • Establish objectives for your studies each day.

  • everyday introspection

  • Join a community on AWS.

  • Establish both immediate and long-term objectives to track your success.

  • Create a project.

Of course, there is a tonne of study resources and materials available online. We have whittled down your options because it might be extremely overwhelming to pick only a few. The greatest ones are highlighted below for you to review:

  • YouTube

  • An AWS blog

  • official documentation from AWS

  • Official white papers from AWS

  • AWS training with instructors; compensated

Here is some broad but helpful advice to help you improve your test-taking readiness for the AWS certification exam:

  • Make sure you are knowledgeable about the foundations of cloud computing.

  • For introductory AWS tutorials, visit YouTube.

  • Examine the AWS documentation.

  • Participate in an online AWS course with an instructor to gain practical knowledge through industry-based AWS projects and assignments.

Developer Career Path with AWS

Due to the vendor-specific nature of the AWS certification, holders might anticipate employment opportunities with Amazon, at businesses that utilize the platform, or as consultants. A career in this technology is very promising and will offer stability because it is anticipated that AWS's popularity won't decline for many years to come. In addition, there are 11 additional AWS certifications for which you can train if you want to grasp this technology and raise your chances of succeeding in this industry.

Developer Careers at AWS

LinkedIn reports that there are currently more than 31,000 AWS engineer job opportunities in the United States and more than 7,000 job openings in India. AWS developers can choose from more than 5,000 open roles in the UK. Jora has around 7,900 job positions in Australia, whereas LinkedIn lists over 1,000 openings for AWS developers in Canada. The need for cloud professionals is great, as you can see.

Developer for AWS Pay

The following are some examples of the annual average pay for Amazon developers in various nations, as reported by PayScale:

The average annual compensation for AWS developers in India is 962,015 rupees. Amazon developers in the USA earn a yearly salary of $101,645. Canadian AWS engineers can anticipate an annual income of CA$89,811 on average. Australian AWS developers earn an average of AU$102,885 annually.

AWS Developers' Functions and Duties

An AWS Developer should be knowledgeable about all of the foundational AWS services. However, depending on where you are seeking a job, the infrastructure could be different. Several of the specifications that are frequently given for Amazon developer positions are shown below:

  • Knowledge of the fundamental AWS services.

  • Recommend alterations to the infrastructure of the present application.

  • Find and record the optimal practices for application deployment and infrastructure maintenance. 

  • No-downtime infrastructure migration to a highly available and scalable system.

  • Build a monitoring stack.

  • Conceive means for planning services capacity.

  • The CI/CD pipeline of an application should be implemented using the Amazon CI/CD stack.

  • Use CloudFormation or Terraform to write infrastructure as code (IaC).

  • A solid command of Linux and Unix administration.

  • Knowledgeable about Docker and Kubernetes.

  • Comprehension of best security practices, including the use of KMS and IAM roles, requires at least some programming language knowledge.

  • Knowledge of monitoring tools such as Prometheus, CloudWatch, and the ELK stack.

  • Exposure to sophisticated system design.

  • Knowledge of distributed system troubleshooting.

  • Knowledge of how to create and maintain cloud-native applications.

  • Knowledgeable about serverless techniques utilizing AWS Lambda.

AWS Certifications: An Important Career Move

It's time to select the AWS certification that best aligns with your future goals and start studying now that you are aware of exactly what an AWS certification is and why you might need one. Your time and effort will pay off in fantastic career prospects, and it will motivate you to keep working hard and moving forward for years to come.

Get the best AWS-Certified courses by Microtek Learning

The most popular course for cloud engineers is AWS training, and Microtek Learning is the top choice for this type of training. For anyone looking to pursue a career in cloud computing, Microtek Learning's broad selection of technical courses is invaluable.

The technical lectures and sessions are widely accessible to aspirants and assist them in covering many of the potential applications of the AWS techniques. Professional assistance from Microtek Learning gives you a better understanding of the various AWS storage services, which is very important to comprehend. It is possible to use EFS, S3, EBS, DynamoDB, and other services.

Applicants that have prior AWS experience can learn the necessary skills to demonstrate their expertise. The greatest solution to all the issues in enterprises and organizations is our technical AWS training classes. You will be trained by highly qualified professionals with extensive topic expertise; all of our instructors hold an AWS certification.

Your career and prospects based on cloud technologies will be improved by Microtek Learning's AWS training modules and prep courses, which will also improve your comprehension of various AWS techniques. The technical sessions led by our professionals are dynamic, and educational, and concentrate on the core of the highly sought-after AWS prospects. With our team, there is a lot of room to grow your knowledge of cloud computing approaches.

Be an AWS-certified Developer with courses offered by Microtek Learning on AWS!

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