For professionals who want to deepen and demonstrate their understanding of AWS solutions, an AWS Certification is a great option. However, as with any certification, many people question whether or not it’s worthwhile. This will help you decide whether it is right for you.
What Is an AWS Certification?
An AWS Certification is a professional certification that shows you meet a certain set of requirements for understanding and using AWS services. There are many variations of AWS certifications available. These are the main certification tracks you can pursue:
AWS Cloud Practitioner: This is the starting certification and shows you have a solid overall understanding of AWS cloud services. You typically need to attain this before moving on to other certifications.
AWS Architect: This certification track focuses on the high-level planning of AWS solutions. Typically, these certifications require practical experience working with AWS.
AWS Developer: This track focuses on creating applications for the cloud. This is a great option for someone who wants to work as a SaaS developer, for example.
AWS Operations: These certifications focus on DevOps and other operations skills, such as learning to automate apps, networks and systems using the cloud.
There are also several specialty certifications for topics such as machine learning, Alexa, and security. Regardless of the certification you choose, you will likely need to complete a course and a certification exam. Exams are administered by AWS’s partners, Pearson VUE and PSI.
What Are the Benefits of an AWS Certification?
For many people, an AWS Certification is a worthwhile investment. These are some of the benefits certification holders can take advantage of:
Increased Earning Potential: An AWS Certification can help you to increase your compensation by an additional $10,000 per year or more, in some cases. Professionals with certifications are more in-demand and tend to be able to request higher pay.
Increased Curb Appeal: Along those same lines, people with certifications tend to attract more immediate attention from employers. Anyone who has experienced a long-lasting job search knows the value of getting noticed quickly.
Demonstrated Knowledge: With a certification, you have an easy way of showing that you know the ins and outs of AWS. This can open up plenty of new opportunities.
Naturally, the significance of each of these benefits is unique to each situation. If you have extensive, proven experience with AWS, the certification may not be as helpful as if you are early in your career, where a certification could have a huge impact. Nonetheless, a majority of the people who pursue an AWS Certification experience pay increases and career advancement.
What Are the Drawbacks?
The drawbacks when pursuing a certification are scarce. You’ll need to invest time into preparing for the exam and pay a small fee. Beyond the time and money involved, there are no reasons not to pursue an AWS Certification.
Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
The big question is whether or not the AWS Certification is worth it. If you’re interested in working with the cloud, it’s certainly a good option for you. A certification will make you a more desirable prospective employee and increase your earning potential.
Furthermore, many concepts are transferable to other public cloud platforms. If you expect to be working with Azure, Google or another cloud service, there may be more specific certification requirements. Despite this, many employers recognize individuals who are experts in AWS are likely to be able to transfer their skills to other platforms.
Explore AWS and Other Cloud Certifications
If you think that an AWS Certification may be right for you, start learning more about the prep and the exam. For any cloud professional, this could be a pathway to a brighter career future.
