What is Amazon Web Services (AWS)?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the most popular cloud service provider in the world, offering a wide range of cloud computing services to businesses and individuals. AWS certifications have become increasingly valuable as more and more companies move their workloads to the cloud. These certifications validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who work with AWS services, making them more employable and helping them advance in their careers.

In this article, we will explore the various AWS certifications that cater to different skill levels and job roles, along with their respective prerequisites.

Foundational Certifications

Foundational Certifications are aimed at beginners who are new to AWS and are intended to verify fundamental knowledge and competencies in AWS cloud computing. AWS offers only one Foundational Certification, which is the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – validates an individual’s understanding of the AWS Cloud, its global infrastructure, and the basic services offered by AWS. It also tests an individual’s knowledge of AWS Cloud economics, security, and compliance.

Associate Certifications

Associate Certifications cater to individuals who have prior experience in working with AWS services and aim to authenticate their proficiency and understanding. AWS offers three Associate Certifications, namely the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.



• AWS Certified Developer – Associate – is designed for individuals who develop and maintain applications on AWS.

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate – is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing and monitoring systems on AWS.

Professional Certifications

Professional Certifications are meant for individuals with significant experience in working with AWS services and who wish to demonstrate their advanced proficiency and knowledge. AWS provides two Professional Certifications, namely the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and deploying complex systems on AWS.

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional – is designed for individuals who are responsible for implementing and managing continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS.

Specialty Certifications

Specialty Certifications are intended for individuals with specialized knowledge in specific areas of AWS. At present, AWS offers seven Specialty Certifications, namely the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, AWS Certified Database – Specialty, AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty, and AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing advanced networking solutions on AWS.

• AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing data analytics solutions on AWS.

• AWS Certified Database – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing database solutions on AWS.

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models on AWS.

• AWS Certified Security – Specialty – is designed for individuals who are responsible for designing and implementing security solutions on AWS.

• AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty – is intended for individuals who have experience working with SAP systems and want to validate their skills and knowledge in deploying and managing SAP workloads on AWS infrastructure.

AWS certifications carry significant weight in the industry and can aid individuals in progressing in their careers. It does not matter if you are new to AWS or possess extensive experience in working with AWS services; there is a certification that can be beneficial to you.