Key Takeaways:

  • AWS Certification Structure: Four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty with 10 certifications, catering to specific cloud expertise.
  • Role-Based Paths: Tailored for developers, architects, and administrators, progressing from foundational to in-depth knowledge.
  • Importance of Certification: In six years, AWS certifications gained massive support, driven by cloud adoption and AWS reliability.
  • Career and Salary Impact: AWS certifications propel careers, securing high-paying roles globally, showcased through USA and India salary statistics.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) training and certification help candidates to validate and build their cloud skills. Allowing them to contribute to the transformation of businesses who are overwhelmingly migrating to cloud computing For those that want a career path in AWS, there are many questions about the AWS certification for developers, including how many certifications there are, what is the cost of AWS exam and training, how long it takes to be certified, what kind of jobs are available, etc.

To help you navigate the options AWS affords the information enclosed in this article with aid you in understanding the general principles of AWS, what certifications are available, and the best path for most aspiring AWS developers.

AWS Certification

AWS certification is officially divided into four categories, with each category having a specific area of expertise. There are 10 different AWS certifications (as of writing this article) as shown below.

  • AWS FOUNDATIONAL LEVEL CERTIFICATION

    Includes one:

    AWS Cloud Practitioner - Foundational

    Scope: A basic understanding of AWS and the services it offers.
    Prerequisites: None
  • AWS ASSOCIATE LEVEL CERTIFICATIONS

    Includes three:
  1. AWS Solutions Architect – Associate
  2. AWS SysOps Administrator – Associate
  3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate

    AWS Certification

    Scope: Gets a little bit deeper about specific areas but still at a basic level
  • AWS PROFESSIONAL LEVEL CERTIFICATIONS

    Includes two:
  1. AWS Solutions Architect - Professional
  2. AWS DevOps Engineer - Professional

    Scope: A more detailed understanding of each of the different facets of AWS
  • AWS SPECIALTY CERTIFICATIONS

        Includes four:

  1. Advanced Networking - Specialty
  2. Security - Specialty
  3. Big Data - Specialty
  4. Machine Learning - Specialty

Scope: A detailed understanding of one specific area of expertise in AWS

From foundational to the professional level, all of these certifications offered by AWS are role-based and are designed specifically for developers, solutions architect, and system operations administrators.

Willing to learn all the cloud computing concepts from scratch? Enroll in our cloud computing course, get certified, and grab the job and salary you deserve!

Importance of AWS Certification

If you were to ask about the status of AWS certification back when it was launched in 2013, most people would give you a conservative forecast about its popularity in 2019. In just six years, AWS certifications have garnered significant support and demand. The support and demand are indicated by the high number of testing centers around the globe, as well as the multiple languages that offer an AWS course.

Today, the growth and support are predicted to continue for the foreseeable future as more and more enterprise and SMBs (small and medium businesses) continue to adopt cloud computing and the public cloud as a core part of their technology stack. In fact, most professionals and organizations alike see AWS as a thought leader and a point of reference in the cloud computing space because they are the most mature and reliable provider.  

Further evidence of the importance of AWS is what employers are willing to pay AWS professionals. In short, within a relatively short time, AWS certifications have managed to command top salaries when compared to other IT skills.

According to the 2018 IT salary skills report, conducted by Global Knowledge, the highest average IT salaries globally, are as follows:

  1. Business Architecture (e.g., TOGAF) Av. Salary $87,863
  2. Governance (e.g., COBIT, CGEIT) Av. Salary $84,420
  3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Av. Salary $84,108
  4. Knowledge Management (e.g. KCSF, KCSP) Av. Salary $82,823
  5. Security and Privacy (e.g., CEH, CISA, CIPM, CISSP) Av. Salary $82,652

If you are interested in obtaining an AWS certification, below is some useful information that will help you understand the different paths you can follow.

AWS Developer

AWS developer certification ensures that candidates can create and maintain applications running on AWS.

  • AWS Certified Developer- Associate
  • AWS Certified DevOps Engineer-Professional

AWS Solutions Architect

AWS Solutions Architect certification ensures that candidates can design distributed applications and systems on AWS.

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional

AWS SysOps Administrator

AWS SysOps Administrator certifications ensure that candidates can provide, operate, and manage distributed application systems on AWS.

  • AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
  • AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional

Specialty Certifications

AWS specialty certifications ensure that candidates have unique skill and expertise in specific IT areas while working in AWS.

  • AWS Certified Big Data - Specialty
  • AWS Certified Security - Specialty
  • AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty
  • AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty

Below is detailed information for those that are inclined to pursue AWS certification for developers.

AWS Certification for Developers

Let us discuss what certifications are ideal for developers and details regarding them.  

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

The AWS Developer Associate certification is meant for software developers with at least one year of experience in the design and maintenance of applications on the AWS platform. Candidates must have an in-depth working knowledge of one or more high-level programming languages.

What Are the Important Areas Covered in the Certification?

  • Writing code that interacts with AWS services by using APIs, SDKs & AWS CLI.
  • Write code for serverless applications
  • Choosing the right AWS services for migrating an existing application or optimizing application by using AWS services & features.
  • Code-level application security (including encryption, IAM roles, credentials, etc.)
  • Deploy code/application using CI/CD services

Prerequisites

The skills and knowledge required before undertaking this certification include:

  • 1+ years of hands-on experience in the development and maintenance of AWS-based applications
  • Comprehensive knowledge of more than one high-level programming language
  • An understanding of foundational AWS including, use and best practices
  • Proficiency in development and deployment of AWS cloud-based solutions
  • Practical experience and knowledge in developing and maintaining applications programmed for Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Simple Queue Service, Amazon Simple Storage Service, Amazon Simple Notification Service, AWS CloudFormation and AWS Elastic Beanstalk
  • Hands-on coding experience with AWS APIs
  • Understand AWS deployment tools and automation
  • Understand of storage options and consistency models
  • In-depth knowledge of one or more AWS SDKs

General IT Knowledge

  • Understand stateless and loosely coupled distributed applications
  • Basic understanding of RESTful API interfaces
  • Basic understanding of databases (relational and non-relational)
  • Basic knowledge of messaging and queuing services
  • Knowledge of RESTful Web Services, XML, and JSON
  • Basic knowledge of the software development lifecycle
  • Practical experience with application security (including X.509 certificates, public key encryption, access credentials, and SSH)

Key features

  • $299
  • 28 hrs. of instructor-led training
  • Three simulation exams and 16 live demos of AWS services
  • Three hands-on practice projects using AWS console
  • Practice assignment after every lesson

Exam Fee and Recertification

  • Exam Registration Fee: $150
  • Recertification is required every two years (email notification is sent to the candidate 6 months before the expiry of the certification credential)
  • Recertification is done either by taking another exam  or by passing a professional-level exam (AWS Solutions Architect – Professional/AWS DevOps Engineer - Professional)

Exam Duration and Structure

  • 80 min.
  • Multiple-choice questions

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

The certification covers a deep understanding of both static systems and systems that change over time. It also delves deeper into the design, provisioning, and maintenance of distributed systems and applications on the AWS platform as well as the life cycles of applications in general. The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification is a valuable progression between associate-level certifications and the Solutions Architect Professional certification.  

What Are the Important Areas Covered in the Certification?

  • Implementation and management of continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS
  • Understand, implement and automate governance processes, security controls, and compliance validation
  • Define and deploy systems on AWS (metrics monitoring, and logging systems)
  • Systems implementation on the AWS platform.
  • Design, management, and maintenance of tools used to automate operational processes

Prerequisites

The skills and knowledge required before undertaking this certification include:

  • AWS SysOps Administrator - Associate certification or AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification. This is not mandatory, but our recommendation based on the vast experience of training conducted for learners across the industry.
  • 2+ years of practical experience on AWS systems (production)
  • In-depth knowledge of AWS
  • Efficient use of Automation for infrastructure 
  • Strategies and techniques for modern development & maintenance of processes & methodologies.

Key features

  • $359
  • 28 hrs. of instructor-led training and in-depth blended learning
  • Lifetime access to on-demand video and course material
  • Three real Industry projects with integrated labs  
  • Full-time dedicated support with projects

Exam Fee and Recertification

  • Exam Registration Fee: $300
  • Recertification is required every two years (email notification is sent to the candidate 6 months before the expiry of the certification credential)

Exam Duration and Structure

  • 170 min.
  • Multiple-choice questions

Real-World Applications of AWS Developer Certifications

The real-world applications of AWS Developer Certifications are diverse and impactful. Certified AWS Developers possess the knowledge and skills to architect, develop, and optimize applications using AWS services. Some key real-world applications include:

  • Scalable Application Development

    • Certified developers excel in designing and building scalable applications that can handle varying workloads efficiently.
    • They leverage AWS services like AWS Lambda, EC2, and Auto Scaling to ensure applications meet performance demands.
  • Infrastructure Optimization

    • AWS-certified developers optimize infrastructure by implementing best practices for resource provisioning, cost management, and performance tuning.
    • Utilizing services such as Amazon CloudWatch and AWS Auto Scaling, they ensure optimal resource utilization.
  • Serverless Architecture Implementation

    • Developers leverage serverless architecture using AWS Lambda to build applications without the need to manage servers.
    • AWS Developer Certifications equip professionals to design and implement serverless solutions efficiently.
  • Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD)

    • Certified developers implement robust CI/CD pipelines using AWS CodePipeline and AWS CodeDeploy, automating the software development lifecycle.
    • They ensure reliable and rapid delivery of applications with minimal downtime.
  • Microservices Development

    • AWS-certified developers excel in designing, deploying, and managing microservices architectures using AWS services like Amazon ECS and AWS Fargate.
    • They build resilient and scalable applications by leveraging containerization.
  • Data Storage and Management

    • Certified developers proficiently manage data with AWS services like Amazon S3, DynamoDB, and Amazon RDS.
    • They design and implement reliable and scalable data storage solutions based on specific application requirements.
  • Security Implementation

    • AWS Developer Certifications equip professionals to implement robust security measures, ensuring data privacy and compliance.
    • They use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and other security services to secure applications and infrastructure.
  • Integration with AWS Services

    • Certified developers seamlessly integrate applications with various AWS services, fostering interoperability.
    • They leverage services like Amazon SQS, SNS, and API Gateway for efficient communication between components.

AWS Developer Certifications empower professionals to apply their expertise across a spectrum of real-world scenarios, enhancing the efficiency, scalability, and security of cloud-based applications and infrastructure.

AWS Certification and Career Advancement

AWS Certification acts as a powerful catalyst for career advancement, propelling professionals into new realms of opportunities and recognition. Success stories abound as individuals with AWS certifications witness remarkable career growth, attributing their achievements to the distinguished expertise gained through certification. These credentials are not merely badges; they are the keys unlocking promotions, transitions to specialized roles, and negotiations for elevated compensation packages.

Employers increasingly value AWS-certified professionals, recognizing their unique ability to navigate the intricacies of cloud development. Insights from hiring managers underscore the competitive edge AWS certifications provide in the job market, as these credentials become synonymous with a commitment to excellence and up-to-date industry knowledge.

AWS certifications empower developers to chart their course toward more challenging roles, leadership positions, and specialized domains within the AWS ecosystem. Beyond technical proficiency, these certifications showcase dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of cloud technologies.

In the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, AWS Certification is not just a testament to skills; it is a strategic investment in one's professional journey, positioning individuals as indispensable contributors to the evolving world of cloud technology. As the demand for cloud expertise continues to surge, AWS certifications stand as the cornerstone for professionals seeking not just jobs but thriving careers in the forefront of technological innovation.

Below are some useful statistics on AWS developer certification. The first image shows AWS certification, among other IT certifications in the global landscape. The rest of the information shows AWS developer courses in two countries, the USA and India.

Top 20 Highest Paying Certifications

Figure 1: Top 20 global IT skills salaries

AWS Certified Developer – Associate

AWS Developer Associate Professionals by Country

Figure 2: AWS Certified Developer – Associate professionals by country

AWS Developer Associate - Top Companies Hiring

Figure 3: AWS Certified Developer – Associate top companies hiring

AWS Developer Salary in the USA

Average AWS Certified Developer - Associate salary in the US: $96K

Average salary by skill/specialty

Average AWS Salary by skill and speciality - USA

Top Employers/Companies Hiring:

  • Amazon.com Inc - $111,573 - $161,171
  • Capital One Financial Corp - $70,957 - $128,108
  • Booz, Allen, and Hamilton - $67,708 - $96,650
  • Slalom Consulting - $75,000 - $127,500
  • Accenture - $102,500 - $131,984

Years of Experience:

  • Less than 1 year 1%
  • 1-4 years 48%
  • 5-9 years 22%
  • 10-19 years 21%
  • 20 years or more 7%

Gender:

  • Female: 11% - $66,040 - $110,141
  • Male: 89% - $64,884 - $123,568

AWS Developer Salary in India

Average AWS Certified Developer - Associate salary in India: Rs 690K

Average salary by skill/specialty

Average AWS Salary by skill and speciality - India

Top Employers/Companies Hiring:

  • Tata Consultancy Services Limited - Rs 378,000 - Rs 489,250
  • Wipro Technologies Ltd. - Rs 997,000
  • Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp - Rs 550,000
  • Accenture Technology Solutions - Rs 800,000
  • Mindtree Consulting - Rs 499,001

Years of Experience:

  • Less than 1 year 3%
  • 1-4 years 56%
  • 5-9 years 28%
  • 10-19 years 13%

Gender:

  • Female: 9% - Rs Rs 550,000 - Rs 859,884
  • Male: 91% - RsRs 335,481 - Rs 1,435,723

AWS DevOps Engineer – Professional

AWS DevOps Engineer Professional by Country - 1

Figure 4: AWS DevOps Engineer – Professionals by country

AWS DevOps Engineer Professional by Country - 2

Figure 5: AWS DevOps Engineer – top companies, hiring

AWS DevOps Engineer Professional Salary in the USA

Average AWS DevOps Engineer Salary in the USA: $118K

Average salary by skill/specialty

Average AWS DevOps Engineer Salary in USA

Top Employers/Companies Hiring:

  • Amazon.com Inc $110,000 - $160,000

Years of Experience:

  • Less than 1 year 4%
  • 1-4 years 30%
  • 5-9 years 30%
  • 10-19 years 25%
  • 20 years or more 11%

Gender:

  • Female: 2% - Salary Data Not Available
  • Male: 98% - $67,871 - $139,249

AWS DevOps Engineer Professional Salary in INDIA

Average AWS DevOps Engineer salary in India: Rs 1M

Average salary by skill/specialty

Average AWS DevOps Engineer Salary in India

Top Cities Hiring:

  • Bangalore, Karnataka Rs 650,000 - Rs 2,300,000

Years of Experience:

  • Less than 1 year 4%
  • 1-4 years 30%
  • 5-9 years 39%
  • 10-19 years 26%

Gender:

  • Female: Data Not Available
  • Male: Data Not Available

Conclusion

The information mentioned above clearly shows that Amazon Web Services certifications such as AWS Cloud Architect can open the doors to many challenging job opportunities in your IT career. So, what are you waiting for? Gain expertise in AWS with Simplilearn’s AWS training programs. You can also leave a comment for any issues related to AWS certification.

Our Cloud Computing Courses Duration and Fees

Cloud Computing Courses typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.

Program NameDurationFees
Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing

Cohort Starts: 20 Mar, 2024

8 Months$ 4,500
AWS Cloud Architect11 Months$ 1,299
Cloud Architect11 Months$ 1,449
Microsoft Azure Cloud Architect11 Months$ 1,499
Azure DevOps Solutions Expert6 Months$ 1,649

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