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AWS Certification Cost and Type of AWS Certification Exam
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17th Nov, 2023
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Cloud computing has become a widely adopted technology in recent years. From startup to multinational companies, organizations are increasingly migrating their applications to the cloud to leverage its numerous benefits. These advantages include faster time to market, scalability, flexibility, cost savings, and advanced security features.
Notably, there are several prominent cloud service providers in the market, such as Amazon AWS, Google GCP, and Microsoft Azure.
If you want to enhance your job prospects, learning cloud computing and obtaining cloud certifications can be highly advantageous. In this blog, we will focus on the certifications offered by Amazon AWS. We will specifically talk about the AWS certification exam, AWS certification cost, and Amazon certification path. Additionally, we will delve into the detailed AWS certification price for different exams.
Overview of AWS Certification
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform offered by Amazon, which provides various services like server hosting, storage, networking, computing, migration, email, mobile app development, and security solutions. This extensive suite of services has attracted numerous companies, leading to a surge in demand for professionals capable of building, operating, and managing AWS environments. Obtaining an AWS certification demonstrates your technical proficiency and expertise in managing, developing, and sustaining AWS systems. As a leading player in the cloud market, AWS holds significant value for individuals working in the technology industry.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are industry-recognized credentials that validate your expertise and skills in various AWS cloud services. These certifications cater to different roles and proficiency levels, offering specialized recognition for various professionals. By obtaining an AWS certification, you not only demonstrate your expertise but also gain an industry-recognized validation of your skills.
Moreover, AWS certification serves to enhance your proficiency further. It is essential to undergo AWS training to maximize your chances of successfully passing the exam on your first attempt. To learn more about AWS cloud, you can enroll in our meticulously crafted course Cloud Engineer training.
Top AWS Certification Costs and Type
AWS certifications are mostly divided into four categories. Let's explore the different certification paths available and their associated AWS certification exam cost for each category.
1. Foundational:
In the foundational category, there is a single certification as mentioned below.
a. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:
This certificate exam validates foundational, high-level understanding of AWS Cloud, services, and terminology. This is an excellent entry point for individuals without prior IT or cloud experience who are transitioning into a cloud-focused career or for business professionals seeking essential cloud literacy.
Exam Details:
- Exam format: 65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
- Exam duration: 90 minutes
- Aws certification cost: 100 USD
2. Associate:
In the Associate category, there are three certifications listed below. This level represents a progression from the Practitioner certification and targets individuals with relatively more AWS experience. The Associate certifications are role-based and demonstrate your expertise in AWS, establishing your credibility as a skilled AWS Cloud professional. While this exam does not mandate extensive hands-on coding experience, having familiarity with basic programming concepts can be beneficial.
This category includes the following advanced certifications.
a. AWS Certified Developer Associate:
AWS Certified Developer - Associate showcases knowledge and understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices, and proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications by using AWS.
b. AWS Certified Solution Architect Associate:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology, across a wide range of AWS services. The focus of this certification is on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
c. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate:
This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives.
Exam Details:
- Exam format: 65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
- Exam duration: 130 minutes
- Aws certification cost: 150 USD
3. Professional:
In the Professional category, there are two certifications listed below. This level represents a progression from the Associate certification and targets individuals with relatively more AWS experience.
This category includes the following advanced certifications.
a. AWS Certified Solution Architect Professional:
This credential helps certified individuals showcase advanced knowledge and skills in providing complex solutions to complex problems, optimizing security, cost, and performance, and automating manual processes.
b. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional:
The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional showcases individuals’ technical expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform, giving them increased confidence and credibility with peers, stakeholders, and customers.
Exam Details:
- Exam format: 75 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
- Exam duration: 180 minutes
- Aws certification cost: 300 USD
4. Specialty:
In the Specialty category, there are six certifications as listed below. These certificates dive deeper and position yourself as a trusted advisor to your stakeholders and/or customers in these strategic areas.
This category includes the following advanced certifications.
a. AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty:
This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty validates expertise in designing and maintaining network architecture for the breadth of AWS services.
b. AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty:
This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty validates expertise in using AWS data lakes and analytics services to get insights from data.
c. AWS Certified Database Specialty:
This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning AWS Certified Database – Specialty validates expertise in recommending, designing, and maintaining optimal AWS database solutions.
d. AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty:
This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty validates expertise in building, training, tuning, and deploying machine learning (ML) models on AWS.
e. AWS Certified Security Specialty:
This credential validates your expertise in creating and implementing security solutions in the AWS Cloud. This certification also validates your understanding of specialized data classifications and AWS data protection mechanisms; data-encryption methods and AWS mechanisms to implement them; and secure internet protocols and AWS mechanisms to implement them.
f. AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty:
This certification validates expertise in designing, implementing, migrating, and operating SAP workloads on AWS. Organizations can now identify and develop the right talent with critical knowledge and skills in optimizing SAP workloads on AWS.
Exam Details:
- Exam format: 65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response
- Exam duration: 170 minutes
- Aws certification cost: 300 USD
AWS also provides certifications based on roles. Below image shows recommended certifications based on roles.
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Guide to AWS Certification
Thinking about getting an AWS certification? Great choice! Here's a quick guide to help you through the steps.
1. Choose the Right Certification:
There are a number of different certifications provided by AWS. Review the available AWS certifications and select the one that aligns with your current job role, experience level, and career goals. Start with foundational certifications if you are new to AWS.
2. Study and Training:
There are online courses available to help you prepare for AWS certifications.
3. Hands-on Experience:
Having hands-on experience is crucial for mastering AWS services. Create a free AWS account and experiment with the various services to gain hands-on experience.
4. Schedule and Take the Exams:
Once you feel confident in your preparation, schedule the exam through the AWS Certification website.
5. Review the Results:
After completing the exam, you will receive the results immediately. If you pass, congratulations! If not, review the areas where you didn't perform well and work on improving your knowledge before attempting the exam again.
6. Maintain and Renew Certification:
Some AWS certifications require periodic renewal to stay current. Stay updated with the latest AWS services and best practices to maintain your certification's validity.
7. Continuous Learning:
AWS constantly evolves, introducing new services and updates. Stay engaged with the AWS community, attend webinars, conferences, and consider pursuing higher-level certifications to further advance your career.
Once you get your AWS certification, it's just the start. Keep learning and stay involved with the AWS community to keep up with the latest in cloud technology.
Benefits of AWS Certificate
AWS Certification validates cloud expertise to help professionals highlight in-demand skills and organizations build effective, innovative teams for cloud initiatives using AWS. AWS certifications assist employers in locating skilled cloud professionals, enabling you to validate your technical expertise, granting access to the AWS Accredited LinkedIn Network, and more.
By obtaining AWS certifications,
- You can validate your skills and expertise in the leading cloud computing platform,
- You can showcase credibility and commitment to your cloud computing career path.
- Opens doors to a community of like-minded peers and AWS thought leaders.
- Allow you to leverage the benefits of the AWS shared security responsibility model.
Acquiring an AWS certification not only propels your professional journey in cloud computing but also places you amidst a community of experts, ensuring you stay updated and competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Salary after AWS Certification
The IT industry has a strong demand for cloud professionals, and AWS certifications are highly regarded by employers. Below you can see salary of professionals who have acquired AWS certifications. Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on market demand, your experience level, and the company's size and industry.
Certification | Salary range |
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | $70,000 - $130,000 per year |
AWS Certified Developer – Associate | $90,000 - $150,000 per year |
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate | $90,000 - $150,000 per year |
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | $100,000 - $160,000 per year |
AWS Certified Developer – Professional | $110,000 - $180,000 per year |
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional | $120,000 - $190,000 per year |
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | $120,000 - $200,000+ per year |
AWS Certified Security – Specialty | $100,000 - $180,000 per year |
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty | $100,000 - $170,000 per year |
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty | $100,000 - $170,000 per year |
Conclusion
Preparation and dedication are essential for success in AWS certifications. Take your time, understand the concepts thoroughly, and use practical experience to reinforce your knowledge. Acquiring an AWS certification has the potential to enhance your career opportunities and affirm your proficiency in cloud computing. Check out KnowledgeHut best way to learn Cloud Computing course to get the best preparation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there any additional costs associated with AWS certification?
The Cloud Practitioner exam is 100 USD. Associate-level exams are 150 USD. Professional-level and Specialty exams are 300 USD. There are no additional costs apart from the registration cost.
2. Can I retake an AWS certification exam if I fail? If so, is there an additional cost?
If you fail an exam, you must wait 14 days before you are eligible to retake the exam. There is no limit on exam attempts. However, you must pay the full registration fee for each exam attempt. Once you have passed an exam, you will not be able to retake the same exam for two years. If the exam has been updated with a new exam guide and exam series code, you will be eligible to take the new exam version.
3. Are there any costs associated with maintaining an AWS certification?
No. There is no. cost associated with maintaining an AWS certification, however every aws certificate has an expiry, hence you must renew it after it expires.
4. Do the costs vary for different regions or countries?
Cost is the same across countries in US dollars, however; dollar value may vary based on the country.
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