AWS Certification Cost, Types, Benefits, & Exam Details

Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications have become increasingly popular as organizations worldwide adopt cloud computing. AWS offers a range of certifications catering to various roles and expertise levels. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the cost of AWS certifications, the different types available, the benefits of obtaining these certifications, and the details of the certification exams.

What is AWS Certification?

AWS certifications validate your expertise in cloud computing on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. Designed for various roles and skill levels, these certifications cover a range of cloud services and technologies, including computing power, storage, databases, machine learning, and more. Achieving AWS certification demonstrates your proficiency in designing, deploying, and managing AWS solutions, making you a sought-after professional in the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing. Whether you’re an architect, developer, sysops administrator, or specialize in a specific domain, AWS certifications provide a recognized and credible way to showcase your skills to potential employers and clients.

AWS Certification Cost

AWS Certification exams cost varies by level: Foundational exams are $100, Associate-level exams are $150, and Professional and Specialty exams are $300 each. These prices reflect the cost to take the exam; training courses and materials may incur additional costs. Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Associate-level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
   • Exam Code: SAA-C02
   • Cost: $150 USD
2. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
   • Exam Code: DVA-C01
   • Cost: $150 USD
3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
   • Exam Code: SOA-C02
   • Cost: $150 USD

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Professional-level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
   • Exam Code: SAP-C01
   • Cost: $300 USD
2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
   • Exam Code: DOP-C01
   • Cost: $300 USD
3. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
   • Exam Code: MLS-C01
   • Cost: $300 USD

Specialty Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
   • Exam Code: ANS-C00
   • Cost: $300 USD
2. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
   • Exam Code: SCS-C01
   • Cost: $300 USD
3. AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
   • Exam Code: AXS-C01
   • Cost: $300 USD

Foundational-level Certification:

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
   • Exam Code: CLF-C01
   • Cost: $100 USD

These prices are for the exam only and do not include the cost of additional study materials or training courses. AWS occasionally offers discounts or exam vouchers as part of training programs, so it’s worth checking for any promotions.

Types of AWS Certifications

AWS certifications are categorized into four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty.

1. Foundational Certification:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01):

• Target Audience: Individuals with basic AWS Cloud knowledge.
• Overview: This certification provides a foundational understanding of AWS Cloud services and is suitable for individuals in non-technical roles.

2. Associate-level Certifications:

a. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02):

• Target Audience: Solutions architects, solution design engineers.
• Overview: Focuses on designing distributed systems and architectures on AWS.

b. AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C01):

• Target Audience: Software developers.
• Overview: Validates proficiency in developing and maintaining applications on AWS.

c. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02):

• Target Audience: System administrators, operations team members.
• Overview: Tests operational expertise in deploying, managing, and operating scalable systems on AWS.

3. Professional-level Certifications:

a. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C01):

• Target Audience: Experienced solutions architects.
• Overview: Focuses on advanced skills in designing distributed systems and architectures on AWS.

b. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (DOP-C01):

• Target Audience: DevOps professionals.
• Overview: Validates advanced technical skills in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform.

c. AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (MLS-C01):

• Target Audience: Machine learning practitioners.
• Overview: Focuses on machine learning implementation and data science on AWS.

4. Specialty Certifications:

a. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C00):

• Target Audience: Networking professionals.
• Overview: Validates advanced networking skills on AWS.

b. AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C01):

• Target Audience: Security professionals.
• Overview: Focuses on securing applications, data, and networks on AWS.

c. AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty (AXS-C01):

• Target Audience: Alexa skill developers.
• Overview: Validates the ability to build, test, and publish Amazon Alexa skills.

Benefits of AWS Certifications

Obtaining an AWS certification offers numerous benefits for both individuals and organizations.

1. Career Advancement:

• Market Demand: With the increasing adoption of cloud technologies, AWS-certified professionals are in high demand. Employers seek individuals with proven expertise in AWS services and solutions.
• Salary Boost: AWS certifications are often associated with higher salaries. Certified professionals generally command better compensation packages compared to their non-certified counterparts.

2. Skill Validation:

• Credibility: AWS certifications are recognized globally and validate your expertise in cloud computing. They serve as a credible proof of your skills and knowledge.
• Stay Current: AWS regularly updates its services and features. By pursuing certifications, professionals stay current with the latest advancements in cloud technology.

3. Increased Productivity:

• Efficient Solutions: Certification training equips individuals with the skills to design and implement efficient solutions on the AWS platform, contributing to increased productivity and operational excellence.
• Problem Resolution: Certified professionals are better equipped to troubleshoot issues and optimize AWS environments, leading to reduced downtime and improved system performance.

4. Organizational Benefits:

• AWS Partner Network (APN) Requirements: Some AWS Partner Network organizations require a certain number of certified professionals to achieve specific partner levels. Certification can contribute to an organization’s APN status.
• Skill Diversity: A team with diverse AWS certifications can address a broad range of tasks, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within an organization.

5. Personal Development:

• Continuous Learning: AWS certifications encourage continuous learning and professional development. They provide a structured path for individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Community Engagement: AWS certified professionals often engage with a global community of experts, sharing insights and staying connected with industry trends.

AWS Certification Exam Details

1. Registration:

• AWS Training and Certification Portal: Candidates can register for exams through the official AWS Training and Certification portal. The portal provides information on available exam slots and locations.
• Pearson VUE: AWS certification exams are administered by Pearson VUE, a third-party testing provider. Candidates can choose a convenient testing center or opt for online proctoring.

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2. Exam Format:

• Question Types: Exams include various question types, such as multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and scenario-based questions.
• Duration: Exam durations vary based on the certification level. Associate-level exams typically last 130 minutes, while professional-level and specialty exams may take 180 minutes.

3. Preparation:

• Training Courses: AWS offers official training courses for each certification. These courses cover the exam objectives and provide hands-on experience with AWS services.
• Exam Readiness Workshops: AWS offers exam readiness workshops to help candidates understand the structure of the exams and prepare effectively.

4. Recertification:

• Validity: AWS certifications are valid for three years. After this period, candidates need to recertify to demonstrate their continued proficiency in AWS.
• Recertification Exam: Candidates can choose to retake the current version of the exam or take a higher-level exam within the same certification track for recertification.

5. Exam Scoring:

• Passing Score: The passing score for AWS certification exams is not predefined. AWS uses a scaled scoring model, and the passing score may vary from one exam to another.
• Score Reports: Candidates receive a score report indicating their performance in different domains. This report helps identify areas of strength and areas that may require further study.

Conclusion:

AWS certifications play a pivotal role in advancing careers, validating skills, and keeping professionals abreast of the latest cloud computing technologies. The diverse range of certifications caters to individuals at different proficiency levels and in various roles within the IT industry. While the cost of certification exams may vary, the benefits, including career advancement, industry recognition, and increased earning potential, make AWS certifications a valuable investment in one’s professional development. Exam details, such as format, duration, and preparation strategies, should be thoroughly understood by candidates aiming for success in their AWS certification journey.

FAQs:

Q1: What are the different types of AWS Certifications available?

A: AWS offers several certification tracks to suit different expertise levels and job roles, including:

• Foundational: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• Associate: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
• Professional: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
• Specialty: AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, among others.

Q2: How much does it cost to get an AWS Certification?

A: The cost of AWS Certifications varies by level:

• Foundational: The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam costs about $100 USD.
• Associate: Each Associate level exam costs approximately $150 USD.
• Professional and Specialty: Both Professional and Specialty exams are priced at around $300 USD each.

Prices may vary slightly by region and are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official AWS Certification website for the most current information.

Q3: Are there any additional costs associated with AWS Certifications?

A: Beyond the exam fees, additional costs might include optional preparation materials, such as practice exams or training courses. AWS offers digital training courses for free, but instructor-led training and other third-party resources may incur additional costs.

Q4: Can I retake an AWS Certification exam if I fail?

A: Yes, you can retake the exam. However, there is a 14-day waiting period before you can retake it. You must pay the full exam fee each time you retake an exam.

Q5: Does AWS offer any discounts for certification exams?

A: AWS offers a 50% discount on the exam fee for your next exam after passing an AWS Certification exam. This benefit can be used for any future exam registration. Additionally, employees of AWS Partner Network (APN) firms may have access to discounts or vouchers as part of their company’s partnership benefits.

Q6: How long is an AWS Certification valid?

A: AWS Certifications are valid for three years from the date of certification. To maintain your AWS Certification status, you must recertify before your certification expires.

Q7: What is the process for scheduling an AWS Certification exam?

A: You can schedule an AWS Certification exam through the AWS Certification account. The exams are administered by testing centers or can be taken online as a proctored exam. You’ll need to create an account on the AWS Training and Certification portal to register for an exam.