Introduction

AWS (Amazon Web Services) has taken the world of cloud computing by storm, and AWS certification has become a sought-after credential for IT professionals and employers alike. This guide aims to help you navigate the intricacies of attaining an AWS certification, including the paths, costs, training, and login processes, as well as the courses on offer.

Unlocking the Potential: AWS Certification

AWS certification is a level of Amazon Web Services cloud expertise that an IT professional obtains after passing one or more exams the public cloud provider offers. IT pros gain AWS certifications to demonstrate and validate technical cloud knowledge and skills. But why is this certification so important?

1. Increased Demand: With the majority of businesses moving to cloud-based solutions, AWS certification has seen a surge in demand. It’s an excellent addition to your resume.
2. Improved Earning Potential: AWS certified professionals earn more than their non-certified counterparts. According to the AWS salary survey, AWS Certified Solutions Architects earn, on average, over $130,000.
3. Recognition: AWS Certification distinguishes you by validating your cloud expertise and providing you with benefits such as access to the AWS Certified Global Community, use of the AWS Certified logo, invitations to regional appreciation events, and more.

So, how do you get started on this rewarding journey?

A Path to Success: AWS Certification Path

The AWS certification path is divided into four main levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. The certification path you choose depends on your role, experience, and the skills you want to acquire.

• Foundational: This level is intended for individuals who are new to AWS and requires at least six months of AWS Cloud experience. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the only foundational level certification available.
• Associate: This level requires at least one year of experience in solving problems and implementing solutions using the AWS Cloud. AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator are the certifications at this level.
• Professional: This level requires two years of comprehensive experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions using AWS Cloud. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional are the certifications at this level.
• Specialty: This level is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate specialized knowledge in specific technical areas. Certifications in this level include AWS Certified Advanced Networking, AWS Certified Data Analytics, AWS Certified Security, and several others.

You can find a more detailed view of the AWS certification path on the official AWS website.

Investing in Your Future: AWS Certification Cost

One cannot put a price on success, but for practicality’s sake, knowing the AWS certification cost is essential. Each certification level comes with its own price tag:

• Foundational Level: The cost of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam is $100.
• Associate Level: Exams at this level cost $150 each.
• Professional and Specialty Levels: Exams at both these levels cost $300 each.

It’s important to note that these are the costs of the exams themselves. The cost of training and other resources are separate and depend on the method of study you choose. Keep in mind that the benefits and career boost you get from being AWS certified far outweigh the costs.

Empowering You: AWS Certification Training

The key to acing AWS certifications is the AWS certification training. AWS provides various training resources, including:

• AWS Training and Certification: This resource provides a range of free and paid offerings to help you learn about AWS services.
• Exam Readiness Training: These free online training courses are offered by AWS. They provide you with an understanding of the exam objectives.
• AWS Learning Library: This resource provides hundreds of free, on-demand digital training courses.

However, training isn’t limited to AWS resources. There are other training platforms like Udemy, A Cloud Guru, and Coursera that provide comprehensive training for AWS certification exams.

Taking the First Step: AWS Certification Login

The AWS certification login is your gateway to starting your certification journey. The process is quite straightforward:

1. Create an AWS Training and Certification account here.
2. Once you’ve created your account, you’ll be able to access your AWS Certification Account.
3. From here, you can schedule your exam, view your exam history, and access your digital badges, among other things.

Remember, this is a crucial step in your AWS certification journey, so don’t skip it!

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Honing Your Skills: AWS Certification Course with Reference Links

Selecting the right AWS certification course is pivotal to your success. AWS provides a comprehensive range of courses tailored to the needs of different professionals. Whether you’re a developer, solutions architect, or sysops administrator, there’s a course that’s just right for you.

Some noteworthy courses include:

• Architecting on AWS: This course covers the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on AWS and is designed to teach solutions architects how to optimize the use of the AWS Cloud.
• Developing on AWS: This course helps developers understand how to use the AWS SDK to develop secure and scalable cloud applications.

To view the full range of AWS courses, visit the AWS Training and Certification webpage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion

In today’s rapidly changing tech landscape, having an AWS certification can set you apart. Despite the associated cost, the return on investment, in terms of knowledge, skill, and career opportunities, is immeasurable. By choosing the right certification path and enrolling in the appropriate training courses, you set yourself up for success in the world of cloud computing. The journey might seem daunting, but remember that every journey begins with a single step. So, why not log in and start your AWS certification journey today?