In today’s fast-paced tech, where cloud computing reigns supreme, mastering Amazon Web Services (AWS) has become important for developers seeking to propel their careers to new heights. With AWS offering many certifications catering to various roles and expertise levels, it’s essential for developers to learn which certification aligns best with their career aspirations and skillsets.

In this blog, we will learn how to choose the ideal AWS certification for developers. We’ll learn about each certification, explore their relevance to developer roles, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.

This blog will help you in navigating the vast AWS certification. Let’s explore which AWS certification holds the key to unlocking your full potential as a developer.

What is AWS Certification?

AWS Certification is a credential awarded by Amazon Web Services (AWS) to individuals who demonstrate proficiency and expertise in various AWS cloud computing services. These certifications validate the technical skills and knowledge required to design, deploy, and manage applications on the AWS platform effectively.

AWS offers a range of certifications tailored to different roles and proficiency levels, including foundational, associate, professional, and specialty certifications. By earning an AWS Certification, individuals showcase their competence in using AWS services, which can enhance career opportunities, credibility, and earning potential in the rapidly growing field of cloud computing.

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Now that we’ve explored what an AWS certification is, let’s explore the top certifications that developers should consider to boost their expertise in Amazon Web Services.

Top AWS Certifications for Developers

The following are a few of the top AWS certifications for developers:

1. AWS Certified Developer – Associate 

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is designed for developers who want to build and maintain applications on the AWS platform. It validates a developer’s ability to design, develop, and deploy cloud-native applications using AWS services and tools.

Salary: In India, AWS Certified Developers typically earn around INR 4,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per year on average.

Exam Duration: 130 minutes

Exam Cost: $150 USD

Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Target audience

This certification is primarily targeted at application developers, software engineers, and programmers who work with AWS services and tools for application development.

Skills and knowledge tested

The certification exam tests the following skills and knowledge areas:

• Designing and deploying cloud-native applications on AWS
• Debugging issues and implementing best practices for application development
• Using AWS services like AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy, AWS CodePipeline, AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), and AWS CloudFormation
• Monitoring and optimizing application performance
• Building highly available, scalable, and fault-tolerant applications

Benefits for developers

• Demonstrates proficiency in building and deploying applications on AWS
• Validates hands-on experience with AWS developer services and tools
• Opens opportunities for advanced roles like AWS Cloud Developer, AWS Cloud Software Engineer, or AWS Cloud Architect
• Supports continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest AWS developer tools and best practices

Also Read: Does AWS Require Coding?

2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional 

The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification is designed for individuals who have expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform.

Salary: AWS Certified DevOps Engineers in India earn approximately INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 annually.

Exam Duration: 180 minutes

Exam Cost: $300 USD

Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Target audience

This certification is targeted at DevOps engineers, site reliability engineers (SREs), and developers who are responsible for automating and streamlining application deployment and infrastructure management processes on AWS.

Skills and knowledge tested 

The certification exam tests the following skills and knowledge areas:

• Implementing and managing continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS
• Implementing and automating secure and robust deployment processes
• Monitoring, logging, and auditing application and infrastructure metrics
• Implementing highly available and scalable systems
• Automating operational processes and infrastructure provisioning

Benefits for developers

• Validates expertise in automating application deployment and infrastructure management on AWS
• Demonstrates proficiency in implementing DevOps practices and continuous delivery pipelines
• Supports collaboration between development and operations teams
• Opens opportunities for advanced DevOps and site reliability engineering roles

Also Explore: DevOps Engineer Roles, Responsibilities and Job Description

3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate 

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification is designed for system administrators or operations professionals who manage and operate systems on AWS.

Salary: AWS Certified SysOps Administrators in India have an average salary ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 11,00,000 per year.

Exam Duration: 130 minutes

Exam Cost: $150 USD

Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Target audience

This certification is primarily targeted at system administrators, operations engineers, and developers who are responsible for managing and maintaining applications and infrastructure on AWS.

Skills and knowledge tested

The certification exam tests the following skills and knowledge areas:

• Migrating existing workloads to AWS
• Managing and deploying AWS resources using automation
• Monitoring and logging systems
• Implementing security and compliance measures
• Troubleshooting operational issues

Benefits for developers

• Provides an understanding of the operational aspects of running and maintaining applications on AWS
• Supports collaboration between development and operations teams
• Helps in troubleshooting and resolving operational issues
• Validates expertise in managing and maintaining AWS resources and infrastructure

Also Read: Top Product-Based Companies for Cloud Engineers 2024

4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is focused on designing and architecting secure, highly available, and fault-tolerant applications on AWS.

Salary: AWS Certified Solutions Architects in India earn about INR 4,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 annually.

Exam Duration: 130 minutes

Exam Cost: $150 USD

Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Target audience

This certification is targeted at solutions architects, cloud architects, and developers who are involved in the architectural design and decision-making process for applications deployed on AWS.

Skills and knowledge tested

The certification exam tests the following skills and knowledge areas:

• Designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS
• Selecting appropriate AWS services based on requirements
• Identifying appropriate use of AWS operational best practices
• Estimating costs for AWS solutions

Benefits for developers

• Enhances understanding of architectural patterns and best practices on AWS
• Supports collaboration with solutions architects and cloud architects
• Validates expertise in designing and architecting applications on AWS
• Provides a broader perspective on AWS services and their use cases

Also Explore About AWS Data Engineer: Comprehensive Guide to Your New Career [2024]

5. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification provides an overall understanding of the AWS Cloud and its services.

Salary: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioners typically start around INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 annually in India.

Exam Duration: 90 minutes

Exam Cost: $100 USD

Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Target audience

This certification is suitable for individuals who are new to AWS and want to gain foundational knowledge of the AWS platform, including developers, architects, system administrators, and non-technical roles.

Skills and knowledge tested

The certification exam tests the following skills and knowledge areas:

• Understanding the AWS Cloud value proposition
• Identifying key AWS services and their use cases
• Explaining cloud architecture design principles
• Describing AWS pricing models
• Applying security best practices in AWS
• Understanding AWS support services

Benefits for developers

• Provides a foundational understanding of the AWS Cloud and its services
• Supports developers who are new to AWS and want to get started
• Helps in identifying appropriate AWS services for specific use cases
• Builds a basic understanding of cloud architecture, security, and pricing models

With an overview of the top AWS certifications for developers in mind, the natural next step is determining the most optimal certification choice. Let’s learn which AWS certification best aligns with developers’ career goals and aspirations.

Which AWS Certification is Best For Developers? 

After exploring the different AWS certifications, the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification stands out as the most relevant and beneficial for developers working with AWS. Here’s why:

1. Focused on Application Development

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is specifically designed for developers who build and maintain applications on the AWS platform.

The certification exam extensively covers the essential AWS services and tools used for application development, such as AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodeDeploy, AWS CodePipeline, AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), and AWS CloudFormation.

By earning this certification, developers demonstrate their proficiency in using these services to build and deploy cloud-native applications on AWS.

2. Hands-on Experience

The certification exam requires hands-on experience with AWS services and tools used for application development. This ensures that certified developers have practical knowledge and can apply their skills effectively in real-world scenarios.

The exam tests a developer’s ability to design and deploy cloud-native applications, debug issues, implement best practices for application development, monitor and optimize application performance, and use AWS services for building highly available, scalable, and fault-tolerant applications.

Find Out 7 Popular Hands-on Labs for AWS To Get You Started!

3. Career Advancement

Earning the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification can open up opportunities for advanced roles, such as AWS Cloud Developer, AWS Cloud Software Engineer, or AWS Cloud Architect. It demonstrates a developer’s commitment to mastering cloud-native application development on AWS, which is highly valued by employers in the industry.

4. Continuous Learning

AWS frequently updates its services and introduces new features. The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification validates a developer’s commitment to continuous learning and keeping up-to-date with the latest AWS developer tools and best practices. This is essential in the rapidly evolving cloud computing landscape.

While other AWS certifications like DevOps Engineer – Professional, SysOps Administrator – Associate, Solutions Architect – Associate, and Cloud Practitioner are valuable in their respective domains, they are not as directly focused on application development as the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification.

For developers who work closely with DevOps teams or are responsible for automating deployment and infrastructure management processes, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification can be a complementary addition to the Developer – Associate certification.

Similarly, developers who are involved in the architectural design and decision-making process for applications deployed on AWS may find the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification beneficial to enhance their understanding of architectural patterns and best practices on AWS.

However, for developers primarily focused on building and maintaining cloud-native applications on AWS, the AWS Certified Developer-Associate certification remains the most relevant and comprehensive certification to pursue.

While AWS offers several certifications that can be valuable for developers, the AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification stands out as the best and most essential certification for developers working with AWS.

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It validates their expertise in using AWS services and tools for application development, building and deploying cloud-native applications, and implementing best practices for scalability, availability, and fault tolerance.

By earning this certification, developers demonstrate their commitment to mastering cloud-native application development on AWS and position themselves for career growth and success in the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape.

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Conclusion

When considering the best AWS certification, developers should reflect on their career goals, existing skill sets, and job responsibilities. Regardless of the chosen path, AWS certification holds immense value, signaling proficiency and dedication to mastering cloud technologies.

With determination and commitment, starting the AWS certification opens doors to exciting opportunities and professional growth in cloud computing.

Must Know About Top 5 Reasons Why You Fail The AWS Certification Exam and How to Overcome Them

FAQs

Which AWS certification should developers pursue first?

This largely depends on the developer’s current role, skill set, and career aspirations. However, for developers primarily focused on application development, the AWS Certified Developer-Associate is often recommended as a starting point.
It provides a solid foundation for developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform.

What if a developer is more interested in architectural design than application development?

In this case, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate might be the best fit. This certification focuses on designing distributed systems on AWS, making it suitable for developers interested in architectural design and collaboration with solutions architects.

How can developers determine which AWS certification aligns best with their career goals?

Developers should assess their career goals, current skill set, and job responsibilities. They can also research the job market to understand which certifications are in demand for their desired roles.
Additionally, seeking advice from peers or mentors who have pursued AWS certifications can provide valuable insights into which certification might be the most beneficial for their career path.