There’s a never ending debate in the tech landscape about the importance of certifications like the Amazon AWS certification. There are several schools of thoughts; some for and other against getting certified.
So it’s not unusual to feel unsure about your decision to get an AWS certification.
If you want an answer to the question of whether the AWS certification is still relevant, then keep reading.
What is AWS Certification?
Amazon Web Services awards “AWS Certification” to individuals who demonstrate specific skills, knowledge, and abilities. You’ll get the certification after passing an AWS exam (or exams) as proof of your cloud competency.
There are several exams for cloud engineers, administrators, and architects and they’re designed to prepare you for a specific cloud career.
You can choose one of four paths:
- Cloud administrator: become a cloud administrator by learning the principles and best practices of cloud computing.
- Cloud Architect: learn how to create highly available systems.
- Cloud Developer: learn how to create cloud-based applications.
- Cloud Engineer: Learn how to automate cloud apps, work on networks, and more.
Is AWS Worth It In 2022?
If you want to know whether an AWS certification can help you grow your career, get a higher-paying job, and earn more money, the short answer is yes.
These facts attests to that.
- According to Indeed research, AWS-related skills are required in around 60% of cloud computing job ads.
- You stand to earn an average of $125,091 with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate) certification, according to an independent survey. You don’t get that kind of money with a simple decorative title on your resume.
- According to the State of the Cloud report, over 80% of respondents said that getting cloud certification resulted in higher compensation.
- According to 82 percent of recruiters, cloud credentials make an applicant more enticing.
- 87 percent of employers would rather have candidates with real world experience and certifications than those with university degrees.
- There is certainly a scarcity of AWS-certified professionals on the market today. That is why people with cloud expertise can earn a lot of money.
- IT employees who obtained new skills or certifications got an average pay increase of $12,000 to $13,000.
- According to a 2020 CBRE research, demand for cloud skills is continuing to rise, with a 12% year-over-year increase in the last 12 months.
- 52% of respondents stated that cloud certifications like that offered by the AWS played a huge role in their career advancement.
- LinkedIn ranked cloud computing as one of the most in-demand hard skills for the past six years), and the job outlook for cloud-skilled employees has never been brighter.
The Top Reasons Why AWS Certification Is So Valuable.
Here are some reasons you should consider getting the AWS certification.
1. Cloud computing knowledge is now a must-have for all IT professionals.
Cloud computing is unavoidable for IT professionals in today’s world, as more and more services, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning developments, are being moved to the cloud.
This is one of the key reasons employers still prefer cloud-certified job applicants. Expertise in cloud computing, particularly AWS services, shows that you can handle the cloud responsibilities that exist in these roles.
2. The Demand for AWS Skills Exceeds the Supply
As the COVID-19 outbreak caused huge disruption to businesses around the world, cloud computing acceptance grew more quickly than in the previous year.
Several organizations have benefited from the ability to quickly update with agility and match costs to demand during uncertain times. Cloud computing professionals, including those with AWS certifications, are in high demand.
As shown by the stats above, employers all across the world are having trouble finding people with cloud computing expertise.
As a result, learning AWS will advance your career and ensure that you land a high-paying position at your desired firm.
3. AWS Skills Are Well Compensated.
Individuals with AWS certifications rank amongst the highest paid cloud professionals. Many AWS jobs pay well into the six figures. According to an independent salary survey, after completing their certification, 70% of AWS workers interviewed claimed a wage boost of up to 20%.
4. AWS is Widely Used.
Amazon AWS controls a third of the IaaS market, which is reason you should choose them as the starting point to your cloud career. This is greater than the combined share of their two main rivals: Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure.
If this tendency continues, which analysts predict it will, AWS is expected to grow at an exponential rate in the coming years. Getting an AWS certification is as such a secure career choice for individuals looking to grow their career or expand their business.
5. Certification Verifies Competence and Credibility
When it comes to providing value to potential clients and employers, trust, reputation, and knowledge are critical. These are the characteristics that make AWS professionals stand out and foster long-term connections.
Producing a certificate that indicates you have talents in a specific area is a terrific approach to creating credibility, trust, and knowledge. Professionals that hold AWS certifications demonstrate to their clients and potential employers that they have undergone extensive training and are capable of completing tasks.
AWS Certification Types
If you’re looking to become a cloud expert and increase your employment and earning potential, getting AWS Certifications is the best way to go.
AWS offers several certifications you can enroll for depending on your experience level and desired career path. It includes three fundamental certifications, three associate-level certificates, two professional-level certifications.
Fundamental Certification
Associate-level Certifications
Professional-level certifications
What Steps Do I Need To Take To Get AWS Certified?
While there are no hard and fast rules for preparing for the AWS certification, here’s a list of things you can do.
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Read the official AWS Study Guide:
The study guide provides a comprehensive insight into the various aspects of the AWS cloud and the questions to expect from the exams.
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Take online AWS courses:
This is especially essential if you’re new to the field or have no real field experience. The courses will teach you all you need to know to pass the certification exam.
Note: Cloud Chalktalk provides 80%-90% hands on learning with internships options and bootcamp based placement assistance services
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Read books:
There are several books out there about specific AWS certification exams. Find and read them to equip you to pass the exams on your first try.
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Read AWS whitepapers:
These contain a wealth of material that may provide answers to many of your questions.
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Take practice exams:
practice exams allow you to test yourself with exam-like questions and scenarios, so you’ll know whether or not you’re prepared for it. If you score below 75 in an AWS practice exam, then you definitely need to study more for the exams.
In conclusion, AWS certifications are still very valuable and will be relevant for many years to come. Getting an AWS certification will give your career a massive boost and earn you more money.
If you are interested to learn more about our programs and cloud certifications, please feel free to reach out to us at your convenience.