Top Certifications of Amazon AWS in 2024

Introduction

The cloud computing industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing adoption of mobile devices, the rise of big data, and the need for businesses to be more agile and responsive to change. The growth of the cloud computing industry is accompanied by an increasing need for professionals adept in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions. AWS certifications serve as a beneficial means for individuals to showcase their skills and understanding of Amazon Web Services (AWS), which stands as the foremost cloud computing platform.

In this article, we’ll look at the top AWS Certifications for 2024, explain the main advantages of getting AWS certified, share basic tips for picking the right certification to boost a career, and discuss the significant certification updates coming in 2024.

AWS Certifications validate the expertise of individuals in various AWS-related roles. These globally recognized credentials demonstrate proficiency in designing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS, achievable through exams featuring multiple-choice questions and practical scenarios.

Exploring the AWS Certification pat, it is divided into four main levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. The foundational certification is ideal for beginners, providing a basic understanding of AWS products and services. Associate-level certifications enhance credibility in AWS Cloud, suitable for those with some cloud computing experience. Professional certifications are available for those with at least two years of AWS Cloud experience, focusing on creating secure and efficient applications. Additionally, there are Specialty certifications for individuals with specific technical skills in areas like advanced networking, machine learning, data analytics, and security.

Before unveiling the top AWS certifications for 2024, it’s crucial to outline the criteria that guided their selection. The chosen top AWS certifications are based on important factors that underscore their value and demand in cloud computing.

Firstly, these certifications are highly sought after by companies in need of skilled cloud computing experts, especially in rapidly growing areas such as data analytics, security, and machine learning, which are key for innovation.

Secondly, these certifications enable individuals to advance in their careers by validating their skills and knowledge in critical AWS domains. They encompass a wide range of skills, ensuring that those certified can tackle complex AWS tasks. Additionally, they allow individuals to specialize in specific AWS areas, making them more distinguishable in the job market and potentially leading to higher earnings.

Thirdly, feedback from professionals working in AWS and the tech community indicates that these certifications are beneficial for career growth. This list takes into account the extent to which these certifications can aid in job opportunities, skill recognition, and keeping up with technological trends.

In summary, the selection of top AWS certifications for 2024 is based on their industry demand, relevance to emerging technologies, contribution to career advancement, and the comprehensive skills and specializations they cover.

Here are the top AWS certifications for 2024.

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is an entry-level credential that provides a foundational understanding of AWS Cloud, its services, and essential terminology. It is designed for newcomers to IT or cloud computing and for non-technical individuals seeking an introduction to cloud concepts. The CLF-C02 exam evaluates a candidate’s general knowledge of AWS Cloud, independent of specific roles, and is suitable for individuals with up to six months of AWS experience. This certification is ideal for those in non-tech roles beginning their cloud journey or working with cloud professionals, covering basics of AWS services, security, and cloud economics.

Among cloud computing certifications, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is highly recognized and widely sought-after, often being a top choice for professionals in the field. This credential demonstrates knowledge and skills in using a wide range of AWS services. It focuses on creating cost-effective and high-performing solutions, based on the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This certification can boost career and salary prospects, and make individuals more credible and confident when dealing with stakeholders and customers. Obtaining this certification requires passing the SAA-C03 exam. This certification is a good first step for those with AWS experience, a strong background in IT, or experience with other cloud services. Ideally, candidates should have at least one year of practical experience in designing AWS-based cloud solutions.

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate certification is tailored for individuals looking to prove their application development skills on AWS. Esteemed among cloud computing professionals, it evaluates crucial abilities needed for AWS app developers, such as mastery over programming languages, an understanding of the software development life cycle, data modeling and storage, application security, and cost optimization. The DVA-C02 exam specifically tests for competence in developing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS, requiring candidates to have at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS application development. This certification is perfect for developers seeking to validate their AWS development expertise.

The following AWS Certification to consider in 2024 is AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate. This credential proves one’s skills in managing, deploying, and operating AWS workloads, making it an excellent starting point for those with a background in systems administration, AWS, or other cloud technologies. Suitable candidates typically have a year of hands-on experience with AWS, focusing on deployment, networking, and security. The SOA-C02 exam targets system administrators in cloud operations, evaluating their ability to manage AWS workloads, use AWS tools, implement security and compliance controls, and troubleshoot. It also examines their understanding of networking, system architecture, disaster recovery, and incident response.

A step up from the Associate level, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification is designed for seasoned cloud professionals, requiring advanced technical expertise in AWS system design. It’s aimed at individuals with at least two years of AWS architecture experience, highlighting proficiency in AWS tools, scripting, and both Windows and Linux environments. This certification focuses on architectural design, business and technical requirements alignment, cloud deployment strategies, and hybrid AWS architectures. It also covers optimizing solutions according to the AWS Well-Architected Framework, emphasizing scalable designs, system enhancements, and workload migrations. The SAP-C02 exam tests for these competencies, underlining the significance of ongoing innovation in cloud architecture.

As AI and machine learning continue to grow, the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification is valuable for those specializing in building and deploying machine learning models on AWS. Candidates should bring at least two years of experience with ML projects in AWS, understanding ML algorithms, hyperparameter optimization, and familiarity with ML frameworks. The MLS-C01 exam evaluates designing, building, and managing AWS-based ML solutions to address business issues, ensuring solutions are scalable, cost-efficient, and secure. It tests selecting appropriate ML approaches and AWS services for scalable ML solutions. Ideal applicants have extensive experience in ML deployment and operations within AWS.

Security will always be a priority. The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification is essential for professionals focusing on cloud security, validating their ability to secure data and infrastructure on AWS. The SCS-C02 exam targets those in security roles, evaluating their proficiency in AWS product and service security, data classifications, protection methods, encryption, and secure protocols. It verifies expertise in using AWS security services to ensure a secure production environment, balancing cost, security, and deployment complexity. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of experience in security solutions development and a minimum of two years in AWS security practices, emphasizing the protection of AWS workloads.

AWS certifications offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations alike. Firstly, they validate a professional’s expertise in cloud computing, enhancing their career prospects. Secondly, certified individuals often command higher salaries and enjoy better job opportunities. Thirdly, for businesses, having AWS-certified employees boosts their cloud competency, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Fourthly, certification also demonstrates a commitment to best practices and security, fostering trust among customers and partners. Finally, AWS certifications help individuals remain current with the newest advancements in cloud technologies, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-evolving IT industry. In summary, AWS certifications empower both professionals and organizations, facilitating growth, innovation, and success in the cloud computing realm.

Selecting the right AWS certification is crucial for a thriving career in cloud computing. Making an informed choice requires reflecting on one’s career aspirations, assessing existing competencies, and investigating various AWS certification paths, including those in Architecture, Development, Operations, and Security. It’s also important to consider the relevance to the industry, keep abreast of the latest AWS services, and seek insights from colleagues and mentors. Preparing with practice tests, delving into areas of specialization like security or machine learning, and staying informed about the need for recertification are all part of a thorough preparation strategy. By carefully weighing these elements, individuals can effectively chart their course through the AWS certification terrain, aligning their professional development with the dynamic demands of cloud computing.

It should be noted, that in 2024, AWS certifications are undergoing significant changes to align with the dynamic cloud computing landscape. The establishment of the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (DEA-C01) certification, planned for March 12, 2024, is a noteworthy update. This certification assesses skills related to data pipeline implementation, cost reduction, and performance enhancement. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to operate, maintain, and monitor data pipelines, as well as their competence in implementing security measures such as authentication, authorization, encryption, and governance.

Furthermore, several AWS certifications will be retired, including AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty, AWS Certified Database – Specialty, and AWS Certified: SAP on AWS – Specialty. The last opportunity to take these exams will be in April 2024.

In summary, AWS certifications are a critical component of success in the dynamic field of cloud computing. As we look ahead to 2024, significant updates are on the horizon, with the launch of the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate certification and the retirement of certain older certifications. These changes are a testament to AWS’s commitment to staying at the forefront of cloud technology. Furthermore, the top AWS certifications for 2024 highlight their importance in advancing careers, earning potential, and credibility. These certifications empower individuals and organizations to excel in the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape. Choosing the right AWS certification is a strategic decision that can open doors to exciting opportunities in this rapidly growing field.