How to Get Started with AWS Training and Certification?

Cloud computing has seen a huge revolution in this digital world, as essential business operations are outsourced to cloud service providers. Among all, Amazon Web Services (AWS) leads the pack in terms of cloud services and solutions. Nowadays, if you’re a professional, AWS gives you a vast amount of opportunities. So, take this smart step of choosing AWS training and certification and advance your career with this step-by-step guide.

1. Why Get an AWS Certification?: AWS training and certification

So important before getting into the AWS training and certification is to understand why certification matters. Certification by AWS will validate skills and knowledge in terms of cloud computing. It shows the employer you are knowledgeable enough to actually design and manage an application on AWS. In such a competitive job market, having an AWS certification puts you ahead of others. It proves that you are devoted to professional growth and are updated with the latest technologies.

2. Choose the Right Certification Type

There are a couple of certification types in AWS. Most of these certifications are prepared for different people or experience levels. Once you choose your AWS training and certification, choose the right certification to support your career objectives. Here are some of the major types of certification:

Foundational Level: For those who enter the cloud arena, this is a great place to start. This will give you an overview of cloud basics as well as AWS services.

Associate Level: If you have been in a career for a few years or more, then look to the associate level certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or AWS Certified Developer – Associate.

Professional Level: The professional level, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, is for professionals who have years of experience.

Specialty Certifications: Specialized certifications target technical areas. They include machine learning, security, and advanced networking.

3. Complete AWS Training Courses

Once you have selected the certification path, you will enroll into AWS training programs. There are several AWS training and certification programs available. These include:

Classroom Training- Classroom training delivered by AWS Certified trainers. This delivers hands-on experience with trainers as participants interact directly.

Online Training: Courses conducted with flexibility through the AWS Training and Certification website. The participant is able to learn on his/her own time and review material should one require.

AWS Learning Paths: Predefined curricula for acquiring the required skills for specific certifications. These are accompanied by recommended courses and resources that can be of great help as you guide your studies

4. Utilize Free Resources

AWS offers several free resources to get you started. For instance, the AWS Training and Certification website offers free digital training on a wide range of topics. Additionally, AWS offers a free tier where you can experiment and discover what you can do with their services without paying any fees. Utilizing such resources gives you practical experience and helps reinforce what you are learning throughout the training.

5. Join Study Groups and Forums: AWS training and certification

Connect with other members who share your goals of pursuing AWS training and certification. Joining study groups or online forums would provide you a chance to share experiences, ask questions, and get insight from fellow learners. Some of the places where valuable support and resources can be acquired include AWS Certification Forums, Reddit, and LinkedIn groups. You will find that one of the major benefits of working alongside your peers is the understanding and motivation when handling complex issues.

6. Hands-on Projects:

Hands-on is essential with AWS. The more one practices, the greater the chances are of acing any of the certification exams. Create a personal project or work in lab environments, trying out various things with AWS services: setting up a web application, working with databases, or building applications serverless. And AWS also offers a very generous free tier so that you can access many services for free, and with that, you are now in a good position to gain some hands-on experience, too.

7. Practice Exams

Take sample exams before sitting for the actual AWS training and certification provides sample questions and practice exams, which will replicate the actual test experience. Exposure to the actual format of the exam will give you an idea about the areas you need to spend more time on studying and thus help you to allocate your efforts better in those areas.

8. Schedule Your Certification Exam: AWS training and certification

After you confirm your knowledge and skill, you can schedule an exam date for your AWS training and certification. Not only physical testing centers but AWS also allows you to sit for an online test. You must choose a free time when you will face less disturbances so that you would not be interrupted during the test. Moreover, if you sit for the online test, ensure that you sit in a quiet place to avoid any type of disturbance.

Frequently Asked Question 

How long is AWS certification training?
AWS certification training typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on prior experience and learning pace.

What is the best AWS certification path?
The best path starts with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, followed by Solutions Architect or Developer certifications.

What knowledge is required for AWS certification?
Basic knowledge of cloud computing, networking, and database management is essential for AWS certification.

What is AWS used for?
AWS is used for cloud computing, offering scalable infrastructure, storage, and networking solutions.

Which tool is used in AWS?
Amazon EC2, S3, and AWS Lambda are popular tools in AWS for computing, storage, and serverless applications.