How Useful is AWS Developer Certification?

Cloud is a booming sector as an increasing number of companies are shifting their local servers to internet-based cloud servers. However, there is a considerable gap between supply and demand when it comes to professionals skilled in the cloud domain. While the companies are busy moving to the cloud, there is less strength of candidates suitable to fit their job roles.

At such a time, getting a cloud certificate to strengthen your skills becomes very lucrative. A typical job role in cloud computing can earn you a salary package upto ₹20 lakh. There are multiple cloud certificate options like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, etc. Choosing the appropriate one is imperative so that you also land the job role you want.

One good option can be going for an online AWS Developer Certification as it occupies the highest market share in the cloud industry at 48%. A certificate in AWS helps you prove your expertise to employers and this certificate is also the most demanded currently.

Let’s read more about what an AWS certificate course is and what it has to offer you.

What is an AWS Developer Certification?

Offered by Amazon, AWS is the most popular cloud certificate, being offered in multiple categories.

AWS developers certification is an industry-recognized credential that helps to build credibility by validating your expertise in the cloud.
This certificate is listed among the top IT certifications worldwide.
It is an associate-level exam of 130 minutes and costs $150.
The most popular AWS course is an AWS Solution Architect, also known as AWS Cloud Architect.

Who Can Apply for AWS Developer Certification?

To apply for the AWS developer certification, the individuals should have the following prerequisites.

1 year of experience in developing and maintaining an AWS-based application.
In-depth knowledge of a minimum one high-level programming language (HLL).
Familiarity with the core AWS services and understandability of AWS architecture.
Knowledge of using AWS tools for conducting actions like development, deployment, and debugging on cloud-based applications.
Knowledge of use of containers in the development process.
Skilled in writing codes for serverless applications.

What are the Benefits of an AWS Developer Certification?

AWS certification is not mandatory for cloud experts, but it surely has some benefits. The sections below will explain how useful this certification can be.

Better Job Opportunities

Cloud is a technology that every business wants. It is economical, fast, advanced, and offers better features than conventional technology. It provides several features in a single platform and is thus the most demanded skill in the IT sector.

According to the IDG Cloud Computing Survey 2020, 81% of companies have their workload stored in the cloud. Also, 13% of the enterprises have shifted their entire IT environment to the cloud.
Cloud helps companies avoid the stress of owning and maintaining a heavily integrated physical data center.
Around 22% enterprises are expected to run entirely on the cloud by 2023.

Cloud is the future of business technology. This is a market that is meant to grow and thus will open various opportunities for developers. Having a certification will help the developers to grab that opportunity.

Most Demanded Cloud Skill

There are many certifications available in the cloud market, but with AWS being the major player in the market, more opportunities lie here.

Amazon Web Services holds the largest cloud computing market share in 2021 at nearly 48%.
Its shares exceed the combined market share of its two largest competitors, i.e., Google’s GCP and Microsoft’s Azure [Source: Statista].

Validation of Skills

AWS certification is not everybody’s cup of tea and demands enough commitment from the side of the student to learn the latest technologies.

The AWS exam will test the developer’s knowledge and skills in the cloud and AWS technologies.
It inculcates a feeling of commitment among the students towards the cloud world.
Certification will help the managers judge the technical knowledge and core competencies of the developer.

Thus with so much inculcation throughout the course, recruiters know that you are perfectly groomed in this domain.

Resume Building

The experience of an individual is important for employers as they want the best talents for their organization.

Freshers usually do not get much response because of the lack of experience or less experience.
AWS Certification is not an alternative for experience but will help the candidate stand out and increase the chances of getting hired.

Better Paycheck

AWS certified professionals have been earning more than non-certified professionals.

IT professionals with AWS certifications are getting a $12,000 salary bump [Source: Forbes].
According to the survey, the AWS certification improves the salary of an IT professional by about 25.9%.
The average salary of a developer is $90,512, but with AWS certification, they can earn a salary of around $159,767 per annum [Source: Global Knowledge].

Freelancing Opportunities

AWS certification can be highly beneficial for freelance developers. It can help them build trust among their clients.
AWS certification will prove the freelancer’s ability to work with the AWS technology and thus will bring more income opportunities.
AWS certifications give access to digital batches, which can serve as a promising marketing element if appropriately used on social media and as digital signatures.

Expanded Professional Network

AWS offers a global community of certified AWS professionals. These professionals can access the AWS-certified LinkedIn community and network.
Certified AWS developers can use this opportunity to expand their network and learn more through peers.
These communities also provide meetups, conferences, and professional gatherings time-to-time.

An AWS developer certification is worth it for the individuals who pursue it. Whether you’re a fresher, an experienced professional, or a self-taught sensation, this certification will benefit all of you. It’ll help you land your dream job and help you become an expert in the cloud, and increase your salary.

So why wait for it? Start preparing for the AWS exam now by taking up AWS training courses. There are various online platforms that provide courses to prepare you for AWS certification. With constant practice and dedication, you’ll surely be able to clear the exam.