How Long Does it Take to Get Amazon Web Services Certified?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services and certifications for individuals and organizations. The AWS certification program is designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in using AWS services. As the demand for cloud computing continues to grow, it’s natural to wonder how long it takes to get AWS certified. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the AWS certification process and the time it takes to achieve different levels of certification.
Overview of AWS Certification
AWS offers various certifications across multiple categories, including:
- Fundamentals
- Developer
- Professional
- Specialty
- Associate
Each certification has its own set of required exams, prerequisites, and suggested training. AWS certifications are valid for two years, and to maintain the certification, individuals need to complete continuing education requirements or retake the exam.
Time Required to Get AWS Certified
The time it takes to get AWS certified depends on several factors, including:
- Prior experience: If you have hands-on experience with AWS services, you can prepare for the exam faster.
- Study materials: Access to quality study materials, such as online courses, books, and practice exams, can significantly reduce the time required to prepare.
- Exam difficulty: Some exams are more challenging than others, requiring more in-depth knowledge and preparation.
Here’s a general outline of the time required to get AWS certified:
| Level | Description | Time Required (weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | Basic understanding of AWS services and concepts | 4-8 |
| Associate | Intermediate-level knowledge of AWS services and best practices | 8-16 |
| Professional | Advanced-level knowledge of AWS services, architecture, and design | 12-24 |
| Specialty | Expert-level knowledge of a specific AWS service or technology | 16-32 |
Breakdown of Time Required for Each Level
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the time required for each level of certification:
Foundational Level
- AWS Cloud Practitioner – Essentials (2 hours, 100 questions, 60-minute duration)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner – Essentials is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who are new to AWS. Preparation time can be as little as 4-8 weeks with prior AWS knowledge and experience.
- Recommended study materials: AWS Free Tier, AWS Official Blog, and AWS Customer Agony and DevOps Engineering Video Series
Associate Level
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2 hours, 55 questions, 130-minute duration)
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate (2 hours, 55 questions, 130-minute duration)
- Preparation time for both associate-level certifications can be around 8-16 weeks with some AWS experience.
- Recommended study materials: AWS Certified Developer – Associate Study Guide, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Study Guide, and AWS Official Study Guide for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam
Professional Level
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (3 hours, 55 questions, 170-minute duration)
- Preparation time for professional-level certifications can be 12-24 weeks or more, depending on the level of expertise required.
- Recommended study materials: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Study Guide, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional Study Guide, and AWS Official Study Guide for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Exam
Specialty Level
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty (2 hours, 55 questions, 130-minute duration)
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (2 hours, 55 questions, 130-minute duration)
- Preparation time for specialty certifications can be 16-32 weeks or more, depending on the level of expertise required.
- Recommended study materials: AWS Certified Security – Specialty Study Guide, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty Study Guide, and AWS Official Study Guide for AWS Certified Security – Specialty Exam
Conclusion
How long it takes to get AWS certified depends on various factors, including prior experience, study materials, and exam difficulty. With proper preparation and dedication, anyone can achieve AWS certification. It’s essential to choose the right study materials and create a study plan to stay on track. AWS offers various training and certification paths, making it accessible for individuals with different backgrounds and levels of expertise. By understanding the time required for each level of certification, you can plan your studies accordingly and achieve your AWS certification goals.