How to get AWS certification for beginners

How to get AWS certification for
beginners
Introduction to AWS Certification
Are you thinking about moving into cloud computing? AWS Certification is one of the
best ways to develop your career in the global tech industry. Whether you're just starting
out or already operating in IT, earning a certification like the AWS Cloud Practitioner
Certification or the AWS DevOps Course can improve your career possibilities.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get AWS certified—from choosing the proper route to
passing the examination—in simple, clear steps.
What is AWS Certification?
AWS Certification is your ticket to standing out in an increasingly competitive cloud job
market. And with cloud computing growing at breakneck speed, having AWS skills in
your arsenal is more valuable than ever.
AWS Certification validates your expertise in cloud computing using Amazon Web
Services. It proves your ability to design, deploy, manage, and operate applications and
infrastructure on AWS platforms. AWS offers certifications at different skill levels and for
various roles.

Why AWS Certification is Important in 2025?
Why does AWS certification still carry so much weight in 2025? Simple — cloud
computing isn’t slowing down. It’s one of the fastest-growing tech industries globally. As
businesses of every size move their infrastructure to the cloud, the demand for skilled
professionals continues to rise.
AWS alone holds around 32% of the global cloud market share, ahead of competitors
like Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. This dominance means that employers are
consistently on the lookout for individuals who understand cloud concepts and have
proven expertise with AWS services.
In today’s job market, having an AWS certification is like having a master key to unlock
some of the highest-paying and most secure roles in tech. It boosts your credibility and
makes your skills easily verifiable for potential employers. Plus, it reflects your
commitment to keeping up with technology trends, which is a huge plus for any
career-driven individual.

By 2025, more companies will be integrating AI, big data, and IoT solutions powered by
cloud platforms like AWS. Certified professionals are better positioned to design, deploy,
and manage these complex architectures. Simply put, AWS certification isn’t just a
piece of paper. It’s a future-proof investment.
Understanding AWS Certification Paths
Foundational Level Certifications
If you’re just starting your cloud journey, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the
foundational certification for you. It’s designed for individuals who have basic knowledge
of AWS and want a general understanding of cloud concepts.
This certification covers:
● AWS cloud value proposition
● Basic security and compliance aspects
● Cloud economics
● Core AWS services
You don’t need hands-on technical experience to pass this exam, making it perfect for
salespeople, project managers, and entry-level techies alike.
Associate Level Certifications
When you're ready to dig deeper, Associate-level certifications are your next step.
These are more role-specific and test both theoretical and practical knowledge. There
are three options here:
● AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Focuses on designing distributed systems on AWS.
● AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Emphasizes developing and maintaining applications on AWS.
● AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Concentrates on deploying, managing, and operating systems on AWS.

These exams demand hands-on experience and a good understanding of core services,
security, and AWS best practices.
Professional Level Certifications
Feeling ambitious? Professional-level certifications are the real deal. They require
significant technical experience and deep AWS knowledge:
● AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Focuses on complex, large-scale distributed systems.
● AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Combines development and operations skills, emphasizing continuous delivery
and automation.
These exams are tough and require a solid understanding of AWS environments and
real-world problem-solving.
Specialty Certifications
Specialty certifications are for those who want to master a specific domain:
● Advanced Networking
● Security
● Machine Learning
● Data Analytics
● Database
● SAP on AWS
Benefits of Getting AWS Certified
Career Development and Prospects

Achieving AWS certification is not only about being a cool badge holder — it provides
opportunities. As cloud uptake keeps climbing, businesses are now actively seeking
skilled professionals who can handle and fine-tune their cloud infrastructures. AWS
certification serves as confirmation for employers that you possess what it takes to
solve actual-world cloud problems.
Whether you are a fresher seeking your initial cloud position or a veteran IT professional
looking for a higher position, certification is that extra bit. Certified personnel are always
looked at first for interviews, promotions, and managerial positions within firms. And
given that AWS has such an enormous worldwide presence, it opens up local and
international possibilities. You may be employed with a multinational organization,
become a member of a remote-first technology group, or even freelance on AWS
projects.
AWS-certified professionals typically secure positions like:
● Cloud Engineer
● Solutions Architect
● DevOps Engineer
● Systems Administrator
● Cloud Consultant
Each job comes with its own exciting projects and career advancement opportunities.
Indeed, many professionals mention swift promotions and increased responsibilities
after obtaining AWS credentials.
Increased Salary Potential
Let's face it — money speaks. AWS certifications have earned a reputation for
increasing pay. Recent salary surveys indicate that AWS-certified professionals tend to
earn a lot more than their non-certified counterparts by a considerable amount.
To put this into perspective:

● AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional averages more than
$150,000 a year.
● AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional isn't too far behind.
Even beginner certifications, such as the Cloud Practitioner, can increase a beginner's
pay by 20-30% over uncertified peers.
This bump is not just from confirmation of your technical abilities but also from the
perceived value you are adding to the table. Employers are willing to pay a premium for
experts who can design secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions on AWS.
Greater earning potential isn't an isolated transaction — as you build up multiple
credentials and broaden your knowledge, your value in the marketplace keeps
increasing.
Recognition and Credibility in the Technical Field
When it comes to the technical community, credibility isn't always so easy to win. AWS
certification provides you with a third-party recognized confirmation of your expertise
that instantly enhances your professional credibility.
Consider it this way: Would you hire an uncredentialled chef to operate a gourmet
restaurant? Same thing for cloud professionals. AWS certification serves as a seal of
legitimacy that promises to your employers, customers, and colleagues that you have a
clue what you're doing.
And what's more, AWS maintains its certification process as stringent and ongoing. This
way, anyone who possesses an AWS certification remains current with the newest
services, best practices, and technologies. You'll become a part of the esteemed global
community of AWS-certified professionals who frequently receive priority invites to AWS
events, training, and networking sessions.
From job boards to LinkedIn, being AWS certified makes you stand out — period.

How to Get AWS Certified — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Step 1: Select the Proper Certification Path
You can't dive in and take courses and exams without knowing where you're headed.
AWS certifications are available at various levels and specialties, and selecting the
proper one is based on your existing experience, career aspiration, and interests.
If you're new to the cloud, begin with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. If you
have some hands-on experience and wish to specialize in development or operations,
look at the Associate-level certifications.
Here's a quick guide:
● Beginner (0-1 year experience): Cloud Practitioner
● Intermediate (1-2 years experience): Solutions Architect – Associate,
Developer – Associate, SysOps Administrator – Associate

● Advanced (3+ years experience): Solutions Architect – Professional, DevOps
Engineer – Professional
● Specialist: Machine Learning, Security, Advanced Networking, Data Analytics,
Database, SAP
Step 2: Look at the Exam Guide and Resources
Each AWS certification exam has an in-depth exam guide covering topics, domains, and
the percentage of the final score contributed by each domain. Get it downloaded from
the official AWS certification web page.
Then, collect your study materials:
AWS Training and Certification Portal: Free and paid training.
AWS Whitepapers and Documentation: Study material base.
YouTube and Udemy Courses: Popular, cheap alternatives to structured learning.
AWS Free Tier: Hands-on practice using actual AWS services.
This step is essential because knowing what you'll be examined on allows you to adapt
your preparation and not waste time on unrelated areas.
Step 3: Take Free and Paid Training Courses
Once you’ve gathered your resources, dive into structured learning. AWS offers free
digital training for every certification, covering basic to advanced concepts. But for more
in-depth preparation, paid courses from platforms like Udemy, A Cloud Guru, or
Coursera are worth every penny.
Look for courses with:
● Video lectures
● Hands-on labs
● Quizzes and practice exams
● Updated content for 2025

Step 4: Practice with Hands-On Labs
Theory is fine, but cloud computing is all about action. This is where hands-on labs are
useful. AWS has a Free Tier account, which allows you access to most of their
services free for 12 months — ideal for practicing in a secure, real-world setting.
Make the most of this by:
● Deploying virtual servers (EC2 instances)
● Creating and maintaining S3 storage buckets
● Create load balancers and auto-scaling groups
● Create databases with RDS
● Play around with IAM roles and permissions
● Play around with VPC networking
Enroll in our popular AWS Training course and take as many practice tests as possible
to assess your exam readiness and get comfortable with the exam environment (aiming
for scores of 80% and above). These are especially useful since they guide you through
complicated activities.
Step 5: Test Yourself with Practice Exams
After you have a solid understanding of the material and sufficient hands-on experience,
it's time to challenge yourself with practice exams. These mimic the real exam setting,
with multiple-choice and multiple-response questions under timed conditions.
You can find:
● Official AWS practice exams on their certification site.
Practice tests assist you in:
● Finding weak spots and areas you need to review.
● Develop exam-taking confidence by practicing the pressure of timed questions.

● Recognize the question style, which usually measures your skill in selecting
the most suitable solution, not necessarily a technically sound one.
Try to score consistently at 80% or above on practice exams before enrolling in the
actual one.
Step 6: Enroll in the Certification Exam
Once you’re confident and hitting your target scores in practice exams, it’s time to book
your exam. Head over to the AWS Certification Portal and select your preferred date
and format. AWS exams can be taken:
● Online, proctored — from the comfort of your home or office.
● In-person — at a certified test center near you.
Make sure you've read all the exam policies and procedures, particularly if you're taking
an online exam. You'll require a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet
room.
Registration usually costs:
● $100 for the Cloud Practitioner exam.
● $150 for Associate-level exams.
● $300 for Professional and Specialty exams.
Double-check the current prices and offers — sometimes AWS offers discounts or
vouchers for repeat customers.
Step 7: Take and Pass the Exam
The day of reckoning! Here's how to tackle your AWS certification exam:
● Keep calm and step-by-step — watch your time, and don't freak out if you get
tough questions.
● Apply the elimination method - Reduce choices and pick the best match.
● Read questions carefully — AWS exams tend to contain keywords such as
"cost-effective," "highly available," or "secure," which lead you to the correct
answer.
Once you submit, you'll usually find out your pass/fail status right away, with official
scores following a few days later in an email.

If you pass, congratulations — you're now AWS Certified! You'll receive a digital badge
and a printable certificate, which you can proudly showcase on your LinkedIn profile,
resume, and personal site.
Step 8: Get certified and update your profile
Once you have passed, you will receive an AWS Digital Badge and Certificate. Share
it on LinkedIn, CV, and professional profiles to demonstrate your shooting skills.
Conclusion
AWS certificates can open exciting opportunities in Cloud Computing, DevOps, Security,
and AI. By following this step-by-step guide, you can safely prepare for the AWS
certification exam, validate your skills, and pursue your career.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which AWS certification is best for beginners?
A: AWS-certified cloud practice is the best starting point for beginners.
Q. How much time does the AWS certification take?
A: Depending on your background, it may take 1-3 months of regular study and
practice.

Q. Are AWS certificates worth it?
A: Yes, AWS certificates are highly respected and increase the possibility of
achieving high-paid sky-related job roles.
Q. Are AWS certifications worth it?
A.Absolutely! They validate your skills, boost your resume, and often lead to
higher-paying jobs.
Q. Can I get a job with only AWS certification?
A. While certification helps, combining it with real-world experience greatly
improves your chances.
Q. Do AWS certifications expire?
A. Yes, AWS certifications do expire after 3 years from the date they were
earned.
Blogger profile :
Name: Shanwi Chawhan

Description: Shanwi Chawhan is a cloud technology educator and certified AWS
Solutions Architect with over 8 years of experience in cloud computing and IT training.
Passionate about making complex tech topics easy to understand, she has helped
hundreds of students and professionals get started with AWS through workshops, online
courses, and mentoring. When she’s not teaching, Priya enjoys writing beginner-friendly
guides and staying up to date with the latest cloud technology. You can follow her
insights and tutorials on [LinkedIn] or her blog CloudMadeSimple.
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How to get AWS certification for beginners

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