Which AWS Certification Is Best for Java Developers
Companies are increasingly shifting workloads to the public cloud. Cloud computing has therefore moved from a nice-to-have to an essential competency in the enterprise. This shift requires a new variety of skills to design, deploy, and manage applications in cloud computing.
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In 2020, AWS is a leader in public cloud adoption. Currently, it offers 12 certifications covering both foundational and specialty cloud computing topics.
AWS certifications show that you have some of the most profitable and in-demand skills, validated by one of the most acknowledged entities in cloud computing.
AWS certifications help to thoroughly evaluate a person’s skills, with emphasis on hands-on-experience and best practices. For organizations, AWS certifications validate a person’s familiarity with knowledge and best practices in cloud architecture, management, and security.
So how long will it take for you to become AWS certified? With a full-time job and other commitments, it will take you 2 months to get 80 hours of study in. If you are new to AWS, 120 hours or 3 months is recommended to prepare.
If you were wondering how to become AWS certified, these steps will guide you:
- Enroll in an AWS training class to increase your knowledge of cloud computing.
- Review any study or Exam guides that are available.
- Read a lot of AWS whitepapers. They hold invaluable information.
- Practice a lot. Practicing exams will help you get ready for the certification exam.
- Schedule the exam when you are ready. It usually takes between 80-120 hours of study and practice to be ready for the exam. This is based on experience and the certification you are pursuing.
Now that we have all that out of the way, it’s time to discuss the best AWS certifications for Java developers. So let’s dive right in!
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
This is an entry-level certification that is designed to validate your overall understanding of the AWS cloud.
- Prerequisites- Recommends at least 6 months of general AWS cloud experience in any role for example technical, managerial, sales, etc.
- Format- Multiple choice questions.
- Duration- 90 minutes.
- Fee- $100.
This certification is great for anyone in a non-technical role and who requires a general understanding of the AWS platform.
Areas covered are:
- Understanding the basic AWS architectural principles.
- Value of proposition of the AWS cloud.
- Core deployment and operating principles.
- Basic security and compliance and the shared responsibility model for security.
- What the Key AWS services are and their common use cases.
Prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
This certification proves you know how to build and deploy systems in the AWS Cloud. The exam is designed for those with some experience in designing distributed applications. You will need to demonstrate your ability to design, manage, and implement applications using the tools and services on the AWS platform.
- Format- Multiple choice questions.
- Duration- 130 minutes.
- Fee- $150.
Some of the areas that are covered include:
- How Network technologies work in AWS.
- How to build secure and reliable applications on the AWS platform.
- How client interfaces can connect to the AWS platform and how AWS-based applications work.
- Deployment of hybrid systems i.e. those with an on-premises data center and AWS components.
- AWS security and compliance policies.
Prerequisite- At least one year deploying distributed systems at scale using AWS cloud services is recommended.
Prepare for AWS Certified Solutions Architect- Associate.
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
This AWS exam covers developing and maintaining AWS based applications. You will be required to know how to write code that uses AWS software to access AWS applications from your custom business applications.
- Format- Multiple choice and multiple answers.
- Duration- 80 minutes.
- Fee- $150.
Some of the areas covered include:
- Hands-on experience in designing, deploying, maintaining, and developing applications.
- Knowledge of applications that make use of AWS services such as AWS databases, workflow services, and services for storage and change management services.
- Essential AWS services and basic AWS architecture.
- Prerequisite- At least 1 year of experience in maintaining applications in the AWS cloud is recommended before taking the exam.
Prepare for AWS Certified Developer- Associate.
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
This exam is geared toward system administrators. To pass this exam, you must have technical expertise in the operational aspects of the AWS platform. If you have previous experience as a Linux or Windows administrator, you’ll have an edge here.
- Format- Multiple choice and multiple answers.
- Duration- 80 minutes.
- Fee- $150.
Some of the areas covered include:
- Selecting AWS services to meet an organization’s needs.
- Sending and receiving information between data centers and AWS.
- Deploying applications to the AWS platform.
- Provisioning, securing, and managing systems in the AWS environment.
Prerequisite – A year’s experience in managing AWS-native applications is recommended.
Prepare for AWS Certified SysOps Administrator- Associate.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
A professional AWS Architect can evaluate an organization’s requirements and make recommendations for implementing and deploying applications on AWS. This certification requires a great degree of technical skill and experience in designing AWS-based applications.
- Format- Multiple choice and multiple answers.
- Duration- 170 minutes.
- Fee- $300.
Some of the areas covered include:
- Best practices for designing and architecting applications on AWS.
- Migration of complex applications to AWS.
- Cost optimization strategies.
- Choosing the right AWS service for an application’s requirements.
Prerequisites- You should have status as an AWS Certified Developer- Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator-Associate. You should also have experience in managing and provisioning AWS based applications.
Prepare for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
The above AWS certifications are recommended if you are a java developer. So try out the one that you feel best suits your expertise.
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