Ultimate Guide to the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification in 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 14, 2023
Overview | Exam Guide | Courses | Practice Exams
About: What is the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification?
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification is an entry-level cloud certification offered by AWS that “validates cloud fluency and foundational AWS knowledge”. (source)
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with an AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification?
According to Credly, there are 1,577 job openings related to the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Data Engineer: 120 job postings
- Cloud Native Engineer: 58 job postings
- Cloud Native Developer: 55 job postings
- Python Developer: 54 job postings
- Cloud Systems Architect Engineer: 52 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect with an AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification?
In 2022, the average salary for an entry-level AWS Cloud Practitioner in the United States is $89,643 per year (source: ZipRecruiter).
The majority of Entry Level AWS Cloud Practitioner salaries currently range from $40,000 (25th percentile) to $131,000 (75th percentile).
Requirements: What are the requirements for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification?
There are no hard requirements that professionals need to fulfill in order to take the exam and become certified. However, AWS recommends that professionals have the following experience:
- Six months of exposure to the AWS Cloud
- Basic understanding of IT services and their uses in the AWS Cloud platform
- Knowledge of core AWS services and use cases, billing and pricing models, security concepts, and how cloud impacts your business
Cost: How much does the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification cost?
The certification exam costs 100 USD. This does not include potential costs for study materials such as online courses and practice exams.
Recertification: How long is the certification valid & how can it be renewed?
AWS certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your AWS Certified status, AWS requires you to periodically demonstrate your continued expertise through a process called recertification (source).
In order to get recertified for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Retake the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam
- Option 2: Pass any Associate-level or Professional-level AWS certification
FAQs
Who is the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification for?
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is for individuals who have a general understanding of the AWS cloud, including AWS services, security, architecture, pricing, and support.
It is intended for individuals who are looking to gain a broader understanding of the AWS cloud and its benefits, and those who want to understand how their organization can best use AWS.
Is the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification worth it?
Yes, the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is worth it as it demonstrates that you have a general understanding of the AWS cloud and its benefits.
It is a valuable addition to your resume and can help you better understand how your organization can use AWS. Additionally, it can open up new job opportunities and increase your earning potential.
How can you get the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification?
To obtain the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, you must pass the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam.
The exam tests your knowledge of AWS services, security, architecture, pricing, and support.
You can prepare for the exam by studying the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam guide, taking an official AWS training course, and practicing with AWS services.
What are the benefits of obtaining the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification?
The benefits of obtaining the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification include:
- Demonstrating your general understanding of the AWS cloud and its benefits
- A valuable addition to your resume and can open up new job opportunities and increase your earning potential
- Recognition as a certified AWS professional
- Access to exclusive AWS Certified community
- A better understanding of how your organization can use AWS.
How difficult is it to obtain the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification?
The difficulty of obtaining the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification will vary depending on your level of familiarity with AWS and your level of preparation for the exam.
It's recommended to have a basic understanding of AWS services, security, architecture, pricing, and support before taking the exam.
How long does it take to get the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification?
The time it takes to get the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification will vary depending on your level of experience and preparation. On average, it can take several weeks to several months to study for and pass the exam.
What are the best AWS Cloud Practitioner certification alternatives?
Alternative certifications to the AWS Cloud Practitioner include:
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Fundamentals
- Alibaba Cloud Fundamentals
- IBM Cloud Fundamentals
These certifications demonstrate an individual's general understanding of cloud services provided by different cloud providers.
Conclusion
In summary, the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is an entry-level certification that demonstrates foundational knowledge of the AWS cloud.
It opens up job opportunities with an average salary of $89,643 per year in the US.
The certification exam is reasonably priced and is valid for three years. It is a valuable addition to your resume and career and can help you better understand how your organization can use AWS.