Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to be the leading provider in cloud computing, holding a market share of over 30%. If you’re considering a career in cloud computing, obtaining an AWS certification is a crucial step. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the foundational certification you should start with, as it covers all the basics of the platform. If you’re not sure whether this certification is right for you, this article will help you in making that decision. We will delve into everything you need to know about the certification and how you can prepare for the exam. Let’s get started!
What is AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification is a foundational certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification is designed to validate that you have a high-level understanding of the AWS Cloud, its services, and its terminology. Earning this certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills to oversee an organization’s cloud computing architecture. This includes the ability to design, deploy, and maintain cloud-based solutions.
It’s a testament to your understanding of the AWS platform and its capabilities, making you a valuable asset in any organization that utilizes AWS for their cloud computing needs. The certification exam consists of 65 questions, which can be either multiple choice or multiple response. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which means you need to prepare thoroughly to ensure you can answer all questions within the given time frame. The cost of the certification is $100.
It’s recommended to have a solid understanding of the basics of AWS, including its most commonly used services and the architectural best practices before attempting the exam. Remember, the goal of this certification is not just to pass the exam, but to gain a comprehensive understanding of the AWS Cloud that you can apply in real-world scenarios.
What Can You Do with The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification?
Having this certification can allow you get some entry level cloud-related jobs or even specialized one if you have a background in another technical field. Some of the roles you can take on with this certification include the following;
- AWS Cloud Architect: This role involves converting technical requirements of a project into the design and architecture that will guide the final product.
- SysOps Administrator: A SysOps Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining servers, including their operation and user access. In the context of AWS, they configure cloud management services and monitor their performance.
- Cloud Developer: These professionals design internet-based applications. Their responsibilities are similar to those of software engineers or web developers. As you might have guessed this role requires some training and experience in software development.
- Cloud Project Manager: This role involves planning, organizing, and implementing technical projects. Cloud project managers often interact with IT professionals across various technologies, so having a broad understanding of cloud services, like that provided by the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, is beneficial.
- Cloud IT Support Specialist: IT is a vast field, and a support specialist might be responsible for configuring, analyzing, and troubleshooting a variety of platforms and IT environments. Even traditional IT support roles are now requiring cloud proficiency.
- Cloud Security Analysts: If you have some knowledge in cybersecurity, you can work as a cloud security analyst. The role includes ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s cloud resources.
How To Prepare for The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam
Now that you know what you can do with this certification, let’s walk you through how you can prepare for the exam. These are some of the tips for preparing for the exam:
- Understand the Exam: Review the CLF-C02 exam guide and the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Official Practice Question Set. This will help you get familiar with the exam format and the topics it covers.
- Learn About Exam Topics: You can use resources such as AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials and AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner and YouTube Videos to help you understand the topics that will be covered in the exam.
- Prepare for the Exam: AWS offers Exam Prep Courses like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam Prep and AWS Escape Room: Exam Prep for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. These courses are designed to help you prepare for the exam.
- Assess Your Readiness: Before taking the actual exam, it’s recommended to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Official Practice Exam. This will help you assess your readiness and identify areas where you might need further study.
- Study with a Partner: Collaborative learning can strengthen your understanding of core concepts. Pair up with a friend or colleague to increase focus, motivation, and accountability.
- Schedule the Exam: Set a deadline for yourself by scheduling the exam date and time. This can motivate you to stick to your study plan.
Final thoughts
This article has covered everything you need to know about the AWS Foundation Certification, discussing its content, potential roles, and tips for exam preparation. If you’re new to cloud computing and are seeking foundational knowledge, this certification is an excellent starting point. Acquiring it equips you with practical skills needed in the world of cloud computing. However, remember that this is just the first step. To pursue a career in cloud computing, you’ll need to gain hands-on experience and acquire more specialized certifications, including those provided by AWS.