AWS Certifications 101
by Will Chalmers, Solutions Architect
IT certifications spark plenty of debate—are they truly valuable, and do they prove real knowledge?
My opinion? Yes! AWS certifications demonstrate a solid baseline of knowledge, depending on the specific exam. However, on their own, without hands-on projects to showcase practical skills, they hold less value. But together? You’re on to a winner!
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the AWS certification ecosystem, explain where each level fits in, and explore some of the most popular and trusted study resources in the certification community.
About the Exams
AWS certifications are divided into different levels based on experience and expertise.
| Level | Description |
| Practitioner | Entry-level certification demonstrating a basic understanding of AI or Cloud concepts. Ideal for non-technical roles like Managers, Sales, and PMs who need cloud knowledge. |
| Associate | Validates functional knowledge of AWS services and how they interact |
| Professional | Demonstrates in-depth expertise in AWS services, their features, and interactions |
| Specialty | As challenging as Professional but focused on deep expertise in a specific set of services. |
If you already know which certification is right for you, great! If not, keep reading.
Choosing the Right AWS Certification
If you’re unsure which certification to take, here’s a simple guide:
- Non-technical roles: Start with Cloud or AI Practitioner.
- Technical beginners: Skip Practitioner, go straight to Solutions Architect – Associate.
- Experienced AWS users: Choose an Associate aligned with your role (Developer, SysOps, Architect).
- Advanced AWS users: Move up to Professional/Specialty based on expertise.
You may notice that I frequently recommend the Solutions Architect – Associate exam, and for good reason. It covers almost all the core AWS services used daily at a solid depth. This provides a strong foundational understanding of AWS, making it invaluable for any cloud-related role. Personally, it was the second exam I completed, but it was the one that made AWS ‘click’ for me, helping me grasp concepts more clearly from then on.
Preparing for the Exams
Most people follow three core steps when preparing for AWS exams (myself included):
- Video Courses
- Practice Questions
- Taking the Exam
Let’s explore some of the most popular resources.
Video Courses
Adrian Cantrill [https://learn.cantrill.io]
Adrian’s courses are top tier when it comes to AWS training. I’ve relied on them for nearly every exam I’ve taken. What sets them apart is that they go beyond just exam prep—they teach you how to apply AWS services in real-world scenarios. His hands-on demos, built around realistic case studies, make learning practical and engaging. Plus, the videos are visually rich and genuinely enjoyable to watch!
Stephane Maarek [https://www.udemy.com/user/stephane-maarek]
Stéphane’s courses are a great option for those looking for a fast-paced, exam-focused approach. They are shorter and more budget-friendly, covering exactly what you need to pass without extra content. If you prefer a streamlined learning experience that gets straight to the point, his courses are an excellent choice!
Amazon Skill Builder [https://explore.skillbuilder.aws/learn/mycourses]
Skill Builder offers a text-based learning experience, making it a great choice if you prefer reading over video lessons. The courses are typically rich in content and provide solid coverage of AWS concepts. However, as a newer player in certification training, some areas may feel less complete. That said, it’s a valuable resource, especially for those who like a structured, self-paced approach.
Practice Questions
Once you’ve gained a strong understanding through video courses, the next step is practice. Testing your knowledge with high-quality practice questions will reinforce concepts and ensure you’re exam-ready.
The undisputed leader in AWS practice exams is Tutorials Dojo [https://portal.tutorialsdojo.com].
Their practice tests are affordable, high-quality, and closely resemble the real exam in writing style, length, and difficulty. They also provide detailed explanations of why answers are correct or incorrect. Be sure to explore their various modes, including domain-based questions and review mode.
If you consistently score 90% or higher on these practice tests, you will have no issues passing the real exam!
Additionally, check out AWS Skill Builder’s short practice questions for an extra variety of questions.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re ready to take the next step in your AWS certification journey! Choose your exam, start preparing, and stay tuned for my next blog, where I’ll reveal my secret study method that has helped me pass all 9 AWS certifications. I’ll also share the best ways to gain valuable hands-on experience that you can leverage in job interviews.
If you want to learn more about AWS Certifications and how transACT as an Authorised AWS Training Partner can help, go to https://transactts.com/aws-training-partner/ to learn more!
Happy studying!