The Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform has been a trailblazer in cloud computing. In past years, many AWS certifications have been offered by AWS to network technology professionals, and they have become very popular because of how well they prepare a network technology professional in several cloud operations toward much-needed professional growth.
With the advent of AI technologies taking over the world, employment in the computer and IT sector is expected to rise by 10% over the next decade [Ref]. Many cloud computing professionals are required to fill various positions. Therefore, IT companies may require network technology professionals to exhibit their skill sets and knowledge in cloud computing technologies. An AWS certification would help professionals prove their competency and credentials in the AWS disciplines.
We will discuss the two most sought-after AWS certifications– AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect- and compare the two to help you navigate which qualification will benefit you in your career.
What is Amazon Web Services?
Amazon Web Services is a highly popular global cloud platform with almost half the market share. It features 200+ services available from data centers from all over the world. AWS has many use cases and can be used by govt. Organizations, corporations, and even start-ups to partake in digital transformation and improve efficiency, performance, and productivity.
Among the many popular AWS certifications offered by Amazon Web Services, Solutions Architect and Cloud Practitioner are the two most popular and sought-after certifications for beginner-level computing positions. The AWS offers 12 different certifications across four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. The certifications offered by the AWS include:
Foundational
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Professional
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Specialty
- AWS Certified Database – Specialty
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
- AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Who is an AWS Cloud Practitioner?
A professional obtaining knowledge and skills in AWS Cloud through the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification would be called an AWS Cloud Practitioner. Those working in management, sales, technical, marketing, or finance that require the assistance of AWS Cloud are the best suited for this certification. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification tests an individual’s ability to comprehend the fundamentals of network architectures, cloud infrastructure, and the top AWS services, such as AWS Cloud Services compliance and security.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification can be obtained by preparing and taking the dedicated certification exam. This certification exam consists of 65 questions comprising multiple-choice questions and multiple-response questions. Also, the exam lasts 90 minutes and analyzes the candidates’ ability on topics like fundamentals of AWS cloud, architecture, security, support, and pricing. The total score of the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is 1000, out of which candidates require 700 marks to pass the exam and be eligible for the certification. However, candidates require a minimum of 6 months of experience in the AWS cloud platform.
Major Roles & Responsibilities
Professionals with the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification are expected to manage an organization’s cloud computing architecture. They are responsible for overseeing that the developers’ technical decisions are closely aligned with the objectives of the organization and its business.
The major roles and responsibilities of an AWS Cloud Practitioner at an organization are:
- Taking initiatives in cloud migration and reviewing workload architecture.
- Guiding the organization to deal with high-risk issues on cloud infrastructure.
- Act as a bridge between an organization’s technical and business fronts to facilitate the adoption of cloud technologies.
- Developing and optimizing cloud-based applications and services.
- Deploying cloud security and identity measures to protect the infrastructure.
- Monitoring and addressing performance issues on the user end.
- Designing and deploying backup and recovery plans.
- Analyzing and scaling workloads.
- Implementing AWS best practices according to business standards.
- Configuration of private virtual clouds.
- Troubleshooting errors and issues in the implementation and design of cloud computing infrastructure.
Who is an AWS Cloud Solutions Architect?
To acquire an AWS Cloud Solutions Architect, a candidate requires a working knowledge of the Amazon Web Services cloud platform. Individuals who are skilled in designing and deploying applications on the AWS cloud platform are validated through this certification. The AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification is best suited for those with in-depth knowledge and understanding of this cloud platform and its services and features. Moreover, it is apt for individuals with experience using the AWS cloud platform who wish to acquire credentials for their knowledge in this domain.
Like the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam, the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification exam also consists of 65 questions comprising multiple choice and response questions. The time duration of the exam shall be 180 minutes or 3 hours. The total AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification exam marks are also 1000, but the required passing marks are 720.
Unlike the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam, the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification requires candidates to obtain two years of working experience in AWS cloud or equivalent qualification. Before this test, candidates should acquaint themselves with the AWS compliance and security policies. Therefore, AWS Cloud Solution Architect training can be beneficial for such candidates to obtain the required eligibility criteria and become familiar with the AWS cloud platform and its architecture, security, and policies, among other things.
Major Roles & Responsibilities
AWS Cloud Solutions Architect professionals assist businesses in creating and implementing cloud solutions using AWS. They work with the business’ clients to understand their requirements and develop the best creative solution using Amazon Web Services. They also collaborate with others on the team to ensure proper measures are applied effectively.
The major roles and responsibilities undertaken by an AWS Cloud Solutions Architect at an organizational level are:
- Comprehending the business goals and objectives to build cloud-based solutions to achieve such objectives.
- Building and sustaining cost-effective and scalable cloud computing systems for an organization.
- Facilitate digital transformation towards cloud-based solutions to enhance the efficiency of the organization.
- Streamline routine processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Building and managing cloud applications effectively for the internal use of the organization.
- Assessing any risks posed by external network platforms.
- Fortifying the security of cloud environments against external threats to prevent data loss through security breaches.
- Minimizing downtime as much as possible.
- Keep up with industry best practices of cloud computing to enhance the efficiency of cloud infrastructure.
Difference Between AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
| Factors | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS Cloud Solutions Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Exam requirements | No such requirement | AWS Cloud Practitioner certification |
| Exam Preparation | ||
| Benefits |
|
|
| Certificates | Foundational Level | Professional Level |
| Eligibility | A minimum of 6 months of training and hands-on experience in using AWS | Two years of working experience in AWS cloud or equivalent qualification |
| Skills |
|
|
| Focus | Introduction to AWS and its essential components | Intuitive understanding and application of Amazon Web Services for cloud architecture design |
| Career Growth | Entry-level jobs for using cloud computing technologies | Solutions Architect, AWS Cloud Engineer, and other senior cloud professional positions |
| Salary | Rs. 13-14 lakhs annual average | Rs. 12.8 lakhs annual average |
Similarities Between AWS Cloud Practitioner & Solutions Architect
While comparing AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect credentials, it’s essential to remember that the AWS Solutions Architect certification is advanced for those who have an in-depth understanding of the AWS cloud computing platform. However, they are similar in the context of the examination. Both the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect certifications cover some topics that are common to both. Such topics include fundamentals of AWS cloud computing, security, support, architecture, and pricing, along with topics like application development and deployment with management, which are covered in the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification course.
Which One to Choose Between AWS Solutions Architect & Cloud Practitioner?
Deciding what to choose between AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Cloud Solutions Architect requires a critical assessment of the career prospects and alignment of individual goals based on current knowledge and expertise in cloud computing.
For beginners without knowledge of cloud platforms, it can be best to acquire six months of experience in cloud computing technologies and go for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, a beginner-level qualification. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is also a prerequisite for candidates to obtain higher-level certifications Amazon Web Services offers. This certification helps candidates learn about cloud computing concepts, security, compliance, services, pricing models, and policies. It acts as a door to the more complex concepts of cloud computing technologies by helping candidates understand the fundamental AWS principles and practices.
Moreover, individuals with fundamental technical knowledge and experience in cloud computing technologies, particularly in using AWS, can better understand the complex and robust concepts of Professional-level AWS cloud certification. The AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification is an excellent professional credential for those who want to deploy scalable solutions using AWS Cloud Services. Even if you have some basic knowledge of cloud computing technologies, opting for solution architect training can help fill the knowledge gap and upscale your skills in AWS cloud computing services, to begin with the preparation for the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect certification.
Conclusion
Choosing between two of the most sought-after AWS cloud computing certifications can be tough, but your choice should be based on your level of knowledge, skills, and comfort. Both certifications offer fascinating opportunities in the world of AWS cloud computing. If you are a beginner, taking the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification may be good to begin your journey with AWS.
However, if you want to level up your AWS game, take a solution architect training with the AWS Certification Course for Solution Architect Training and get trained by industry experts. The course provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience in designing and deploying AWS cloud architectures guided by certified AWS experts who can help you prepare for the exam efficiently and clear it in one go! Get value and knowledge together in this course and unlock unlimited potential in the AWS ecosystem as an AWS Solutions Architect.
FAQs
- Do I need an AWS cloud practitioner before a solutions architect?
While obtaining an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification before the Solutions Architect certification would be helpful for individuals, it is not a requirement, as the ability to obtain an AWS certification depends on the level of knowledge and skills that an individual has in cloud computing technologies.
- Is the AWS cloud architect and solution architect the same?
The AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect are two different certifications offered by Amazon Web Services to recognize the credentials of candidates obtaining knowledge in AWS cloud computing of different levels. The AWS Solutions Architect is more advanced than the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
- Is coding required for AWS cloud practitioners?
While it is desirable to have some knowledge of coding, it is not a requirement for obtaining AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
- Which is the most in-demand AWS certification?
The role of a Solutions Architect is one of the most demanding in the IT sector, with a possibility of a rise in the demand for qualified individuals over the next decade. As such, the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect is the most in-demand certification offered by Amazon Web Services.
- Can I get a job in AWS without coding?
Many tasks in AWS cloud computing technologies can be accomplished without coding knowledge. Simply having the certification doesn’t mean you have to be knowledgeable about coding. Coding knowledge is required to work as a cloud engineer, not otherwise.
