ShoaibQ | December 16, 2022
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials At a Glance
Amazon Web Services (AWS) certified cloud practitioner essentials – is all about knowing everything from A to Z. An AWS cloud practitioner is knowledgeable about cloud computing and has an excellent understanding of the AWS platform to support cloud operations for companies.
AWS is the world’s leading cloud computing platform and offers both, private and public cloud capabilities.
Moreover, AWS offers over 200 services from data centers across the world. Among the numerous career opportunities offered by AWS – a certified cloud practitioner has a role to play in supervising the architecting and deploying of applications within AWS Cloud.
AWS cloud practitioner essentials certification is the way to go when you want to have a smooth journey toward becoming one of the highest-paid certified cloud professionals. Therefore, in this article, we will cover everything you need to know.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials – Job Description
It is a good practice to learn more about the job description for a certified AWS Cloud Practioner. This helps in understanding what companies are looking for. Above all, it is one of the best ways to find a cloud job.
To clarify, think of AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification as a starting point for yourself in your journey to becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Highest Paying Job), SysOps Administrator, or Developer.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at a sample of what a job description for an AWS Cloud Practitioner looks like.
Example of AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Job Posting
| Hiring a Certified AWS Cloud Practitioner (Essentials) Opportunity for Certified AWS Cloud Practitioner. We are looking for someone certified and experienced to assist our clients to implement only the best practices on the AWS cloud. Your role will be to configure VPC, implement IAM policies, management of user accounts, data backups, uptime monitoring, and performance. What we require is for you to have {X} years of experience working with IT systems and infrastructures such as 1. Networks 2. Databases 3. Servers You should be someone who has an in-depth understanding of serverless architectures and AWS platform-related technologies. In addition, we are looking for an individual who has strong communication skills to be able to explain topics to clients in a simplified manner. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Implementation of Cloud Storage using S3 2. User Accounts Management with IAM 3. AWS VPC Configuration 4. DNS Configuration with Route 53 5. Security Groups Configuration and Network ACLs (Access Control Lists) 6. IAM policies implementations Benefits 1. 401 (K) 2. Generous Paid Time Off Policy (PTO) 3. Hardware and Software Stipend 4. Parental Leaves 5. Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision) 6. Possibility for you to advance your career and increase your skill set Who We Are We are {XYZ} – an enthusiastic tech company that wants to change the world and bring advancements with the power of cloudification. Become a part of {XYZ} to get hands-on experience with high-profile projects and learn from a super-friendly team of techies! |
As you can see, every time you see a job description for AWS Cloud Practitioner, you will already know what the company is looking for.
If you can understand the requirements of the company, you can fix your resume accordingly to land an interview that you can certainly ace.
Job Responsibilities of AWS Cloud Practitioner
An AWS Cloud Practitioner is responsible for providing support and expertise for companies using Amazon Web Services (AWS). This includes helping to design, implement, and maintain AWS cloud solutions, as well as providing training and guidance to other team members.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials is a certification that demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the AWS platform. To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as AWS global infrastructure, security, and compliance, as well as AWS pricing and support.
AWS Cloud Practitioners are in high demand, as more and more companies are moving their operations to the cloud. This certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this field and to stand out in the job market.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification is intended for individuals who work in technical roles, such as Solutions Architects, System Engineers, Developers, and SysOps administrators.
Moreover, it is also suitable for non-technical business roles that are looking to gain a better understanding of AWS services and how they can be used to support their company’s goals.
In a nutshell, an AWS Cloud Practitioner is an essential role in any organization that uses or plans to use AWS. They help to design, implement, and maintain cloud solutions, as well as provide training and guidance to other team members.
That is to say – with the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this field, and set yourself apart in the job market.
AWS Cloud Practitioners Salary Trends in 2023
Certainly, it’s not as simple to become an AWS Cloud Practitioner in 2023 but with enough preparation, you can easily yield all the benefits this certification offers.
After becoming an AWS Cloud Practitioner, you have gateways opening for you to advance toward more challenging technical roles and land higher-paying jobs.
Furthermore, as per surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022, the AWS Cloud Practitioner salary was listed among the top ten highest-paid cloud certifications in the US.
On the other hand, ZipRecruiter reports show that the average entry-level cloud practitioner (essentials) salary in the US is approximately $95,735 per year in 2021 and went up to $108,516 per year by 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of AWS Cloud Practitioner salary taken from glassdoor surveys:
| Type | Estimate | Common Range | Ratio to Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| (USD / Year) | (USD / Year) | (%) | |
| Base | 83,374 | 68,000 – 121,000 | 92.05 |
| Additional | 7,192 | 53,000 – 155,000 | 7.95 |
Moreover, an Amazon AWS cloud practitioner at Amazon can earn up to 195,000 USD per year. Therefore, it’s more a matter of where you are working and there is no “fixed” salary.
What Does the AWS Cloud Practitioner Salary Depend on?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an AWS Cloud Practitioner is $120,000 per year, with some top earners making over $150,000 annually.
Salary trends for AWS Cloud Practitioners vary depending on the following factors:
- Location,
- Industry,
- Experience level.
Location – in major tech hubs such as San Francisco and Seattle, the average salary is higher, at around $130,000 to $140,000 per year. On the other hand, in smaller cities, the average salary is lower, at around $100,000 to $110,000 per year.
Industry – in the finance and healthcare industries, the average salary is higher, at around $130,000 to $140,000 per year. In the retail and manufacturing industries, the average salary is lower, at around $110,000 to $120,000 per year.
Experience level – entry-level AWS Cloud Practitioners can expect to earn around $90,000 to $100,000 per year, while those with more experience can earn up to $150,000 or more.
Impact of AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification on Salary
It’s worth noting that having an AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification can increase your earning potential as well. The certification demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the AWS platform and can help you stand out in the job market.
To clarify, AWS Cloud Practitioner is an in-demand role with a high earning potential. The salary trends vary based on location, industry, and experience level.
However, with an AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification, you can increase your earning potential and set yourself apart in the job market.
Skills Required in 2023
Latest Skills Required for the Certification
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials certification is intended for individuals who work in technical roles such as AWS Solutions Architects, System Engineers, Developers, and SysOps administrators.
However, it is also suitable for non-technical business roles that are looking to gain a better understanding of AWS services and how they can be used to support their company’s goals.
To become an AWS Cloud Practitioner, it’s essential to have a strong understanding of the following skills:
- Knowledge of AWS global infrastructure:
- This includes understanding the AWS regions, availability zones, and edge locations, as well as the different services offered by each region.
- Understanding of AWS security and compliance:
- AWS Cloud Practitioners should be familiar with security best practices, such as identity and access management, encryption, and network security.
- Familiarity with AWS pricing and support:
- This includes understanding the different pricing models for AWS services, as well as the different support options available.
- Experience with AWS services:
- AWS Cloud Practitioners should have hands-on experience with AWS services, such as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), and Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
- Strong communication skills:
- AWS Cloud Practitioners need to be able to effectively communicate with different stakeholders, including technical and non-technical team members, as well as clients and vendors.
- Technical and operational knowledge:
- AWS Cloud Practitioners should have a good understanding of the technical and operational aspects of cloud computing, including networking, storage, and security.
- Strong problem-solving skills:
- AWS Cloud Practitioners need to be able to troubleshoot issues and come up with creative solutions to problems.
To gain the knowledge and skills required to become an AWS Cloud Practitioner, individuals can take advantage of various resources such as the AWS training and certification course, AWS documentation and white papers, and AWS community resources.
In addition, you can fully prepare for the certification exam with AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Simulated Practice Exam.
Practical Skills Required to become an AWS Cloud Practitioner
To master your role as an AWS Cloud Practitioner, you need skills on two fronts:
Business:
- Capable of understanding and solving problems for end users
- Can quickly resolve scalability issues
- In-Depth understanding of software and hardware from a business perspective
- Capable of handling integration challenges with 3rd Party programs
Technical:
- Proficient with Linux OS
- Knowledgeable regarding Compliance and Data Security
- Working knowledge of Programming Languages (C++, Python, JS, and Java)
- Capable of Supervising Cloud Architecture and App Development
- Working Experience with Jira and Confluence
- Good Management Skills and Understanding of the AWS Cloud Platform
In addition, some soft skills include:
- Communication Skills
- Excellent Management Skills
- Capable of Making the Right Decisions
- Curious and Eager to Learn
How to Prepare for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Exam?
The best way to prepare for any certification is by taking online courses and quizzes to ace your AWS Cloud Practitioner exam. Our team members that have cleared the exam made this blueprint, to give you an idea of what to expect in the exam.
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Essentials Exam Questions |
|---|
| 1. Explain Basic AWS Cloud Architectural Principles 2. Define What AWS Cloud 3. Define the Basic Global Infrastructure 4. What is AWS Cloud Value Proposition? 5. What are AWS’s Billing, Account Management, and Pricing Models? 6. What Are the Basic Security and Compliance Aspects of AWS Cloud? 7. What Are the Core Characteristics of Deploying and Operating in the AWS Cloud? |
This blueprint is just to give you a rough idea of what to expect. You can find all the right questions and answers in this AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Course by SkillCurb.
Moreover, you can also find the best and most concise AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Simulated Practice Exam at SkillCurb. These tailored exams and courses have been made by our team members that have cleared the exam.
In addition, we always keep them in check and perform updates whenever there are changes in the certification exam.
Step 1: Learn Everything about the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long and costs 100 USD. Here’s a quick overview of the official exam:
| Level | Foundational |
| Length | 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes) |
| Format | 65 Questions – Either Multiple Response or Multiple Choice |
| Delivery | Online proctored exam or Pearson VUE Examination Center |
| Languages | English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. |
| Cost | 100 USD |
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the AWS platform.
To prepare for the exam, you can just start by reviewing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam Guide, which provides an overview of the exam content and format.
Additionally, we recommend that you take advantage of various resources such as the AWS training and certification program, AWS documentation and white papers, and AWS community resources.
Practicing with sample questions and taking online practice tests can also help to prepare for the exam. It’s also recommended to have hands-on experience with AWS services, as the exam includes questions on practical scenarios and use cases.
Finally, as aforementioned, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the AWS global infrastructure, security and compliance, pricing, and support, as well as hands-on experience with AWS services to pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
Step 2: Enroll in an AWS Cloud Practitioner Course
An AWS Cloud Practitioner Course is a training program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and work with the AWS platform.
The best course is the one that is specifically designed to help participants pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam and become certified AWS Cloud Practitioners.
A good AWS Cloud Practitioner Course will cover a range of topics including the AWS global infrastructure, security and compliance, pricing and support, and hands-on experience with AWS services.
Most importantly, the course should be taught by experienced instructors who have real-world experience working with AWS.
Participants in an AWS Cloud Practitioner Course will learn about the different services offered by AWS and how they can be used to support a company’s goals.
If you are a candidate then you will also learn about the different pricing models and support options available, as well as best practices for security and compliance.
The hands-on experience provided by the course is a crucial aspect, as it enables participants to apply their knowledge and understanding of AWS services in practical scenarios and use cases. This can help you to better understand how the services can be used in real-world situations.
Moreover, the right course also provides a structure for learning and a guided path to follow, making it easier to stay on track and ensure that you are covering all the topics and concepts.
Additionally, a course also provides an opportunity to interact with other learners, which can be a valuable source of support and inspiration.
That is to say, an AWS Cloud Practitioner Course is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become an AWS Cloud Practitioner and pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam.
Step 3: Take an AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice Exam
A practice exam can boost your chances of success by helping you identify areas where you need to focus your studying.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam is designed to test your understanding of the basics of the AWS platform. It covers topics such as AWS services, security, and compliance.
By taking a practice exam, you can familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions that will be on the actual exam. This will help you feel more confident and less anxious when taking the test.
Furthermore, a practice exam can help you identify any gaps in your knowledge. If you struggle with a particular topic, you can focus on studying that area more thoroughly before taking the actual exam. This can help you increase your chances of passing the test on the first try.
Nevertheless, a simulated practice exam is an essential tool for anyone planning to take the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification exam.
It can help you identify areas of weakness, increase your confidence and boost your chances of success. Don’t neglect the power of a practice exam, invest time in it and you will be well-prepared for the actual test.
Step 4: Register for Your AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification Exam
At this point, you should be ready to take the next step in your AWS career and earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification.
The certification process is simple and straightforward. First, you will need to create an AWS account and then register for the exam. The exam can be taken at one of the many testing centers or online via a proctored exam.
Once you have registered and paid for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam. It is important to note that the exam fee is non-refundable, so make sure you are fully prepared before scheduling your test.
Additionally, you can also take the exam in different languages and it’s valid for 2 years.
Step 5: Aim Higher and Keep Learning
Don’t wait further, you have already taken the first step toward becoming a cloud professional by getting certified as an AWS Cloud Practitioner!
With proper preparation, the certification process is a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills and will help you advance your career in the field of AWS. That is to say, this is only the starting, the next step in your journey is associate level certification.
However, before you go any further, it is important that you get some hands-on experience by taking on different projects.
Takeaway
AWS Cloud has dominated the market since its launch and is rapidly evolving. Moreover, even by 2023, AWS managed to have the largest share of the cloud market. This led to an increased demand for Certified AWS Cloud Practitioners in 2023.
If you are a fresher and looking for the first step to dive into the massive world of cloud computing. The AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification is a foundational level exam. It should be your priority.
On the other hand, if you are an expert or have some working experience, then the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification will open dozens of gateways for you.
Think of this certification as a bonus to excel in your career as a cloud professional. Moreover, the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification is also considered the first footstep in becoming a Certified AWS Solutions Architect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you want to just get a high-paying job in the cloud industry then one certification is enough. However, the cloud is highly competitive, therefore, it is better to always keep moving forward and earn more certifications.
No, the AWS cloud practitioner certification exam costs 100 USD. However, it is absolutely worth it because it is the first step toward becoming a cloud professional.
All you need to pass the AWS cloud practitioner exam is the right study material and some hands-on experience working with the fundamentals of the cloud.
If you are using the right course, then you should be able to finish in less than a week. That is only possible if you follow it through. Otherwise, 6 months of study are recommended before taking the AWS cloud practitioner exam.
No, the AWS cloud practitioner exam is not hard. However, if you are an absolute beginner with little to no knowledge about cloud computing then it might be slightly challenging for you.
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