The Most Difficult AWS Certification, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the certification you think is the most difficult!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:23
Navigating the world of AWS certifications can be a daunting task for both newcomers and experienced IT professionals alike. Each certification demands a different level of expertise and understanding of the AWS ecosystem, and figuring out which one is the toughest can help prepare effectively. By knowing the difficulty levels, candidates can better allocate their study time and resources where it's needed most.
This interactive ranking caters to both the curious and the serious tech professionals who are aiming to add a shining AWS badge to their repertoire. By casting your vote on the difficulty of each AWS certification, you're not only contributing to a collective knowledge base but also getting insights on how your peers are tackling these challenges. It’s a great way for everyone to gauge the complexity and prepare accordingly.
What Is the Most Difficult AWS Certification?
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145votes
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is considered the most difficult because it requires candidates to have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in designing and deploying complex applications on AWS.The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certification is an advanced level certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates expertise in designing and deploying scalable, fault-tolerant, and highly available systems on AWS.- Level: Advanced
- Prerequisites: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification
- Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Number of Questions: 75
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233votes
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is also challenging as it requires candidates to have a deep understanding of continuous integration and delivery, infrastructure automation, and monitoring on AWS.The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional certification is designed for individuals who have experience and expertise in implementing and managing DevOps practices on the AWS platform. This certification validates the skills and knowledge required to efficiently manage and deploy applications on AWS using DevOps principles.- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Prerequisites: AWS Certified Developer - Associate or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response
- Number of Questions: 75
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327votes
AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is difficult because it covers advanced topics such as designing and deploying machine learning models, data analysis, and optimization on AWS.The AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty certification is an advanced level certification provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in designing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning solutions on the AWS platform. This certification is specifically designed for professionals who have a strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, data pre-processing, feature engineering, model selection, and deep learning techniques in AWS environments.- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
- Exam Duration: 3 hours
- Passing Score: Approximately 70%
- Exam Cost: $300
- Prerequisites: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or equivalent knowledge and experience
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419votes
AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification focuses on advanced networking concepts such as designing and implementing complex network architectures, security, and optimization on AWS.The AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty certification is a highly advanced and challenging certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It validates the technical expertise and skills required to design and implement advanced networking architectures on AWS.- Certification Level: Advanced
- Prerequisites: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- Exam Duration: 170 minutes
- Number of Questions: 65-70
- Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response
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513votes
AWS Certified Security - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is challenging as it requires candidates to have a deep understanding of security best practices and compliance on AWS.The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification is designed for individuals who have advanced knowledge and skills in securing the AWS platform. It validates expertise in implementing and managing security controls, identifying and mitigating risks, and protecting data in AWS.- Exam Code: SCS-C01
- Exam Format: Multiple choice and multiple response
- Duration: 170 minutes
- Passing Score: 700 out of 1000
- Exam Cost: $300 USD
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69votes
AWS Certified Database - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification covers advanced topics such as database design, deployment, and management on AWS.The AWS Certified Database - Specialty certification is designed for individuals who possess advanced knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and managing AWS databases. This certification validates expertise in various database technologies and principles, as well as the ability to optimize database performance and security on the AWS platform.- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
- Exam Duration: 170 minutes
- Exam Cost: 300 USD
- Number of Questions: 65-75
- Passing Score: 750 out of 1000
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712votes
AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification covers advanced topics such as data analysis, data visualization, and data management on AWS.The AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty is a certification that validates the expertise and knowledge of individuals in designing and implementing AWS services for data analytics solutions. This certification is aimed at professionals who work with big data analytics technologies and want to demonstrate their ability to design, build, secure, and maintain scalable and cost-effective data processing systems on the AWS platform.- Certification Name: AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty
- Level: Advanced
- Prerequisites: None, although it is recommended to have at least five years of experience in data analytics technologies and AWS services
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response
- Exam Duration: 180 minutes
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83votes
AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder - Specialty
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is challenging as it requires candidates to have hands-on experience in designing and building voice-based applications using Alexa Skills Kit on AWS.The AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder - Specialty certification is designed for individuals who possess a strong understanding of Alexa skill development and can build, test, and publish Amazon Alexa skills effectively. This certification validates the skills needed to create, design, and deploy Alexa skills for a wide range of use cases.- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
- Number of Questions: 65
- Passing Score: 750 out of 1000
- Exam Duration: 170 minutes
- Exam Language: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese
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914votes
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is considered challenging as it requires candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of AWS cloud services and their basic features.The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with a basic understanding of AWS Cloud services. It validates the candidate's knowledge of AWS terminology, concepts, security, and compliance aspects. The certification is intended for professionals looking to demonstrate their understanding of cloud computing and AWS services.- Certification level: Entry-level certification
- Target audience: Professionals with basic understanding of AWS Cloud services
- Knowledge areas: AWS terminology, concepts, security, and compliance
- Exam format: Multiple choice questions
- Number of questions: 65
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106votes
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS)This certification is challenging because it requires candidates to have a deep understanding of AWS developer tools, programming languages, and best practices.The AWS Certified Developer - Associate certification is a validation of a candidate's technical expertise in developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform. It assesses the individual's ability to design, deploy, and develop scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant applications on AWS.- Level: Associate
- Recommended Experience: 1+ years of hands-on experience developing and maintaining AWS-based applications
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions
- Exam Duration: 130 minutes
- Number of Questions: 65
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Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult certification
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**Prerequisites and experience** The certification's prerequisites will determine the necessary experience and foundational knowledge required. Generally, higher-level certifications demand more background and hands-on experience with AWS technologies and architectures.
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**Scope and breadth of knowledge** Consider the range of services, solutions, and concepts covered in the certification exam. Certifications that require a broader understanding of AWS services and their application in real-world scenarios will be more difficult.
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**Depth of understanding** Some certifications may require a deeper understanding of specific technologies, architectures, or services. The more in-depth and complex the topics, the more difficult the certification will be.
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**Exam format and duration** The difficulty of the exam questions, their format (multiple-choice, multiple-response, scenario-based, etc.), and the time given to complete the exam can impact the overall difficulty of the certification.
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**Practical application and hands-on experience** Some certifications may require familiarity with actual hands-on implementation and troubleshooting. The more hands-on experience required, the more challenging it will be for professionals without extensive prior experience.
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**Training and study resources** Examine available training resources, such as courses, practice exams, study guides, and video tutorials. The quality, availability, and depth of these resources can influence the difficulty of preparing for and passing the certification exam.
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**Update frequency and relevance** AWS continuously updates its services, and certifications may change accordingly. The more frequently a certification is updated, the harder it can be to keep up with the latest changes and requirements. Additionally, some certifications may cover technologies or concepts that aren't widely used in the industry, making them more difficult to master.
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**Industry recognition and value** Consider the industry recognition and value of the certification. Higher-level certifications often have greater perceived value and may be considered more challenging due to the expectation of expertise associated with them.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult AWS certification. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Certificate is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Certificate once every 24 hours. The rank of each Certificate is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult aws certification
When it comes to cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. AWS offers a range of certifications for professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.
Of all the AWS certifications, many people consider the Certified Solutions Architect - Professional to be the most difficult. This certification requires a deep understanding of AWS architecture, as well as the ability to design and deploy complex solutions on the platform.
Other challenging AWS certifications include the Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional and the Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty. These certifications require extensive knowledge and experience in their respective areas.
No matter which AWS certification you choose to pursue, it's important to have a strong foundation in cloud computing and AWS services. With dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals and become a certified AWS professional.
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