12 Professional Certifications Required by Industry

6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

For many cloud roles, employers expect an AWS Solutions Architect credential or similar cloud provider certification. The Associate-level exam targets those who design distributed systems on AWS and requires hands-on experience with core AWS services. Candidates commonly prepare with months of guided labs and exam practice; recommended experience is at least one year. Exam fees are set by Amazon Web Services; additional costs may include paid courseware or lab subscriptions. Passing the exam demonstrates knowledge of architectural best practices and can be a gateway to higher-level certifications. AWS certs must be renewed on a regular cycle, typically every two or three years, via recertification exams or credentials. If you’re new to cloud work, start with entry-level training and build lab experience before the Associate exam. Next steps: review AWS exam guide, complete hands-on labs, and register via AWS Certification Portal. Source: AWS Certification (https://aws.amazon.com/certification). Suggested image and alt text: Cloud server racks; alt text: "Cloud infrastructure architecture diagram for AWS."