You will be shocked to know that AWS is making an annual business of $10 billion and it’s still growing. Yes, Almost ready to break the record of the internet!

When it comes to hiring tech talent, there seems to be a never-ending debate about the value of certifications and whether or not they’re an accurate representation of technical skill. By all accounts, AWS exams and their resulting certifications are the real deal; according to A Cloud Guru, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate) certification commands an average salary of $125,091, and you don’t get those numbers with a purely decorative title thrown onto your resume.

AWS Certifications

AWS Certifications are the way to go if you’re looking to really cement your status as an expert in the ecosystem and see a real boost in your earning potential. Associate-level exams cost $150, while Professional-level exams are $300 a pop; there are currently 11 different certification exams you can add to your arsenal depending on your experience level and career path:

Oh, one more thing. There’s a considerable leap from Associate- to Professional-level certifications. Candidates with professional certs are hugely in-demand and quite rare to find in a job market as competitive as tech.These globally recognized, industry-leading cloud certifications validate AWS skills and provide prospective employers with something priceless—peace of mind. On top of that, AWS-certified professionals are actually more productive and prove to be faster troubleshooters than their uncertified counterparts, making for a smoother ride when it comes to day-to-day workflows.

You can also take a role-based approach to your AWS learning journey. These exams are tailored to prepare you for a specific career in the cloud, and you can choose from four distinct routes:

• Cloud practitioner: learn cloud fundamentals and best practices
• Architect: learn to design highly available systems
• Developer: learn to develop applications for the cloud
• Operations: learn to automate apps, networks, and systems

Additional paths are available for machine learning, storage, media services, specialty exams, and APN Partners.