Aws Certification on Resume

What Is AWS Certification

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification validates expertise in designing, operating, and managing applications on the AWS platform. Issued by AWS itself, these certifications are recognized globally as a mark of proficiency in cloud computing. They validate core skills such as deployment, networking, security, architecture, and developer capabilities. The certification is significant in the industry as IT demonstrates a candidate's ability to design and manage scalable, high-performance applications on AWS. Prerequisites for these certifications vary depending on the specific level of certification, with some requiring previous experience or associated AWS certifications. Certification validity periods range from 2 to 3 years, after which they need to be renewed through continued learning and recertification exams. The estimated time to prepare for an AWS certification can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. The difficulty level ranges from easy for foundational certifications to challenging for specialized ones.

Should I Include AWS Certification on Resume?

Including an AWS certification on your resume is generally beneficial if you are applying for roles related to cloud computing or software development in industries where AWS is a preferred platform, such as technology and consulting. The recency of the certification matters; list recent certifications more prominently than older ones. In some cases, IT may be particularly valuable to include this certification even in early career stages, as IT demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and the ability to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. However, if the position for which you are applying is unrelated to cloud computing or AWS, IT might be less important to include the certification on your resume.

Hiring Managers And AWS Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view AWS certifications positively as they demonstrate a candidate's practical skills and knowledge in using AWS services.
• They associate this credential with qualities such as technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to changing technologies.
• In industry-specific contexts, the value of an AWS certification can vary; for example, IT may be highly valued in software development roles but less so in graphic design roles.
• A candidate's AWS certification can set them apart from competitors by showcasing their commitment to professional growth and their ability to work effectively with cloud-based technologies.
• Potential negative perceptions include viewing the certification as a mere checkbox exercise or an indicator of limited real-world experience. To avoid this, emphasize relevant project experiences and practical applications of your AWS skills in your resume.

How to List AWS Certification on Resume

• Exact Formatting: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2021–Expiration Date)
• Certification Number/ID: Include if requested or necessary for verification; otherwise, IT is not usually necessary.
• Expiration/Renewal Dates: List the validity period and any pending renewal dates to show your commitment to ongoing learning.
• Certifying Organization: Always include AWS as the certifying organization.
• In-Progress Certifications: If you are currently working towards a certification, list IT with an "In Progress" notation. Examples:
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2021–2023)
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (In Progress)

Where to List AWS Certification on Resume

• Dedicated Certifications Section: Create a dedicated section for certifications, especially if you have multiple certifications.
• Education Section: If your education focuses on a field related to AWS or cloud computing, list the certification in this section.
• Summary: Mention your most relevant and recently obtained certifications in the summary to grab recruiters' attention.
• Multiple Placements: List multiple AWS certifications in order of relevance, with the most applicable appearing first. If space is limited, prioritize those that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.

Examples of How to List AWS Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certifications: AWS Certification, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Issued by: AWS, Expiration Date: March 2024

This format is ideal for technical resumes as IT clearly highlights the candidate's technical expertise. The expiration date demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in the field.

Technical Skills:

AWS Certification (March 2019 - March 2024) Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, Amazon RDS, AWS Lambda, AWS CloudFormation, etc.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (2018-2022) Certifications: AWS Certification, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Issued by: AWS, Expiration Date: December 2023

Including the certification on a recent graduate's resume showcases their initiative in acquiring industry-specific skills early in their career. The expiration date demonstrates the commitment to maintaining their knowledge.

Certifications & Skills:

AWS Certification (December 2021 - December 2023) Amazon S3, Amazon EC2, Amazon RDS, AWS Lambda, AWS CloudFormation, etc.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications: AWS Certification, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Issued by: AWS, Expiration Date: June 2024

Listing certifications in a dedicated section allows the hiring manager to quickly identify the candidate's technical skills and level of expertise. The expiration date provides an understanding of the certificate's validity period.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills: AWS Certification, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Issued by: AWS, Expiration Date: December 2023 Cloud Computing, Infrastructure Management, DevOps, Containers (Docker & Kubernetes), etc.

In a skills-first format, the candidate's technical abilities are emphasized at the start of the resume. The inclusion of the certification and its expiration date demonstrates the candidate's commitment to staying current in their field. This format works well for candidates looking to quickly highlight their competencies.