Exploring the World of AWS Badges: A Comprehensive Guide

AWS Solutions-Focused Immersion Days (Builders Quest)

The AWS Builders Quest comprises a series of webinar-style events aimed at facilitating learning about various AWS services. Each event features a presentation followed by lab sessions, which are instrumental in developing the skills necessary for building, deploying, and operating infrastructure and applications in the cloud.

Requirements: Registration with a business/education email is required.
Cost: None.
Course Level: Appropriate for Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced learners.
Duration: Sessions typically range from 4 to 6 hours.
Assessment: No formal assessment is conducted; however, participants must complete a form at the conclusion of the presentation.
Platform: Link

AWS Knowledge (Skillbuilder)

The AWS Skill Builder is an integrated learning platform designed to enhance knowledge and skills in AWS technologies. It provides a comprehensive range of digital and classroom training options, each meticulously crafted to cater to different learning styles and schedules. The platform features a variety of learning paths and courses, focusing on diverse AWS topics and services. These courses are instrumental in cultivating the competencies required for effectively utilizing AWS tools and services. Learners can engage in interactive labs and hands-on exercises that reinforce their understanding, thereby enabling them to proficiently architect, develop, and operate applications and infrastructure within the AWS cloud environment.

Requirements: Registration is mandatory, either through email or a Builder ID.
Cost: Free access is available. Paths including labs require a subscription at $29 per month, although these are optional for earning the badge.
Course Level: Suitable for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced learners.
Duration: Learning paths vary in length, ranging from 2 to 100 hours.
Assessment: At the end of each path, there is an assessment consisting of approximately 40-60 questions. Participants can attempt the assessment once per day. It is not timed.
Platform: Link

.NET on AWS

.NET on AWS is an integrated learning platform designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in developing .NET applications in the AWS Cloud. This platform offers comprehensive resources, including digital and classroom training, meticulously crafted to cater to different learning styles and schedules. It features a variety of learning paths and courses focusing on diverse topics related to .NET development on AWS. These courses are instrumental in cultivating the competencies required for effectively utilizing AWS tools and services in the context of .NET development.

Requirements: You need to register for accessing various resources. AWS Developer Credit is also available to get started with .NET on AWS development.
Cost: There's a range of free and paid resources. For example, the 'Getting Started with .NET on AWS' course is free, while some hands-on labs may have a fee, such as $8 USD for the 'Getting Started with .NET on AWS' lab (is not required to complete the labs to attempt the badge assessment).
Course Level: Suitable for beginners to advanced developers, with resources like the 'Build a Modern .NET Application on AWS' course.
Duration: Varies based on the course or resource. For instance, the 'Getting Started with .NET on AWS' course is 90 minutes long, while other resources may take more time.
Assessment: A multiple based-question assessment to earn the badge.
Platform:Link

AWS Certified

AWS Certified is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for professionals seeking to validate their technical expertise and knowledge in the AWS cloud. The program provides a range of certifications that cover various aspects of AWS, from foundational knowledge to specialized skills in areas like solutions architecture, development, operations, and more. These certifications are recognized in the industry and are designed to help professionals demonstrate their cloud abilities and enhance their careers.

Requirements: Requires registration with any email. Prior knowledge and experience in the certification area are beneficial.
Cost: Varies depending on the certification level and includes both free resources and paid exams from $100 - $300.
Course Level: Ranges from foundational to advanced, catering to a wide range of professionals including beginners, intermediates, and experts.
Duration: The preparation time varies based on the certification and the learner's background. Courses and study materials can range from a few hours to several weeks.
Assessment: Involves a proctored exam that need to be passed to achieve AWS Certified status.
Platform: Link

How to obtain a discount in your certifications

There are several ways to get discounts on AWS certifications:

AWS Certified Benefits: Once you are AWS Certified, you can access benefits including a 50% discount voucher for recertification or any other exam.
AWS Emerging Talent Community (ETC): By participating in AWS Educate, AWS Educate, AWS re/start and earning a digital badge, you can be invited to the AWS ETC. Within this community, completing challenges earns you points, which can be redeemed for rewards like AWS certification vouchers.
AWS Certified Global Community: Similar to ETC, once you are AWS Certified you can get an invitation to the Certified Global Community. Within this community, completing challenges earns you points, which can be redeemed for rewards like AWS certification vouchers.
Get AWS Certified: Challenge: By joining the Get AWS Certified Challenge before a specified deadline, you can receive a 50% discount code for a Practitioner, Associate, or Professional-level certification exam. There are also challenges for specific specialty exams; however, these events tend to occur throughout the year without prior notice. Be sure to follow AWS Training & Certification on LinkedIn for updates.
AWS Community Builders Programand Other Initiatives: You can obtain free AWS certification vouchers through various initiatives like the AWS Community Builders Program, the All Builders Welcome Grant scholarship, the AWS New Voices foundational speaker training program.
AWS re:Invent Discount: Attendees of the AWS re:Invent conference also have the opportunity to receive a 50% discount voucher. This voucher can be used for any AWS certification exams.

AWS Partner

The AWS Partner Network offers an array of specialized courses and interactive labs, specifically curated to empower partners with a profound understanding of AWS technologies. This suite of educational resources is thoughtfully designed, encompassing both digital and classroom training tailored to diverse learning styles and busy schedules. The program highlights various learning paths, each focused on distinct AWS themes and services, essential for mastering the nuances of AWS tools and applications. These courses play a crucial role in developing the requisite expertise for effectively deploying AWS solutions. Enrollees are immersed in hands-on labs and engaging exercises, which are instrumental in reinforcing their knowledge. This practical approach ensures that AWS partners are well-equipped to architect, implement, and manage sophisticated solutions within the AWS ecosystem.

Requirements: Company email (the company needs to be part of APN).
Cost: None.
Course Level: Suitable for Intermediate and Advanced learners.
Duration: Learning paths vary in length, ranging from 4 to 8hours.
Assessment: Yes, you can retake as many times as you like
Platform: Link

AWS Ambassador

The AWS Ambassador Program is a dynamic initiative designed to enhance expertise in AWS technologies, fostering a community of skilled professionals. This program offers a variety of digital and in-person learning opportunities, tailored to suit different learning preferences and schedules. It features multiple learning paths and courses that focus on a broad range of AWS topics and services, crucial for mastering the use of AWS tools and services. AWS Ambassadors, as participants, engage in interactive activities and practical exercises, which are key to reinforcing their knowledge and skills. This hands-on approach enables them to proficiently architect, develop, and operate applications and infrastructure in the AWS cloud environment.

Requirements: To become an AWS Ambassador, one must be an employee of an AWS Partner and hold at least two AWS technical certifications at the Professional or Specialty level. Active contribution to the AWS community through various channels is also required.
Cost: The program, focused on community building and knowledge sharing, does not typically involve a subscription fee like traditional courses. Instead, it emphasizes active participation and contribution.
Course Level: Suitable for individuals who are already familiar with AWS technologies, looking to deepen their expertise and share knowledge with others.
Duration: The involvement varies, as it depends on the individual's contributions and activities within the AWS community.
Assessment: The assessment in this context is more about real-world application and contribution rather than a formalized test. Ambassadors demonstrate their knowledge through public presentations, blogs, whitepapers, and community activities.
Platform: Link

AWS Quest

AWS Cloud Quest is an innovative learning platform that enhances skills in AWS technologies through a role-playing game format. It offers a blend of digital training options, catering to various learning styles and schedules. This platform includes diverse learning paths and courses, focusing on key AWS topics and services. Essential for effectively utilizing AWS tools, it enables learners to engage in interactive labs and hands-on exercises. This approach helps users proficiently architect, develop, and operate within the AWS cloud environment.

Requirements: A skillbuilder account is needed.
Cost: Some roles are available for free; others may require a subscription.
Course Level: Appropriate for various levels, from beginners to advanced.
Duration: Varies 2-6 hours based on the chosen role and learning pace.
Assessment: Involves completing role-specific assignments and tasks.
Platform: Link | Cloud Quest | Industry Quest

AWS re/Start / AWS Tech U / AWS Instructor

AWS re/Start is a comprehensive learning platform aimed at individuals seeking careers in cloud computing. It's a full-time, 12-week program that offers skills development in cloud technologies and professional skills like communication and time management. The program is designed for unemployed or underemployed individuals, and no prior technology background is required to apply. It provides hands-on labs and coursework to prepare for entry-level cloud roles and the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. Upon completion, the program also assists with job placement.

Requirements: Targeted at individuals with little to no technology background, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.
Cost: The program is free for learners.
Course Level: Entry-level, suitable for individuals new to cloud computing.
Duration: 12 weeks, full-time.
Assessment: Includes preparation for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.
Platform: Link

AWS Tech U is a 48-week residency program for a select group of new AWS employees. Residents have the opportunity to participate in project-based learning, creative real-world problem solving, and on-the-job training. With the support and supervision of AWS experts, this residency program gives these new AWS professionals time and space to develop their technical expertise in AWS cloud computing. They are also taught the soft skills needed to launch a successful career. AWS Tech U graduates are prepared to work as solution architects, technical trainers, and professional services consultants at AWS.

Requirements: Apply through Amazon Job Portal
Cost: None
Course Level: Intermediate
Duration: 6 months apprenticeship, 6 months field experience
Assessment: No / After 6 months you will start working with a client
Platform: Link

The AWS Authorized Instructor Program and AWS Classroom Training form an integrated learning platform designed to enhance knowledge and skills in AWS technologies. These programs offer a comprehensive range of instructor-led training options, meticulously crafted to cater to different learning styles and schedules. The platform features a variety of learning paths and courses, focusing on diverse AWS topics and services. These instructor-led courses are instrumental in cultivating the competencies required for effectively utilizing AWS tools and services.

Requirements: To become an AWS Authorized Instructor, one must have at least the AWS Certified Solution Architect - Associate Certification and be sponsored by an AWS Training Partner.
Cost: Joining the AWS Authorized Instructor Program is free. Instructors receive benefits like exam vouchers and console credits. The cost for classroom training varies based on the course and delivery method.
Course Level: Suitable for various levels, from beginners to advanced learners, with courses available for different roles such as Solutions Architect, Developer, and Cloud Practitioner.
Duration: Classroom training courses vary in length, ranging from half-day workshops to multi-day sessions.
Assessment: Instructors are evaluated on their knowledge and ability to deliver courses effectively. Students in classroom training participate in hands-on labs and practical exercises.
Platform: Link

AWS Subject Matter Expert

SME is a program that seeks qualified Subject Matter Experts (SME) to participate in AWS certification exam development events. Subject Matter Experts (SME) participate in remote and in-person events that focus on the creation and review of certification exam content.

Requirements:
Relevant hands-on experience with AWS, Approve an AWS certification an claim the benefit of applying for SME
Strong reading and writing skills in English.
For Foundational and Associate level exams: a minimum of one year of practical experience or equivalent in AWS.
For the Professional and Specialty level exams: A minimum of two years of practical experience or equivalent in AWS.
Cost: None
Course Level: Advanced
Duration: None/ At least participate in 3 exams creation
Assessment: Pass the Item Writing Course/ some knowledge checks
Platform:Link | Link (SME) Item Writing Course

AWS Educate

AWS Educate offers hundreds of hours of self-paced training and resources for students new to the cloud, including hands-on labs in the AWS Management Console.

Introductory courses to learn and practice fundamental aspects of the AWS cloud through hands-on labs for six key services: Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS), Amazon DynamoDB, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC).

Requirements: Register via e-mail (an email from a educational institution is not needed anymore)
Cost: None
Course Level: Beginner
Duration: 4-6 hours
Assessment: Yes, you can retry as many times as you like
Platform: Link

Note Register from the dashboard before entering the courses directly.

AWS Academy

AWS Academy offers higher education institutions a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students to pursue industry-recognized certifications and high-demand cloud jobs. Our curriculum helps educators stay on the cutting edge of AWS cloud innovation so they can help students develop the skills they need to get hired in one of the fastest growing industries.

Requirements: Have been invited by an education institution to a canvas platform
Cost: Not additional cost, but you need to be enrolled in a course
Course Level: Beginner
Duration: 3-12 Months
Assessment: Assessments per module
Platform:Link

Other Badges

Don't forget to gather all your emails in one credly account, you can find the option in settings.

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