Get CCP certified with CertVista

As cloud computing has exploded in use and popularity, so has the demand for employees that have a sound understanding of how it works and its key aspects. AWS has long been a leader in cloud and is the most synonymous platform with it. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP) was designed for individuals to show they have a broad understanding of AWS, its key services, and how to operate within its environment and tools.

Why get certified?

Obtaining a certification that is widely known and respected demonstrates to employers that you have a certain level of understanding and education about the material it encompasses. With cloud computing growing so rapidly, many jobs will look for employees with an understanding and familiarity with AWS, and the CCP is an excellent way to independently show that you have this. The AWS CCP will serve individuals that work in IT, but also those outside of IT that want to demonstrate that they understand AWS and can offer value to themselves, their employers, prospective clients, and others through this knowledge. The AWS CCP servers as a first AWS certification that can start you on your path to more advanced and specialized certifications offered on the AWS platform.

How to get certified

As a first certification for the AWS platform, the AWS CCP does not have required work-experience time as a prerequisite, though it is highly recommended that you have six months of experience working with AWS in some capacity. This can range” “from IT professionals to students, business professionals, project managers, marketing specialists, and even legal professionals. Candidates should also have a basic understanding of IT and IT services in order to relate these concepts to the AWS Cloud environment.

In order to successfully pass the AWS CCP exam, a candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Explain the value of AWS Cloud services
• Understand and be able to explain the AWS Shared Responsibility Model and how it would apply to their business or job
• Understand and be able to explain security best practices for AWS accounts and management consoles
• Understand how pricing, costs, and budgets are done within AWS, including the tools that AWS provides for monitoring and tracking them
• Be able to describe the core and popular AWS service offerings across the major areas of network, compute, storage, databases, and development
• Be able to recommend and justify which AWS core services would apply to real-world scenarios

Career benefits

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification opens numerous professional opportunities across various industries. As organizations migrate to the cloud, validating AWS knowledge becomes increasingly valuable. This certification is particularly beneficial for technical and non-technical professionals, serving as a foundation for career advancement. IT professionals can use it as a stepping stone to more advanced AWS certifications, while business professionals can leverage it to better understand and contribute to cloud initiatives. Many organizations specifically list AWS certification as a preferred or required qualification, making certified professionals more competitive in the job market.

Certified individuals often report increased earning potential, with salary surveys indicating that cloud-certified professionals earn 25-30% more than their non-certified counterparts. The certification also provides access to the AWS Certification Digital Badge, which can be displayed on professional platforms like LinkedIn, enhancing visibility to potential employers and clients. Additionally, certification holders gain exclusive access to AWS certification events, networking opportunities, and the AWS Certified Global Community, where they can connect with other certified professionals and stay updated on AWS developments.

Recertification requirements

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is valid for three years from the date of certification. To maintain active certification status, individuals must recertify before the expiration date. AWS offers multiple pathways for recertification, making it flexible for professionals to maintain their credentials while continuing to validate their knowledge of the latest AWS services and features.

Recertification can be achieved by passing either the current version of the Cloud Practitioner exam or any AWS Associate-level or higher certification exam. The recertification exam is the same as the initial certification exam but reflects any updates or changes to AWS services and best practices. The cost for recertification is typically lower than the initial certification, and AWS often provides recertification discount vouchers to certified individuals. Beginning the recertification process at least three months before the expiration date is recommended to ensure adequate preparation time and account for any scheduling requirements.