I am looking to transition into a cloud-based role but I’m confused about which AWS certification should beginners start with? to gain the most industry value. I have a basic understanding of IT but no hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure. Should I aim for the Foundational level first, or is it better to jump straight into the Associate level to save time?
3 answers
Starting your journey depends on your long-term goals. If you are entirely new to cloud concepts, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the perfect entry point. It provides a high-level overview of the ecosystem without getting bogged down in complex configurations. However, if you have some IT background, the Solutions Architect Associate is often preferred by employers as it demonstrates practical design skills. Most people I work with spent about 2 months preparing for the Associate level after skipping the Foundational one, which saved them both time and exam fees in the long run.
That makes sense, but don't you think the Cloud Practitioner exam helps in building the confidence needed for the more difficult Associate labs later on?
I personally started with the Solutions Architect Associate because it actually teaches you how to build things, which is what most hiring managers are looking for in 2025.
I agree with Thomas. The Solutions Architect Associate gives you that hands-on experience with VPCs and EC2 that the Practitioner level lacks, making you much more "job-ready" immediately.
You're absolutely right, Daniel. While the Associate exam is more prestigious, the Cloud Practitioner serves as a great confidence booster. It familiarizes you with the testing environment and the specific "AWS way" of phrasing questions. If you have the budget for both, the Foundational exam is a low-stress way to start your certification streak before hitting the harder stuff.