I've decided to move into tech and I'm wondering which AWS certification should beginners start with? if they have absolutely zero coding experience. I want to make sure I don't pick something too technical that will discourage me right at the start of my learning journey. Are there specific prerequisites I should clear before booking the actual exam?
3 answers
For someone with zero coding experience, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is definitely the best choice. It focuses on the business value of the cloud, security, and pricing models rather than writing scripts or complex architecture. You won't need to write a single line of code for this exam. It’s also much cheaper than the higher-level certs, which is great when you're just testing the waters. I found that using the official AWS Skill Builder free tier was more than enough to pass within three weeks of light studying. It’s a great way to learn the vocabulary of the cloud.
Is it possible to pass the Cloud Practitioner exam using only free resources, or do you recommend paying for a structured boot camp to ensure a passing score?
If you aren't into coding, look into the Cloud Practitioner first. It’s designed specifically for people in sales, marketing, or entry-level management roles to understand the tech.
Laura is spot on. I transitioned from a marketing role and starting with the Practitioner level made the technical jargon much less intimidating when I eventually moved to Associate.
Hi Charles! You can definitely pass using free resources like YouTube and the AWS whitepapers. However, a structured course often provides practice exams that are vital for understanding the question patterns. I’d suggest finding a reputable platform that offers high-quality mock tests, as those are usually the difference between a pass and a fail on your first attempt.