Introduction to AWS Certifications
AWS certifications are highly valued in the industry, demonstrating an individual's expertise and knowledge in Amazon Web Services. However, AWS is constantly evolving, with new services and features being added regularly. As a result, some certifications become outdated and are retired, while new ones are introduced to reflect the latest developments. In this article, we will explore the AWS certifications that have been retired and replaced, helping you stay up-to-date with the latest certification landscape.
Retired AWS Certifications
AWS regularly reviews its certification portfolio to ensure it remains relevant and effective in validating the skills and knowledge of IT professionals. When a certification is retired, it is no longer available for new candidates to take, and existing certificate holders are encouraged to transition to a newer, more relevant certification. Some examples of retired AWS certifications include the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (2015) and the AWS Certified Developer - Associate (2015). These certifications were replaced by newer versions that reflect the latest AWS services and best practices.
Replaced Certifications
When an AWS certification is retired, it is often replaced by a new certification that covers the same topics, but with updated content and a greater focus on the latest AWS services. For example, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (2015) was replaced by the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (2018), which includes new topics such as AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, and Amazon DynamoDB. Similarly, the AWS Certified Developer - Associate (2015) was replaced by the AWS Certified Developer - Associate (2017), which covers new topics such as AWS CloudFormation, AWS CodePipeline, and AWS CodeBuild.
Current AWS Certifications
AWS currently offers a range of certifications across various categories, including Cloud Practitioner, Architect, Developer, and Operations. These certifications are designed to validate an individual's skills and knowledge in specific areas of AWS, such as cloud computing, architecture, development, and operations. Some examples of current AWS certifications include the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Essentials, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, and the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional. These certifications are regularly updated to reflect the latest AWS services and best practices.
Transitioning to New Certifications
When an AWS certification is retired, existing certificate holders are encouraged to transition to a newer, more relevant certification. This can be done by taking a new certification exam or by completing a certification transition program. For example, individuals who hold the retired AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (2015) certification can transition to the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (2018) certification by taking a new exam or completing a certification transition program. AWS provides resources and support to help individuals transition to new certifications, including study guides, online courses, and practice exams.
Benefits of Staying Current
Staying current with the latest AWS certifications can bring numerous benefits, including improved career prospects, increased earning potential, and enhanced skills and knowledge. By transitioning to new certifications, individuals can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest AWS services and best practices. This can be particularly beneficial in a rapidly evolving industry like cloud computing, where the demand for skilled professionals is high. Additionally, staying current with the latest certifications can help individuals stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of new opportunities and technologies as they emerge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AWS certifications are constantly evolving to reflect the latest developments in Amazon Web Services. As new services and features are added, some certifications become outdated and are retired, while new ones are introduced to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals. By understanding which certifications have been retired and replaced, individuals can stay up-to-date with the latest certification landscape and take advantage of new opportunities and technologies. Whether you're just starting your AWS certification journey or looking to transition to a new certification, it's essential to stay current and demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest AWS services and best practices.