Amazon has launched a certification program for developers and administrators who want to be able to show their competence in working with Amazon Web Services.

The AWS Certifications will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills and proficiency with AWS services, and is built around three primary roles: Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, and Developer.

The certifications will be available in three proficiency levels, Associate, Professional and Master, and you’ll be able to earn them by passing an exam.

The certification website says:

“AWS certifications are designed to certify the technical skills and knowledge associated with best practices for building secure and reliable cloud-based applications using AWS technology.”

Amazon’s intention is that the programme will provide customers with a way of knowing that employees are able to properly build and administer their AWS deployments.

The Solutions Architect certification is aimed at developers who are skilled at designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform, with a requirement for knowledge including distributed application architecture, networking, infrastructure, and security.

The Developer certification is aimed at developers who have designed and built an AWS-based application.

The exams are administered by Kryterion, who have testing centres 100 countries and 750 testing locations worldwide. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be able to display an “AWS Certified” logo on your business cards and documents. The scheme is launching with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate Level exam, with the developer certification following later in the year.

To help prepare for the exams instructor led-training is available at several locations around the United States. Courses currently on offer are:

• 1-day AWS Essentials
• 3-day Architecting on AWS 
• 4-day Advanced Operations on AWS

See AWS Training for more details and upcoming dates.