This blog post is part of a series of short articles about certification recommendations for Project Managers working in IT industry.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (AWS CCP) might not be an obvious choice for Project Managers (PMs). But this certificate will give you a solid overview of cloud foundations and architecture. The cloud sector is developing rapidly. Almost everything is being migrated to the cloud, although we are not aware of that.

When you watch a Netflix series, listen to Spotify, or check your friend’s pictures from the last trip, do you think about how it works? Why don't you stop and invest some time to get to know what is inside?

Which certificate to choose?

There are three main players in the global cloud sector:

  • Amazon (AWS)
  • Microsoft (Azure)
  • and Google (GCP)

So, what is the reason, I would recommend going with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner? I believe this is the most comprehensive and compact course on the market. It helped me understand basic relationships between various aspects of cloud architecture.

It is an entry-level certificate. You will have a chance to deep dive if you would like to, but this is not necessary to pass. I think this is a perfect effort/benefit ratio for PMs. On top of that, AWS is still a leader in the global cloud sector, so this certificate should be the most recognized one. It seems the choice is simple – a win/win situation!

How to prepare for the exam?

When it comes to tips & tricks on how to learn, I would recommend that you create your mind map during studying. Cloud architecture is a complex and vast issue. Simplifying and finding relations is a fantastic way to understand the big picture.

Once you follow the logic, you will be able to deal with the exam. A few mock exams (unofficial, but helpful) should be enough to try your chances with a real one. Additionally, you have AWS official materials, if you would prefer to go that way.

What does the exam look like?

Scheduling your exam makes sure you will not be interrupted by anyone. You can choose from many different time slots to suit various time zones. You can postpone the exam 2 times in advance.

What other details are important?

  • You will receive 65 questions, either single- or multiple-choice.
  • The standard time to answer all of them is 90 minutes. If you are not an English native speaker, you are eligible to request an extra 30 minutes.
  • Your exam results will be shown as a score from 100 to 1000.
  • The minimum passing score is 700.
  • The AWS CCP exam costs 100 USD.

It is a proctored exam, so you need your camera and microphone on. Remember to check the current exam policy. The day before your exam, prepare your ID (identity document) and test your software. During the exam, try to relax and follow your instinct. Remember that the first clue is the most accurate one. Good luck!

AWS certification to understand the basics

I do not recommend deep diving into technology from a Project Manager’s perspective. The big picture will be fair enough to help you in daily technical conversations with your developers or customers. Understanding basic technical aspects of the cloud architecture will allow everyone to be on the same page.

In my next post I will talk more about Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AI-900, so watch this space for more recommendations.