Big data analytics has become an indispensable part of modern business operations and strategic decision making. With the exponential growth in data volume and sources, organizations need robust big data solutions to harness actionable insights and drive innovation. This is where the AWS big data certificate comes into play.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all key aspects of the AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty certification to help you succeed.
Why is the AWS Big Data Certification Valuable?
Earning the AWS big data certification can give your career a big boost. Key advantages include the following:
- Validation of Skills: The certification validates your expertise in working with AWS big data services. It demonstrates your ability to leverage various tools and technologies to process, analyze, and visualize large datasets.
- Higher Salary: Certified professionals earn higher salaries compared to non-certified peers. The AWS big data certification can boost your earning potential.
- Career Advancement: The certification enhances your resume and opens up better job opportunities in big data engineering, analytics, architecture etc.
- Trust and Credibility: Getting certified establishes you as an authority in AWS big data solutions. It builds trust and credibility with employers.
AWS Big Data Certification Prerequisites
While there are no mandatory prerequisites, having certain background and experience can help you prepare better:
- Hands-on experience (at least 2 years) of working with AWS services
- Understanding of core big data concepts and architecture
- Knowledge of data analytics processes like collection, storage, processing, analysis etc.
- Proficient understanding of business intelligence and data visualization
- Experience with Hadoop, Spark, SQL, NoSQL databases etc.
Exam Details Overview
Let’s look at some key details about the certification exam:
- The AWS Big Data Specialty Exam
- Exam Code: BDS-C00
- Multiple-choice and extended-response questions make up the exam format
- Exam Duration: 170 minutes
- Questions can be presented in English, Japanese, Korean, or Simplified Chinese
- Exam Fee: $300
A minimum of 750 points is required to pass.
Exam Syllabus and Domains
The AWS big data certification exam covers the following domains:
Domain 1: Collection
This covers data collection techniques and AWS services like:
- Kinesis (Data Streams, Firehose)
- IoT Core
- AppSync
- Glue Crawler
- Lake Formation
- S3
- DynamoDB Streams
- Database Migration Service
Key topics include real-time streaming, batch data collection, compression, partitioning, security etc.
Domain 2: Storage and Data Management
Focuses on data storage, management, and governance services like:
- S3
- Glue Catalog
- DynamoDB
- Redshift
- EMR File System
- Neptune
Covers data lakes, optimization, querying, metadata management, data catalog etc.
Domain 3: Processing
Involves data processing technologies and services:
- EMR
- Glue ETL Jobs
- Step Functions
- Kinesis Analytics
- Athena
- Lambda
Includes distributed processing, ETL, orchestration, serverless processing, optimization etc.
Domain 4: Analysis and Visualization
Covers data analysis and visualization tools:
- Athena
- EMR Notebooks
- QuickSight
- Redshift ML
Topics include ad-hoc analysis, BI analytics, dashboards, reporting, and machine learning.
Domain 5: Security
Focuses on data security, access control, auditing capabilities:
- KMS
- Lake Formation
- IAM
- Glue Security Configuration
- CloudTrail
- GuardDuty
Key areas are encryption, access controls, auditing, and monitoring.
Domain 6: Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Involves monitoring tools and optimization techniques:
- CloudWatch
- S3 Analytics
- Glue Crawler Metrics
- EMR Cluster Metrics
Covers monitoring, logging, optimization, and debugging.
This covers the key domains and topics for the AWS big data certification. Thorough preparation in each area is essential.
Preparation Tips and Strategies
Here are some valuable tips to prepare and pass the AWS Certified Big Data exam:
Learn AWS Big Data Services
- Study the key AWS big data services for collection, storage, processing, analysis, security, and monitoring.
- Understand the features, use cases, integration, and architectural best practices for each service.
Hands-on Practice
- Implement core solutions using AWS big data services to get practical experience.
- Work on real-world projects involving large datasets, distributed processing, analytics etc.
Take Tutorials and Training
- Take AWS big data training like self-paced courses to learn from experts.
- Work through hands-on tutorials to gain proficiency using the services.
Review Sample Questions
- Attempt AWS big data sample questions to understand the exam format and pattern.
- Identify weaker knowledge areas that need more focus.
Use Practice Tests
- Take mock tests to assess your exam readiness.
- Practice tests expose you to the actual exam environment.
- Think about why the right and wrong answers were given.
Read Whitepapers
- Read AWS big data whitepapers like Big Data Analytics Options on AWS.
- Whitepapers provide in-depth knowledge of services and best practices.
Learn Data Analytics Concepts
- Study core big data analytics concepts like distributed processing, ETL, data lakes etc.
- Understand how these translate to AWS big data services and architecture.
Read Documentation
- Refer to AWS service documentation for details on features, APIs, integration etc.
- Documentation provides official and up-to-date information.
Using these preparation strategies and diligently studying the exam guide will help you gain the knowledge to pass the AWS Certified Big Data exam confidently.
Exam Registration Process
The following are the procedures that need to be taken in order to register for the certification exam:
- Go to the AWS Certification portal and login to your account.
- Search for the AWS Certified Big Data exam and click “Schedule Exam”.
- Select your preferred exam date, time, test center, and language.
- Read through the exam policies and accept the NDA.
- Pay the exam fee online using credit/debit card.
- You will get a confirmation email including the appointment details shortly.
- Arrive at the test center on time with valid ID proof.
- Take and pass the exam with 750 score.
Follow these steps to successfully register and take the AWS big data certification exam.
Career Opportunities and Roles
Earning the AWS Certified Big Data certification opens up exciting career opportunities including:
- Big Data Engineer: Design, develop and maintain big data infrastructure, tools, and architecture using AWS services.
- Big Data Analyst: Perform complex analysis on massive datasets, derive insights, and communicate data-driven recommendations.
- Big Data Architect: Plan and design optimal AWS-based big data solutions that meet business needs.
- Big Data Consultant: Advise clients on big data strategies, solutions, and best practices on the AWS cloud.
- Big Data Manager: Lead big data initiatives, teams, and projects in organizations.
- Data Scientist: Develop machine learning models, statistical analysis, predictive analytics using AWS big data platforms.
The certification can help you advance in these coveted roles or switch careers.
Maintaining the Certification
The AWS big data certification is valid for 3 years. To renew it, you must either:
- Pass the exam again to show your knowledge is up-to-date.
OR
- Earn 120 CPEs in big data and AWS related topics to demonstrate continued expertise.
Also, stay updated with new AWS services and best practices through study groups, blogs, conferences etc.
Conclusion
The AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty certification confirms proficiency in designing and implementing big data solutions on AWS. It is a highly valuable credential for anyone looking to advance their career in cloud big data roles.
Using this guide’s preparation tips, tricks, and resources will help you gain the expertise to pass the exam with flying colors. So start your preparation journey today towards becoming an AWS certified big data expert!
