Debunking Cloud Certification Myths

Uncover the truth about Azure and AWS certifications

Author

Jason Price
August 27, 2024

In partnership with

👋 Greetings to our latest addition of our Learn Azure and AWS newsletter. We're thrilled by the growth in our community and the strong interest in Azure and AWS. Your positive feedback is invaluable and helps us improve our content. Keep it coming! In fact today’s newsletter was loosely based on a comment we received on one of our social media channels.

In this edition, we're getting hands-on and tackling the common myths surrounding cloud certifications. It's time to clear up the confusion and set the record straight about Azure and AWS. We're putting on our detective hats and using our myth-busting tools to untangle the misconceptions that might be holding you back.

Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or just beginning your cloud journey, get ready to challenge your assumptions and deepen your understanding.

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Myth: “AWS and Azure are fundamentally the same.”

Reality:

While both AWS and Azure are leading cloud service providers offering similar core services, they have distinct differences in implementation, terminology, and best practices. Understanding these differences is crucial for both real-world applications and certification exams.

Explanation:

  • Compute Services: AWS uses Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) as its primary compute service, whereas Azure uses Virtual Machines (VMs). Both allow you to run virtual servers in the cloud, but they differ in pricing models, instance types, and configuration options. For example, AWS has Reserved Instances for long-term savings, while Azure offers Reserved VM Instances with similar but not identical features.

  • Storage: AWS S3 (Simple Storage Service) and Azure Blob Storage are both object storage services, but they differ in terms of access tiers, redundancy options, and data lifecycle management. Azure has hot, cool, and archive tiers, while AWS has similar tiers with different cost structures and use cases.

  • Networking: AWS uses Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) to create isolated networks, while Azure uses Virtual Networks (VNet). The setup and management of subnets, routing tables, and security groups (called Network Security Groups in Azure) can vary significantly, affecting both deployment strategies and exam questions.

Myth: “You need to memorize everything.”

Reality:

Certification exams are designed to test your understanding of cloud concepts and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios, rather than just your ability to memorize facts.

Explanation:

  • Focus on Understanding: Instead of trying to memorize every detail, focus on understanding core concepts, like how auto scaling works, or how different storage tiers affect performance and cost. This deeper understanding will help you navigate scenario-based questions on the exam. Our Learn Azure app has this built in (shameless plug!).

  • Practical Application: Use free-tier accounts on AWS and Azure to practice. Setting up a virtual machine, configuring a VPC or VNet, or creating an IAM role will help reinforce your knowledge far more effectively than rote memorization.

  • Scenario-Based Learning: Many exam questions present real-world scenarios that require you to choose the best solution based on your understanding of the platform. This means you need to know why a particular service is used, not just what it is.

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Myth: “Passing the certification means I’m an expert.”

Reality:

While passing a certification exam demonstrates a strong foundational knowledge, becoming an expert requires ongoing learning, practical experience, and staying updated with the latest cloud technologies.

Explanation:

  • Continuous Learning: The cloud landscape is constantly evolving (that’s why we love it!). To truly master Azure or AWS, you need to keep up with new services, features, and best practices. Engage with cloud communities, follow relevant blogs, and consider advanced certifications as your experience grows. Consider joining our Telegram community to connect with like-minded people!

  • Hands-On Experience: Real expertise comes from applying what you’ve learned in real-world projects. Look for opportunities to contribute to cloud projects at work or on open-source platforms. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will deepen your understanding beyond what’s covered in the exams.

  • Advanced Certifications: After achieving a foundational certification, consider pursuing more specialized ones, like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or the Azure DevOps Engineer Expert. These certifications require a deeper understanding and more practical experience.

Myth: “The certification path is rigid and linear.”

Reality:

While there are recommended certification paths, they are not rigid. Different career goals might require different paths, and combining certifications can provide a more tailored skill set.

Explanation:

Myth: “Only technical professionals benefit from cloud certifications.”

Reality:

Cloud certifications are valuable for a wide range of professionals, including those in non-technical roles like management, sales, or consulting. In fact some people might move between technical and non-technical roles over the course of their careers. I did this in my career but kept getting certified, even when I took on leadership roles.

Explanation:

  • Project Managers: Understanding cloud concepts enables project managers to better communicate with technical teams, estimate project timelines more accurately, and manage cloud-based projects more effectively.

  • Sales Engineers and Consultants: Cloud certifications can help sales engineers understand the technical aspects of the products they’re selling, making them more effective in their roles. Consultants can better advise clients on cloud adoption strategies, migrations, and optimizations.

  • Enhanced Communication: Even if your role doesn’t involve direct cloud implementation, understanding the basics of cloud computing can improve collaboration with technical teams and clients, leading to better outcomes.

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