Can You Get AWS Developer Associate Without Cloud Practitioner?

So, you want to become AWS certified. But where should you start? If you have IT experience, can you skip the foundational level and go straight for an associate-level certification? That’s a matter up for debate among IT professionals. 

Some say that getting the AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) certification is totally unnecessary before pursuing the AWS Certified Developer—Associate (DVA-C02). Others think that getting the Cloud Practitioner first is a good idea. Let’s discuss the pros and cons.

AWS Certification Path

Your AWS certification path depends on your individual background,  interests, and plans. AWS has published a document to help you plan your AWS certification journey. A lot depends on where you are in your cloud career and where you want to go. Are you new to the cloud or IT in general? Are you an IT professional, or do you serve in a business role? How much IT experience do you have? What future cloud role do you see for yourself?

AWS has suggested specific certification pathways depending on your chosen area of cloud focus. Cloud roles may concentrate on:

• Architecture

• Data Analytics

• Development

• Operations

• DevOps

• Security

• Networking

• AI/ML

You have a lot to choose from. But what you should know is that you are not required to follow any of them. You can take any exam in any order. You can even start with a professional or specialist exam if you want! (That’s not always recommended, of course.)

Why You Might Take Cloud Practitioner First

Someone with a background in software development or other strong IT skills could definitely start with the Developer Associate exam. But if you’re brand new to the cloud, you might want to think twice about that. Here are a few benefits of taking the Cloud Practitioner first. 

Foundation Building

Not everyone is daring enough to jump right into the water. If you don’t know anything about AWS cloud computing, it’s not a bad idea to take the time to familiarize yourself with cloud concepts and the many services (more than 200) offered by AWS.

Preparing for the Cloud Practitioner exam will give you a lot of the foundational knowledge needed to help you find your way around the AWS management console. Cloud Practitioner includes four domains:

• Cloud Concepts

• Security and Compliance

• Cloud Technology and Services

• Billing, Pricing, and Support

If you're curious about the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, check out our blog post to help you decide if the exam is worth it for you.

Cloud Practitioner can give you a solid foundation in AWS.  And if you are new to the cloud, that can provide just the boost that you need. You may even consider preparing for Cloud Practitioner without actually spending the money and time to take the exam itself. But there’s another reason you might want to do the Cloud Practitioner exam first, and it has to do with vouchers.

Financial Perk

Every time you successfully complete an AWS exam, you receive a financial benefit: an exam voucher. This will give you 50% off the next exam. So, aside from the sense of accomplishment that comes with passing Cloud Practitioner, you can actually save some money.

Let’s do the math. In the U.S., the current price for the Cloud Practitioner exam is $100. The Developer Associate exam costs $150. With the 50% voucher for passing Cloud Practitioner, the Developer Associate exam would cost you only $75. So the total price would be $100 + $75 = $175 (assuming you pass both exams).

If you went straight for the Developer Associate exam, the cost would be $150 in total. So, in effect, taking the Cloud Practitioner first would only cost you an extra $25. That’s not a significant cost for the value you would gain from preparing for and taking both exams.

Want to try the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Online Training course from CBT Nuggets? Get a free 7-day trial here.

Why You Might Skip Cloud Practitioner

Now that we've explored the benefits of taking the Cloud Practitioner before the AWS Developer Associate let's look at reasons you might skip it. 

You Already Have the Relevant Experience

If you are an IT professional who already has cloud experience, the Cloud Practitioner may be unnecessary. If you have worked in traditional IT environments for a long time and are a quick learner, you may want to dispense with the foundational exam. This is a personal choice.

Going straight to Associate level AWS certifications may be a good idea for seasoned engineers. Whichever path you choose, pursuing AWS certification at any level can boost your confidence and set you up for career advancement and higher pay. Experienced people may be able to get there faster.

Save Time and Money 

Pursuing Cloud Practitioner can take extra time, effort, and cost that you might not be able to afford or want to spend. If you are extremely busy with your work and personal life, you might just want to cut to the chase. And it’s not only the time out of your week. 

If you take an extra month just for Cloud Practitioner, that may add to the timeline that you have set for yourself for your AWS certification path. The additional $100 for the Cloud Practitioner exam may be considered an unnecessary expense compared to going straight for AWS Developer Associate. (Even with the financial benefit that brings it down to only $25 more.) 

Consider the Training Option

For those who must be frugal with their time and money, an extra exam may not be desired. Either way, you can dip into CBT Nuggets' Cloud Practitioner training whether you are taking the exam or not. With CBT Nuggets, you can pursue your IT studies at your own pace.

Conclusion

Everyone who comes to the cloud brings their own background and career expectations. For those new to the cloud, pursuing the Cloud Practitioner exam can provide the broad foundation that they need to get started in AWS cloud computing. When you consider the 50% voucher benefit for the next exam, it doesn’t add much to the total cost. 

Going directly to the Developer Associate exam may be a good idea for experienced IT professionals who want to save some time and money. I chose to take the Cloud Practitioner exam first. But don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Your decision should be based on your own experience and goals. 

Whether you pursue the AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) certification or the AWS Certified Developer—Associate (DVA-C02) certification, CBT Nuggets offers training to help you reach your goals. 

Sign up for a free 7-day trial.