[jumpman500]

I don't think tech courses or certificates have ever been a top consideration when reviewing backend engineer qualifications. Only if we're hiring for a specific technology that's niche. Most certificates just teach you how to understand/sell a specific technology stack which sometimes is helpful, but other times can make you not see simpler solutions. I'd check out what's freely available first.

Your 400 dollars is probably better spent making mistakes building your own personal project on aws/or some other cloud provider.

[ChatGTP]

I Agree, OP should gain to seek experience and read some books such as Release It! by Nygard.

Those certifications are worth having too. CKAD is a performance based exam and is therefore quite practical, which I think will make you a better engineer.

[qaq]

Highly depends many consulting shops have to have requisite amount of AWS certified professionals to maintain the partnership status with AWS. They highly value people who have appropriate AWS certs.

[q7xvh97o2pDhNrh]

Yeah, but then you'd have to work in consulting. ;)

A related idea is to just take the 400 bucks and spend it on AWS playing around. Spin up a few Kubernetes clusters, try out their various database offerings, maybe see if you can run a load-test and get your play system to auto-scale.

That would also require keeping a sharp eye on the billing side to make sure the total cost doesn't go over $400... but, hey, that's part of the learning, too!

[nelup20]

Indeed, the AWS/Azure certifications are quite popular/sought-after & the only ones that seem worth getting, even for non-consulting jobs.

Also the Java Professional certificates are the big ones for Java shops.

[moneywoes]

which AWS certs are these in particular?

Is worth considering other certs e.g. gcp, azure for the same reason?

[a_t48]

It’s probably an L&D stipend