The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the better choice for individuals looking to gain specific, validated skills in cloud computing and enhance their career prospects in the tech industry. MasterClass is more suitable for those seeking broad knowledge and inspiration across diverse fields, delivered by celebrity instructors, but it does not offer certifications or hands-on practical experience.
| Attribute | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | MasterClass Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Name | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | MasterClass Subscription |
| Certification validity period | 3 years | MasterClass does not offer certifications. |
| Course completion time | 20-40 hours | Course length varies, with most classes ranging from 2 to 5 hours, broken into 5-20 minute lessons. |
| Prerequisites or required experience | 6 months of experience with AWS Cloud or completion of AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course | MasterClass courses are designed to be accessible to all skill levels, with no specific prerequisites. |
| Hands-on labs or practical exercises | Available through AWS Skill Builder and other providers | MasterClass focuses more on high-level insights and inspiration rather than hands-on skills. Some courses may include exercises in downloadable workbooks. |
| Instructor qualifications and experience | Dependent on the training provider | MasterClass instructors are A-list celebrities, industry leaders, and experts in their respective fields. |
| Cost and payment options | $100 USD | $120 - $240 USD per year |
| Exam format and passing score | 65 questions (multiple-choice or multiple-response), 90 minutes, passing score 700/1000 | MasterClass does not have exams or graded assessments. |
| Content update frequency | Updated as of September 19, 2023 | New classes are added regularly. Some courses may need updates, as some content is from 2017-2020. |
| Community support and forums | Online communities dedicated to AWS | MasterClass has a dynamic community of members. However, they have shut down community forums, making it a more solo experience. |
| Accessibility and mobile compatibility | Details depend on the training platform | MasterClass is accessible online, on smartphones, TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. Offline viewing is available on some plans. Accommodations are made for different learning abilities and styles. |
| Skill level (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced) | Beginner | MasterClass is suitable for all skill levels. It is best for intermediate-level learners. |
| Specific skills taught | Cloud computing fundamentals, key AWS services (compute, storage, databases, networking), AWS Well-Architected Framework, AWS Shared Responsibility Model, security concepts, AWS Management Console, and command-line interface | MasterClass offers courses across 11 categories: Arts and Entertainment, Business, Community and Government, Design and Style, Food, Home and Lifestyle, Music, Science and Tech, Sports and Gaming, Wellness, and Writing. |
| Pros | Validates foundational understanding of AWS Cloud, Straightforward questions and simple scenarios, Practice exams mirror the style and difficulty of the real exam, Hands-on labs provide practical experience, Online communities offer support and knowledge sharing, Updated content reflects industry changes, Strengthens resume and positions for cloud-related job opportunities, Relatively small investment to gain valuable skills, Foundational certification for newcomers | Engaging content with high production value, Knowledgeable and easy-to-understand instructors, Accessible on multiple devices with offline viewing on some plans, Offers courses across 11 diverse categories, Instructors are A-list celebrities and industry experts |
| Cons | Not available | No certifications offered, Not focused on hands-on labs, No direct interaction with instructors, Community forums have been discontinued, Currency of course content can vary, with some courses needing updates, Less focused on immediate real-world application |