Career Roadmap
AWS Data Engineer: Zero to Hero
This path is about moving, transforming, and managing data at scale. Build real data engineering skills step by step, then validate your readiness with certification-focused practice.
Embark on your career roadmap by setting a target and staying accountable
Set targetStep 0 - Basics
Build a foundation in data and scripting.
2-4 weeks2-4 weeks
Step 0 - Basics
Build a foundation in data and scripting.
- Python basics
- SQL fundamentals
- Data formats (CSV, JSON, Parquet)
💡 Strong basics make everything else easier.
Step 1 - AWS fundamentals
Get comfortable with core AWS services.
2-3 weeks2-3 weeks
Step 1 - AWS fundamentals
Get comfortable with core AWS services.
- S3
- IAM
- EC2
Certifications
💡 Use ExamOS quizzes to confirm your understanding before moving on.
Step 2 - Data storage on AWS
Learn how data is stored and accessed.
3-4 weeks3-4 weeks
Step 2 - Data storage on AWS
Learn how data is stored and accessed.
- S3 data lake design
- RDS
- DynamoDB
- Redshift basics
Certifications
💡 Focus on choosing the right storage for the workload.
Step 3 - Data processing and ETL
Learn how data is transformed and processed.
4-6 weeks4-6 weeks
Step 3 - Data processing and ETL
Learn how data is transformed and processed.
- AWS Glue
- ETL pipelines
- Batch vs streaming
Certifications
💡 This is the core skill for data engineers.
Step 4 - Data pipelines and orchestration
Build end-to-end data pipelines.
3-4 weeks3-4 weeks
Step 4 - Data pipelines and orchestration
Build end-to-end data pipelines.
- Step Functions
- Event-driven pipelines
- Workflow orchestration
Certifications
Step 5 - Streaming and real-time data
Handle real-time data processing.
3-4 weeks3-4 weeks
Step 5 - Streaming and real-time data
Handle real-time data processing.
- Kinesis
- Streaming pipelines
- Data ingestion patterns
Certifications
Step 6 - Monitoring and data quality
Ensure reliability and accuracy of pipelines.
2-3 weeks2-3 weeks
Step 6 - Monitoring and data quality
Ensure reliability and accuracy of pipelines.
- Monitoring pipelines
- Logging
- Data validation
Certifications
💡 Use ExamOS quizzes to test pipeline reliability scenarios.
Final step - Certification and validation
Before booking DEA-C01, run multiple timed ExamOS quizzes, review weak areas, and repeat until your data pipeline decisions are clear and consistent.
Final step - Certification and validation
Before booking DEA-C01, run multiple timed ExamOS quizzes, review weak areas, and repeat until your data pipeline decisions are clear and consistent.
Certifications
Realistic timeline
- 2 hours/day: around 4-5 months
- 3-4 hours/day: around 2.5-3.5 months
- Consistency matters more than intensity.
Embark on your career roadmap by setting a target and staying accountable
Set target