How to earn an AWS Machine Learning Competency

Since it's inception, AWS (Amazon Web Services) has been a leading provider of cloud computing services and in recent years has established itself as a top player in machine learning. With over 22 AWS Machine Learning products and services, AWS has introduced a Machine Learning Competency program to help customers  identify AWS partners who have demonstrated expertise in the field of machine learning.

Just this week, Metal Toad is proud to count ourselves among this elite group of AWS Consulting Partners. This article will provide a overview on how to earn an AWS Machine Learning Competency —if you are looking for more information on the AWS Machine Learning services available in the market, you can learn more in our comprehensive AWS Machine Learning eBook.

What is AWS Machine Learning Competency?

AWS Machine Learning Competency is a recognition program that acknowledges AWS Partners who have demonstrated expertise in machine learning on AWS. The program is designed to help customers identify and engage with AWS Partners who have proven their ability to deliver machine learning solutions on AWS.

The AWS Machine Learning Competency is awarded to AWS Partners who have demonstrated technical proficiency, customer success, and a strong overall AWS practice. The program recognizes AWS Partners who have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Applied Machine Learning Services
2. Machine Learning Platforms
3. Machine Learning Consulting Services

Earning an AWS Machine Learning Competency requires a high level of technical expertise, customer success, and a commitment to the AWS ecosystem.

Steps to Earn AWS Machine Learning Competency

1. Gain Technical Proficiency
2. Demonstrate Customer Success
3. Build a Strong AWS Practice
4. Apply for AWS Machine Learning Competency

1. Gain Technical Proficiency

To earn AWS Machine Learning Competency, you must have a deep understanding of machine learning concepts, frameworks, and algorithms. You should also have a strong grasp of AWS machine learning services, such as Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Comprehend, and Amazon Rekognition.

It is recommended that you complete the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty certification to demonstrate your technical proficiency. This certification validates your ability to design, implement, deploy, and maintain machine learning solutions on AWS.

2. Demonstrate Customer Success

To earn AWS Machine Learning Competency, you must demonstrate a strong track record of customer success. You should have a portfolio of successful machine learning projects that have delivered tangible results for your customers.

Customer success can be demonstrated through customer references, case studies, and customer testimonials. These should showcase how you have helped your customers solve their business problems using machine learning on AWS.

3. Build a Strong AWS Practice

To earn AWS Machine Learning Competency, you must build a strong AWS practice that is focused on machine learning. This includes having a team of experts with deep knowledge of AWS machine learning services and a proven ability to deliver machine learning solutions on AWS.

You should also have a well-defined methodology for delivering machine learning projects on AWS. This should cover everything from project scoping and data preparation to model development and deployment.

4. Apply for AWS Machine Learning Competency

It may seem obvious, but once you have gained technical proficiency, demonstrated customer success, and built a strong AWS practice, you have to apply for the AWS Machine Learning Competency. The application process involves filling out an online form, providing supporting documentation that demonstrates your expertise in machine learning on AWS, and conducting several rigorous technical interviews.

The AWS team will review your application and evaluate your technical proficiency, customer success, and AWS practice. If you meet the requirements, you will be awarded the AWS Machine Learning Competency.

Benefits of AWS Machine Learning Competency

Earning AWS Machine Learning Competency provides several benefits, including:

1. Recognition – The AWS Machine Learning Competency is a prestigious recognition that validates your expertise in machine learning on AWS.

2. Access to AWS Resources – AWS Machine Learning Competency partners gain access to AWS resources, including training, support, and technical resources.

3. Increased Visibility – AWS Machine Learning Competency partners are listed in the AWS Partner Directory, which helps increase their visibility and credibility.

4. Competitive Advantage – earning AWS Machine Learning Competency provides a competitive advantage, as it distinguishes your company from other AWS partners. At Metal Toad we are proud to be in a small group of providers with this designation.

While earning AWS Machine Learning Competency requires a significant investment of time and effort —for us it was a year-and-half long endeavor—, but the benefits are well worth it via the recognition, access to resources, increased visibility, and a competitive advantage in the market. To earn AWS Machine Learning Competency, you must gain technical proficiency, demonstrate customer success, and build a strong AWS practice. You should also have a deep understanding of machine learning concepts, frameworks, and algorithms, as well as AWS machine learning services. By following these steps, you can position your company as a leader in machine learning on AWS and help your customers achieve their business goals.

In addition to the AWS Machine Learning Competency, AWS offers other competencies in various fields, Digital Customer Experience, Migration, Networking, Security, and more. Earning multiple AWS competencies can further strengthen your company's credibility and expertise in the AWS ecosystem. As AWS continues to grow and expand its services, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and certifications to remain competitive in the market.