Thursday, 20th November
What it really takes to earn all 12 AWS certifications — and why it matters
If you’ve worked in or around AWS, you’ve probably heard whispers about the Golden Jacket.
It’s not a marketing stunt.
Not a trophy for tenure.
It’s AWS’ quiet nod to individuals who’ve achieved something rare: every active AWS certification.
That’s twelve exams — covering everything from foundational cloud concepts to specialist deep dives in security, data analytics, networking, and machine learning.
Each one isn’t just a test of knowledge — it’s a test of capability. Real-world, applied, business-critical capability.
Which brings us to Jerome.
When he earned his final cert and joined the Golden Jacket club, we wanted to dig deeper.
Was this always the plan — or did it evolve over time?
We sat down with him to unpack the why behind the jacket, the lessons from the grind, and what it really takes to go the distance.
What the Golden Jacket Really Represents
For Jerome, the jacket isn’t a trophy — it’s a timeline.
“Physically, it’s a flashy coat. But its real value is what it says about the journey: that I didn’t just learn the cloud once a decade ago — I grew with it.”
From the early days of EC2-Classic, to the rise of containers, serverless and now Generative AI, Jerome’s certification path mirrors the evolution of AWS itself.
And it wasn’t a one-time effort. As he puts it:
It’s not a mountain. It’s a treadmill. Certifications expire. The learning never stops. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Was This Always the Plan?
Not even close.
Jerome’s first AWS certification came after attending re:Invent in 2015. The ecosystem was vast, and he just wanted to get his bearings — not chase titles.
He completed the trifecta. Then added a few more.
It wasn’t until late 2023 that the idea of the Golden Jacket even came onto his radar. And even then, it didn’t feel like a real goal.
Until 2024 — when he set himself a deadline.
The Hardest Exam? The One That Came First.
“The toughest one was the Solutions Architect Professional, back in 2016.”
Why? The ecosystem was less mature. Resources were scarce.
Today there are entire platforms dedicated to certification prep. Back then, it was all hands-on experience and AWS documentation.
“You had to learn from doing. It forced a depth that shaped how I still approach problems today.”
How Do You Stay Motivated for 12 Exams?
Two key motivators:
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His birthday in August — a personal milestone.
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His second son arriving in October — a hard deadline.
That dictated the entire timeline.
He carved out a strict routine around family life:
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12 AM – 3 AM deep work sessions (I mean, wow!)
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10:30 AM – 1 PM AWS whitepapers and re:Invent videos while waiting at school
This wasn’t about inspiration. It was about systems, structure, and commitment.
How It Shows Up for Our Customers
Twelve certifications don’t just look good — they change how you see problems.
Jerome’s training gives him the ability to spot issues clients haven’t surfaced yet, and recommend better‑fitting AWS services for long‑term solutions.
“I don’t just react to the ticket. I can zoom out, connect dots, and steer the solution in the right direction.”
It’s part of what sets Cloud Bridge apart — technical depth applied with real context.
The Biggest Surprise? Not Technical. Mental.
“I always knew cloud moved fast. What surprised me was how much mental endurance it takes to keep up.”
Studying late at night, day after day, isn’t glamorous. But it’s where the real growth happens.
“The process didn’t just certify my skills — it certified my staying power.”
How He Stays Ahead
Jerome’s playbook includes:
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AWS Skill Builder — to get hands-on with new services before exams even exist for them
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AWS Whitepapers — to keep his fundamentals sharp
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re:Invent sessions — to see what’s next
“It’s not optional. It’s part of the job.”
The Future? Generative AI
The area Jerome is most excited about now?
Amazon Bedrock.
For him, GenAI is the biggest shift since the original IaaS boom. Bedrock gives him the tools to build next-gen automations and smarter support systems — all aimed at making clients’ lives easier.
His Advice to Anyone Starting Out
Forget the paper chase. Focus on mindset.
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Don’t fear failure — it’s part of the process.
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Build discipline. Not motivation.
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Get hands-on. That’s how you really learn.
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Use certs as proof of mastery, not the goal.
It’s a marathon. Not a test. And the reward isn’t the badge — it’s the confidence you build along the way.
A Word from the Team
While Jerome’s Golden Jacket is a personal achievement, it also reflects the standard Cloud Bridge sets for the work we do — and the people who deliver it.
“This is a huge milestone and an incredible achievement. Jerome should be incredibly proud of himself, as we are of him!
Earning the AWS Golden Jacket is no small feat — it means mastering every active AWS certification, which very few people globally have ever done (thought to be around 100).
It takes serious commitment, time, and passion for learning.
For us at Cloud Bridge, it’s more than just a badge of honour. It shows the depth of expertise our team brings to customers every day – helping them design, migrate, and optimise on AWS with confidence.
Achievements like this raise the bar across the business and reaffirm our commitment to being one of the most capable AWS partners in the market.”
— Tom Harris, Global Services Director, Cloud Bridge
Final Thoughts
Jerome’s story isn’t just a win for him — it’s a reminder of what makes Cloud Bridge different.
We don’t just use AWS.
We live it.
We evolve with it.
And we bring that depth into every migration, every modernisation, every conversation.
When you work with Cloud Bridge, you’re backed by experts who don’t just have credentials — they’ve earned every one of them, the hard way.
Find out more About Us.
