Abstract

The rapid evolution of cloud computing has heightened the demand for professionals equipped with specialized knowledge and validated skills, particularly in platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). As organizations increasingly migrate to cloud infrastructures, AWS certifications have emerged as a benchmark for technical competence and cloud proficiency. This systematic review explores the impact of AWS certifications on career development within the field of technology management, examining how these credentials influence employability, professional growth, salary advancement, and organizational performance. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the review analyzes 42 peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and survey-based research studies published between 2015 and 2022. The findings reveal consistent evidence that AWS certifications contribute significantly to enhanced career trajectories. Professionals with certifications report increased job mobility, expanded leadership opportunities, and a stronger alignment with strategic IT management roles. Organizations also recognize certified employees as assets for cloud transformation, security, and cost optimization projects. Moreover, AWS certifications are positively correlated with salary increases and job security, particularly in roles related to cloud architecture, DevOps, and systems administration. The review also identifies a growing trend in enterprise-sponsored certification programs, underscoring the perceived organizational value of AWS credentials. However, disparities remain in certification access and recognition across regions and industries, particularly in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-tech sectors. The study emphasizes the strategic advantage of AWS certifications not only as technical validations but as catalysts for leadership in technology management. By integrating certification pathways into professional development programs, individuals and organizations can foster continuous learning and innovation. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, training institutions, and HR leaders to promote inclusive and sustainable certification strategies. This systematic review contributes to the discourse on cloud career pathways by offering empirical insights into how AWS certifications shape career development and organizational value creation in the era of digital transformation.