Becoming an AWS Certified Developer Associate requires proficiency in cloud-native development and AWS services. Candidates must possess skills in designing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS SDKs and APIs. They should understand key AWS services like Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, and S3. Roles for certified developers include cloud application developers, software engineers, and DevOps engineers, tasked with architecting and implementing scalable, resilient, and secure applications on the AWS platform.