Earn Your Stripes: The Path to AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Certification
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing power, storage, databases, and more. As companies increasingly move their operations to the cloud, the demand for skilled AWS professionals is higher than ever. One of the most popular certifications in the AWS ecosystem is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
Why get a certificate?
Earning an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification can open a world of opportunities for IT professionals. This certification demonstrates your experience and skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. It also demonstrates your ability to choose the right AWS services for a particular project and estimate the cost of AWS solutions.
For IT professionals, having this certification on your resume can make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting hired by top companies. According to the 2020 Global IT Skills Salaries and Knowledge Report, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is listed as one of the highest-paying IT certifications in the United States.
Basic requirements
Before pursuing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification, it is recommended that candidates have some previous experience with AWS and a strong understanding of the AWS ecosystem. Although there are no formal prerequisites for taking the exam, having a background in cloud computing, networking, and security can be beneficial.
Preparing for the exam
Preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam requires a combination of study materials, work experience, and practice tests. There are many resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam, including official AWS training courses, practice exams, and white papers.
One of the best ways to prepare for the exam is to gain hands-on experience with AWS. Setting up a free-tier AWS account and working on real-world projects can help you get familiar with the platform and its services. Additionally, leveraging online tutorials and labs can provide valuable insights into AWS best practices and architectures.
Studying the official AWS exam guide is crucial to understanding the topics that will be covered on the exam. The guide provides a detailed outline of the exam objectives, including key concepts, services, and best practices. It is necessary to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to pass the exam.
Practice tests can also be a valuable tool to assess your preparedness for the certification exam. There are many practice test providers that provide realistic test simulations and detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers. Taking multiple practice tests can help you identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
Take the exam
Once you feel confident in your knowledge and skills, it’s time to schedule your AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam. The test consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, and is available in multiple languages at testing centers around the world. Candidates have 130 minutes to complete the test, which costs $150.
On the day of the exam, it is important to arrive early and bring the necessary supporting documents. The testing center will provide you with a computer to take the exam, and you will receive your results immediately upon completion. Passing the exam with a score of 720 or higher will earn you the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification.
Maintain certification
After passing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, it is important to maintain your certification by staying up to date on the latest AWS services and best practices. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed by either retaking the exam or obtaining a higher-level certification.
Staying connected to the AWS community can also be beneficial for maintaining your certification. Attending AWS events, webinars, and user groups can provide valuable networking opportunities and allow you to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Conclusion
Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification can be a rewarding experience for IT professionals looking to advance their career in cloud computing. Certification demonstrates your expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS, and can open a world of opportunities for career advancement.
By following a structured study plan, gaining hands-on experience with AWS, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends, you can put yourself on the path to earning your stripes as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.