This blog was last updated on June 20, 2018.
AWS launched a comprehensive certification program. AWS has been very active in adding new certifications and updating existing ones. AWS certification is a must-have for both new and experienced professionals.
Types of AWS Certification
AWS certifies the following certificates under its AWS certification program:
Source: aws.amazon.com
AWS has three broad verticals that can be used to perform different roles with AWS, viz. SysOps, Developer, and Architect. There are two levels to them: Associate and Professional. AWS recently added three professional level certifications to its Big Data, Security, and Networking Specialty programs. To be eligible for specialty certifications, you must clear any Associate.
What is the AWS Solutions Architect Certification?
AWS states that you can earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Level by identifying and defining requirements for AWS-based applications, and following best practices for building reliable and secure applications on AWS.
The certification covers nearly all services such as EC2, VPC and EBS, S3, Route 53. IAM, RDS and SQS are also covered. DynamoDB is not included. While most questions are based upon popular services such as VPC, EC2 or S3, questions can be posed from any of these services. These questions are more complex and require hands-on knowledge.
The exam tests knowledge in five domains.
1. Design Resilient Architectures (34%). This domain tests the test taker’s ability to design highly available, scalable architectures on AWS. This domain will focus on designing fault-tolerant, highly available, complex multi-tier architectures that are decoupled and resilient.
2. This domain focuses on performance management scenarios. This includes auto scaling, choosing storage according to performance, caching services and database tuning. This would be the main focus.
3. Specify Secure Applications & Architectures (26%) This domain contains questions about data encryption techniques in S3, data protection mechanism in EC2 such as security groups, use IAM roles and users, and network security using VPC. This domain also contains use case questions about the best way to protect data in a given use case/scenario.
4. Design Cost-Optimized Architectures (10%) This domain tests the knowledge of pricing and validates the test taker’s ability to use cost optimized storage, compute, and build cost-effective solutions on AWS.
5. Define Operationally Excellent Architectures (6%)This domain focuses on operations issues and troubleshooting them on AWS. This domain would be a focal point for building self-healing applications.
How to pass the AWS Solutions Architect Certification Test
Register for certification via AWS Training and Certification Dashboard here.
You will receive this badge if you pass the exam.
How to prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect Certification Test
It is a good idea to get hands-on experience with AWS services in order to prepare for the test. AWS also offers whitepapers which you can find here. AWS Certification BootCamps are also held regularly. Please click here to fill out the form.
I also included sample questions for AWS Solutions architect Certification. You can try it here.
If you took the certification exam or have questions, please leave your comments below.
