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How to Become an AWS Solutions Architect?

AWS is growing, and there are no limits. More companies are continuously becoming AWS customers and increasing their market hold. So, AWS-certified professionals have become the need of the hour. And AWS Certified Solutions Architect is one of the most in-demand accreditations in the industry. Do you know? Over 16000 professionals passed the AWS CSA exam in 2016. Now, you can understand the popularity of the challenging certification exam.

So, do you want to become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect? It’s not a simple process. Passing the exam demands the aspirants’ commitment, dedication, and time investment. Don’t feel scared! All you require is a comprehensive preparation strategy to ace the efficient exam in the blink of an eye. Now, you might be thinking, how to prepare such a preparation blueprint?

We’ll help you!

This article discusses everything about developing a successful preparation strategy to pass the challenging AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam. So, get a glimpse of the below tips to focus your effort in the right direction and become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Let’s Get Started!

Prerequisites to become eligible for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam

Appearing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam requires you to meet a few requirements. So, before you start preparing for the examination, it’s better to consider the eligibility criteria and build the initial skill sets.

Here are a few skills you should focus on to become eligible for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam. Have a look!

  • One year of hands-on experience

According to AWS, candidates should acquire at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS. However, on-demand courses and self-experimentation with AWS services could compensate for the lack of industry experience. Doing hands-on labs within AWS is crucial to passing.

  • Understanding of Linux

Because Linux is the most prevalent operating system within AWS, and AWS even has its own Linux version, it would be advantageous to have a good foundation in Linux.

  • Knowledge of Computer Networks

Knowing the fundamentals of networking, mainly how subnets function, will help you. Because setting up VPC requires knowledge of routes, subnets, and rules, having a thorough understanding of basic networking is essential.

  • Familiarity with Virtualization

Virtualization experience is essential because the same concepts apply to on-premises solutions (VMWare, Xen, Citrix) will also apply on AWS. Virtualization is at the heart of AWS, and knowing how virtual machines and instances are used will help customers keep their EC2-based environment running smoothly.

Skills to build to crack the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam

The exam will test your understanding of various AWS services, including VPC, S3, RDS, EC2, etc. You’ll be evaluated on how successfully you can use AWS solutions and deploy them. The topics will be categorized into four or five domains depending on the exam. These domains will closely adhere to the Well-Architected Framework.

You will be tested on five domains in SAA-C01:

  • Designing Resilient Architectures
  • Define Performant Architectures
  • Specify Secure Applications and Architectures
  • Design Cost-Optimized Architectures
  • Define Operationally Excellent Architectures

The SAA-C02 exam tests you on four domains:

  • Design Resilient Architectures
  • High-Performing Architectures
  • Design Secure Applications and Architectures
  • Design Cost-Optimized Architectures

SAA-C02 lacks domain five, which is present in SAA-C01. SAA-C02 has been simplified to address operational excellence in other fields more effectively.

Preparation strategy to become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Here are some tips for anyone seeking suggestions on preparing for and taking an AWS certification exam.

1. Browse the Official Certification Page

To learn more about the exam, white papers, and FAQs, go to the official certification page on the AWS website. These resources are the initial steps in getting ready for your exam.

2. Become Familiar with the Exam Blueprint

The exam objectives are listed in the exam blueprint. It explains which domains and subject areas the exam will cover. You can refer to the official AWS certification page to better understand the exam pattern, syllabus covered, and portion weightage.

3. Read Excellent AWS Books

An excellent AWS preparatory book can increase your success rate dramatically. It is recommended that you study some good AWS books to pass the AWS architect certification test. The official study guide for the AWS certified solutions architect associate exam is the must-read book every successful professional suggests.

4. Read Relevant AWS Whitepapers

While studying for an AWS certification, it is highly advised that you read the AWS white papers. Reading a few vital whitepapers will give you a good understanding of Amazon Web Services. Some essential whitepapers are:

  • Overview of Amazon Web Services
  • AWS Well-Architected Framework
  • Architecting for the Cloud: AWS Best Practices
  • AWS Security Best Practices
  • AWS Storage Services Overview
5. Hands-on Practice

Perfectionism necessitates practice. Consequently, it’s one of the most crucial elements in preparing for the AWS certified solutions architect associate test.

6. Enroll in Online Courses

A leading online course will act as your mentor during the preparation phase. They will help you build your concepts around the most frequently asked questions in the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exams. Also, the best sessions have industry experts as instructors who can reveal exclusive preparation tips and exam hacks to become an AWS CSA without difficulties.

You can find numerous AWS CSA courses on leading learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Simplilearn. Please choose any of them to ensure your success.

7. Practice Sample Papers

The best way for self-analysis is to use sample papers. It is critical to go over them again to comprehend the questions given on the exam. Essentially, this will assist you in gaining a basic understanding of the exam format. To assess your test readiness, you can use the official sample paper provided by AWS.

8. Go Through FAQs

Each Amazon Web Services has its own set of FAQs. This section will help you understand the various Amazon Web services principles. These sections also go over the dos and don’ts of each service. It will be quite beneficial in terms of exam preparation.

Summing Up!

These preparation methods will prepare you for the AWS exams in all ways possible. So, are you ready to become an AWS CSA? Good luck!

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