If you are considering a career in cloud computing or information technology, earning certification as an Associate AWS Solutions Architect is a valuable step in building a career in cloud computing.
Positions in cloud computing and technology will continue to grow over the next ten years. Employers are looking for qualified candidates for cloud computing positions.
According to Statista, Amazon Web Services (AWS) had a 32% market share of cloud computing in Q1 of 2021. For comparison, this is a larger share than the number two and three competitors combined – Microsoft Azure with 20%, and Google Cloud with 9%.
If you are planning on establishing a career in cloud computing, AWS is clearly a platform you must be familiar with.
Why Build a Cloud Technology Career on AWS?
According to a report by Forrester, the public cloud market – (software-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service) – will reach $411 billion in 2022.
More companies are moving their operations to the cloud to increase efficiencies and undergo digital transformation.
AWS is the resounding leader in market share of cloud computing platforms. AWS is an industry standard, and many companies from the enterprise to small businesses use AWS for cloud infrastructure and cloud applications.
If you work in information technology, at some point, it is likely you will work with AWS. Having AWS experience and proficiency is something employers expect to see in candidates applying for an IT position.
What is an AWS Solutions Architect?
An AWS Cloud Solutions Architect designs, builds, deploys, and maintains business applications and critical infrastructure inside the AWS Cloud.
They have developed skills and expertise to help them design and build advanced cloud-based solutions and migrate existing workloads to the cloud.
How Much Does an AWS Solutions Architect Earn?
Hourly and annual salaries for an Associate level AWS Solutions Architect will vary based on experience, employer, and the job market. Here are some job boards are currently advertising positions for Solutions Architects, with openings in or near Sacramento CA.
Job Outlook for AWS Solutions Architects
Job growth is anticipated to be robust. A 2020 report by Gartner projects that public cloud computing services would grow by 18.4% over the next few years as more businesses move operations to the cloud.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects that computer and information technology jobs will increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, formerly known as MTI College, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.
Online Course for AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
Campus, formerly known as MTI College, has a 100% fully online diploma program for AWS Cloud Solutions Architect – Associate certification. You can earn your certification as an Associate level AWS Cloud Solutions Architect in as little as 24 weeks.
More information on the Online Cloud Solutions Architect Program can be found here.
Passing Grade for the Exam
The passing grade for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C02 exam is 720 out of a possible 1000 points.
The exam features multiple-choice and multiple response questions. The multiple-choice questions have one correct response, with three incorrect responses. Multiple response questions have two or more correct responses out of five or more possible responses.
The SAA-CO2 exam is a pass or fail certification exam.
What Are You Tested On During AWS SAA-C02 Certification?
Breakdown of the general components of the exam are as follows:
| Domain | % of Exam |
| Domain 1: Design Resilient Architectures | 30% |
| Domain 2: Design High-Performing Architectures | 28% |
| Domain 3: Design Secure Applications and Architectures | 24% |
| Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures | 18% |
| Total | 100% |
Domain 1: Design Resilient Architectures
1.1 Design a multi-tier architecture solution
1.2 Design highly available and/or fault-tolerant architectures
1.3 Design decoupling mechanisms using AWS services
1.4 Choose appropriate resilient storage
Domain 2: Design High-Performing Architectures
2.1 Identify elastic and scalable compute solutions for a workload
2.2 Select high-performing and scalable storage solutions for a workload
2.3 Select high-performing networking solutions for a workload
2.4 Choose high-performing database solutions for a workload
Domain 3: Design Secure Applications and Architectures
3.1 Design secure access to AWS resources
3.2 Design secure application tiers
3.3 Select appropriate data security options
Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures
4.1 Identify cost-effective storage solutions
4.2 Identify cost-effective compute and database services
4.3 Design cost-optimized network architectures
How Long is AWS Certification Valid?
The AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certificate is valid for 3 years.
Every three years, the exam is updated to reflect ongoing changes in AWS best practices for architecture, networking, security, and other information technology advances.
After three years, you must re-certify for any AWS certification you have previously earned. Pay the exam fee, schedule an exam, and take the exam to re-certify.
Pre-requisites for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification Exam
It is recommended that you pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam, and have some hand-on experience with AWS, or equivalent training from a reputable school.
Some of the things you will need to know to pass the certification exam include:
- Designing available, cost-effective, fault-tolerant, and scalable distributed systems on AWS.
- Knowledge of computing, networking, storage, and database AWS services.
- Knowledge and experience with AWS deployment and management services.
- Ability to identify and define technical requirements for an AWS-based application. Ability to identify what AWS services meet a given requirement.
- Best practices for security and scalability with AWS applications.
- Understanding of best architectural practices in the AWS Cloud and the AWS global infrastructure.
- Basic networking technologies and security practices and how they work with AWS Cloud.
Take the first step in your cloud computing career
Campus has two programs which will help prepare you for a career working with Amazon Web Services, cloud computing, and information technology. As an AWS Academy Partner, the Campus curriculum is approved by AWS.
The AWS Cloud Administration Associates Degree Program gives you hands-on experience with fundamental cloud-based technology and services.
Use networking tools and the Amazon AWS console to build virtual server-based network infrastructures from the ground up. This program prepares students for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification, as well as the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Network+ certifications.
This AWS Cloud Administration program is available in our Online format, allowing students to complete all of the required coursework online.
Eligible students can enroll in our fully online AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Diploma Program. This program can be completed 100% online, with no requirement to attend class at a physical location.
The AWS Cloud Solutions Architect program at Campus prepares you for the Amazon AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certifications.
To get more information on these classes, contact our Admissions department by filling out the form on this page, or call us at (916) 339-1500.