Ultimate Guide to the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate Certification in 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 13, 2023
Overview | Exam Guide | Courses | Practice Exams
About: What is the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Associate is a cloud certification offered by AWS that “validates the ability to design and implement distributed systems on AWS”. (source)
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with an AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
According to Credly, there are 31,441 job openings related to the AWS SAA certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Senior Cloud Architect: 448 job postings
- Cloud Engineer: 412 job postings
- Senior Software Developer Cloud: 392 job postings
- Master Principal Cloud Architect: 386 job postings
- Principal Cloud Architect: 359 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect as an AWS Solutions Architect?
In 2022, the average salary for an entry level AWS Solutions Architect in the United States is $122,599 per year (source: ZipRecruiter).
The majority of entry level salaries currently range between $65,000 (25th percentile) to $168,000 (75th percentile).
Requirements: What are the requirements for the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
There are no hard requirements that professionals need to full-fill in order to take the exam and become certified. However, AWS recommends that professionals have the following experience:
- One year of hands-on experience with AWS technology, including using compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services as well as AWS deployment and management services
- Experience deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS as well as implementing security controls and compliance requirements
- Familiarity with using both the AWS Management Console and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI)
- Understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework, AWS networking, security services, and the AWS global infrastructure
- Ability to identify which AWS services meet a given technical requirement and to define technical requirements for an AWS-based application
Cost: How much does the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate Certification cost?
The certification exam costs 150 USD. This does not include potential costs for study materials such as online courses and practice exams.
Recertification: How long is the certification valid & how can it be renewed?
AWS certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your AWS Certified status, AWS requires you to periodically demonstrate your continued expertise though a process called recertification (source).
In order to get recertified for the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Retake the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate exam
- Option 2: Pass any Professional-level AWS certification
FAQs
Who is the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification for?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification is intended for individuals who have a good understanding of the AWS platform and are interested in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
It is suitable for solutions architects, system administrators, developers, and IT professionals who are new to AWS and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.
Is the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification worth it?
Yes, the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification is worth it. The certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
It also opens up new job opportunities and increases earning potential.
How can you get the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
To obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification, you must pass the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
This exam is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the AWS platform. You need to register for the exam, and you will get an online proctoring session.
What are the benefits of obtaining the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
The benefits of obtaining the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification include demonstrating your knowledge and skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS, opening up new job opportunities and increasing earning potential.
It also helps you to stand out in the job market and increase your credibility in the industry.
How difficult is it to obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification is considered to have a moderate level of difficulty. It requires a good understanding of the AWS platform and relevant concepts.
It's recommended to have hands-on experience with AWS and study relevant materials and take practice exams before taking the certification exam.
How long does it take to get the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
The amount of time it takes to obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification varies based on your study habits and preparation.
It's recommended to have hands-on experience with AWS and study relevant materials and take practice exams before taking the certification exam.
On average, it can take about 2-4 weeks of dedicated study time to prepare for the certification exam.
What are the best alternatives to the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification?
Some alternatives to the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification include the Azure Solutions Architect - Associate, and the Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer certification.
These certifications also focus on solutions architecture and cloud computing, but they may vary in their specific focus and requirements.
AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification is specific to AWS and its services, whereas the other certifications are specific to Azure and Google Cloud Platform respectively.
It's important to consider which cloud platform you are most interested in working with before choosing a certification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification is a valuable asset for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills in designing and implementing distributed systems on AWS.
With ample job opportunities and high earning potential, obtaining this certification can open doors to new career opportunities and growth.
By understanding the requirements, cost, and recertification process, professionals can plan and prepare for the certification exam and ultimately achieve their goal of becoming an AWS Solutions Architect - Associate.