Ultimate Guide to the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional Certification in 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 11, 2023
Overview | Exam Guide | Courses | Practice Exams
About: What is the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Professional Certification is a cloud certification offered by AWS that “validates the ability to design, deploy, and evaluate applications on AWS within diverse, complex requirements” (source).
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with an AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
According to Credly, there are 32,359 job openings related to the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Senior Cloud Architect: 450 job postings
- Principal Cloud Architect: 404 job postings
- Senior Software Developer Cloud: 392 job postings
- Master Principal Cloud Architect: 386 job postings
- Cloud Engineer: 347 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect with an AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
In 2022, the average salary for an AWS Solution Architect Professional in the United States is $161,933 per year (source: ZipRecruiter).
The majority of salaries currently range between $135,000 (25th percentile) to $196,500 (75th percentile).
Requirements: What are the requirements for the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
There are no hard requirements that professionals need to fulfill in order to take the exam and become certified.
However, AWS recommends that you have two or more years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS as well as:
- Familiarity with AWS CLI, AWS APIs, AWS CloudFormation templates, the AWS Billing Console, the AWS Management Console, a scripting language, and Windows and Linux environments
- Ability to provide best practice guidance on the architectural design across multiple applications and projects of the enterprise as well as an ability to map business objectives to application/architecture requirements
- Ability to evaluate cloud application requirements and make architectural recommendations for implementation, deployment, and provisioning applications on AWS
- Ability to design a hybrid architecture using key AWS technologies (e.g., VPN, AWS Direct Connect) as well as a continuous integration and deployment process
Cost: How much does the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification cost?
The certification exam costs 300 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 through a process called recertification (source).
In order to get recertified for the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification you need to retake the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional exam.
FAQs
Who is the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification for?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification is for individuals who have experience designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
It is intended for solutions architects, system administrators, developers, and IT professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing solutions on the AWS platform.
Is the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification worth it?
Yes, the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification is worth it. The certification demonstrates your expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. It also opens up new job opportunities, and increase earning potential.
How can you get the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
To obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification, you must pass the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional exam.
This exam is designed to test your knowledge and skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. 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 - Professional certification?
The benefits of obtaining the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification include demonstrating your expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS, opening up new job opportunities and increasing earning potential.
It will help 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 - Professional certification?
The AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification is considered to have a high difficulty level, it requires hands-on experience with AWS, as well as studying relevant materials and taking practice exams before taking the certification exam.
If you are familiar with AWS concepts, it will be easier for you to pass the exam.
How long does it take to get the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
The amount of time it takes to obtain the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification varies based on your study habits and preparation.
It's recommended to have hands-on experience with AWS and to study relevant materials and take practice exams before taking the certification exam.
On average, it can take about 4-8 weeks of dedicated study time to prepare for the certification exam.
What are the best alternatives to the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification?
Some alternatives to the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification include the Azure Solutions Architect - Expert, and the Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect certification.
These certifications also focus on solutions architecture and cloud computing, but they may vary in their specific focus and requirements.
AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification is specific to AWS and its services, whereas the alternatives are focused on different cloud platforms.
Conclusion
The AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification is a valuable certification for solutions architects, system administrators, developers, and IT professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
The certification offers a wide range of job opportunities and a high earning potential.
It's recommended for professionals who have hands-on experience with AWS and have studied relevant materials before taking the certification exam.