How to become AWS Solutions Architect?

AWS, or Amazon Web Services, is a viral and widely used cloud computing platform that provides various services and features to businesses and organisations of all sizes. As the demand for cloud computing continues to grow, so does the need for skilled and certified AWS Solutions Architects.

This blog will explore what AWS Solutions Architecture is, who an AWS Solutions Architect is, and what skills and certifications are required to become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Becoming an AWS Solutions Architect involves the following steps:

• Acquire Knowledge

To become an AWS Solutions Architect, you must understand cloud computing and the AWS platform. You can acquire this knowledge by reading the AWS documentation, taking online courses, or attending AWS training sessions.

• Gain hands-on Experience

To effectively implement AWS solutions, it is important to have hands-on experience with the platform. You can gain this experience by creating your AWS account, creating and configuring different AWS services, and experimenting with varying architecture scenarios.

• Prepare for the certification exam.

The AWS Solutions Architect certification exam tests your knowledge and understanding of AWS services and your ability to design and implement scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems. You can prepare for the exam by studying the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam guide and taking online practice exams.

• Obtain the Certification

Once you feel confident about your knowledge and skills, you can register for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. If you pass the exam, you will become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.

• Continue learning and expanding your skill set.

The AWS platform is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest changes and new services is essential. You can attend AWS events, participate in online forums, and pursue additional AWS certifications.

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform provided by Amazon.com. It offers a suite of cloud-based computing services and infrastructure, such as computing power, storage, and databases, that can be used to build and run various applications and services.

AWS provides these services through a global network of data centres, which enables users to access the resources they need over the internet. This eliminates the need to invest in and maintain expensive physical infrastructure, making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses and individuals to launch and run their applications and services.

Some of the most popular AWS services include Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), and Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS). These services and many others can be used to build and run various applications, from simple websites to complex, multi-tier applications.

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Who is an AWS Solutions Architect?

An AWS Solutions Architect is a professional who designs and implements scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. They are responsible for understanding the needs of their clients and making recommendations on how to use AWS services best to meet those needs.

AWS Solutions Architects work with clients to understand their current IT infrastructure and applications and then use this information to design a cloud-based solution that meets their requirements. This may involve creating network diagrams, writing scripts, and configuring services like Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS. They also ensure that the solution is secure, scalable, and cost-effective.

Who should do AWS Solutions Architect Certification?

The AWS Solutions Architect certification is designed for individuals who have experience designing and deploying cloud-based solutions and want to demonstrate their expertise in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This certification is suitable for IT professionals who work in roles such as:

• Solutions Architects: Individuals who design and implement scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform.
• DevOps Engineers: Professionals responsible for managing and automating applications’ deployment, scaling, and management.
• Systems Administrators: IT professionals who manage and maintain servers and systems are interested in expanding their skills to the cloud.
• Developers: Software developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in building and deploying applications on the AWS platform.
• IT Managers: Individuals who manage their organisations’ IT infrastructure and operations and are interested in leveraging the benefits of cloud computing.

To be eligible for the AWS Solutions Architect certification, individuals should have at least one year of experience in designing and deploying cloud-based solutions. They should also understand AWS services and best practices and experience working with cloud-based infrastructure and applications.

What are the skills required for AWS Solution Architect?

An AWS Solutions Architect should possess technical and business skills to succeed. The following are some of the critical skills required for this position:

• Cloud Computing

A deep understanding of cloud computing principles, architecture patterns, and best    practices, as well as hands-on experience with the AWS platform.

• Networking

Network design and implementation knowledge, including virtual private clouds (VPCs), subnets, routing, and security groups.

• Storage

Experience with various storage solutions, including Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), Amazon Elastic Block Store (Amazon EBS), and Amazon Glacier.

• Databases

Knowledge of database administration and implementation, including Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) and Amazon DynamoDB.

• Security

Understanding security principles, such as identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and security groups.

• Automation

Experience with automation and configuration management tools, such as AWS CloudFormation, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and AWS OpsWorks.

• Scripting

Knowledge of scripting languages, such as Python, Ruby, or Bash, for automating tasks and managing infrastructure.

• Problem-solving

The ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues.

• Communication

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

AWS Solutions Architects should also be familiar with the latest AWS services and updates and have a continuous learning mindset to stay up-to-date with changes to the platform.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the steps to become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect:

Step #1: Enroll in an AWS Solution Architect Course

The first step to becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect is to enrol in a comprehensive AWS Solutions Architect course. This can be done through online learning platforms, such as Edubirdie, or in-person training programs. A good AWS Solutions Architect course will cover the fundamentals of cloud computing, AWS services, and best practices for designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and secure solutions.

Step #2: Qualify for the AWS Solutions Architect Certification

Once you have completed an AWS Solutions Architect course, the next step is to qualify for the AWS Solutions Architect certification. You must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam. These exams test your knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting cloud-based solutions on the AWS platform.

Step #3: Engage in Work within your Industry and Apply for Jobs

After passing the AWS Solutions Architect certification exam, the next step is to apply for jobs in your industry requiring AWS Solutions Architect skills. Having hands-on experience working with AWS services is essential, as this will make you a more competitive candidate. You can gain this experience by working on personal projects, participating in AWS hackathons, or contributing to open-source projects.

It would help if you also considered engaging in continuing education and professional development opportunities, such as attending AWS user group meetings and conferences or taking additional AWS certifications. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest AWS services and best practices and demonstrate your commitment to your career as an AWS Solutions Architect.

What are the prerequisites for AWS Solution Architect?

There are no strict prerequisites for becoming an AWS Solutions Architect, but having the following skills and experience can significantly increase your chances of success:

Technical Background

A background in IT, computer science, or a related field can be beneficial as it provides a solid foundation for understanding the technical concepts involved in AWS Solutions Architecture.

Hands-on experience with AWS

Experience working with the AWS platform, including launching instances, setting up VPCs, and configuring security groups, can help prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect certification exam.

Familiarity with Cloud Computing

A basic understanding of cloud computing concepts, such as scalability, availability, and security, will be beneficial in understanding the role of an AWS Solutions Architect.

Familiarity with Operating Systems

Knowledge of operating systems, such as Linux or Windows, will help work with AWS services, such as EC2 instances.

Networking Experience

Familiarity with network concepts, such as IP addressing, subnets, and routing, will be beneficial in understanding how to design and deploy scalable, highly available solutions on AWS.

Database Experience

Familiarity with relational databases, such as MySQL or Oracle, will help me understand how to work with AWS databases, such as Amazon RDS.

Scripting Experience

Knowledge of scripting languages, such as Python or Bash, can help automate tasks and manage infrastructure on AWS.

While these skills and experiences can be beneficial, they are not strictly required. Many individuals with little to no prior experience in these areas have successfully become AWS Solutions Architects by enrolling in comprehensive AWS Solutions Architect courses and preparing for the certification exams.

What are the various certifications available under AWS Solution Architecture?

There are several certifications available under the AWS Solutions Architecture program, including:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This certification is designed for individuals who have a good understanding of the AWS platform and have experience designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and secure solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: This certification is designed for individuals with advanced technical skills and experience designing and deploying complex, multi-tiered solutions on AWS.
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: This certification focuses on best practices for continuous integration and deployment, automation, and monitoring in the context of the AWS platform.
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty: This certification focuses on advanced network concepts and technologies, including Direct Connect, VPN, and Amazon VPC.
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty: This certification focuses on security-specific topics, including identity and access management, encryption, and network security.
• AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty: This certification focuses on the design and deployment of big data solutions using AWS technologies, such as Amazon Redshift, Amazon EMR, and Amazon Kinesis.

Each of these certifications requires passing a corresponding exam, which tests your knowledge and skills in specific areas of the AWS platform. It is important to note that some certificates have prerequisites, such as holding an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification before pursuing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification.