As an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect, you will have a solid understanding of how to design a robust system that is not only expandable, but secure and locked down from outside threats. The architect understands the different services that are available within Amazon’s digital framework and, in order to keep up with the job demands, must continue to increase their technical skills. It is all about defining, designing, and implementing architectural advancements that are cost effective and resilient at the same time.
Becoming an Amazon Web Solutions Architect Associate means you are among a growing group of technical experts who have the ability to leverage AWS services to meet and even exceed a company’s business demands. To be successful, you must commit to constantly learning new technology so you can create an elastic framework that grows as your company’s business expands.
What is a web solutions architect?
A web solutions architect is responsible for analyzing and helping to develop and design the system’s framework as it relates to a specific solution. The web solutions architect works with other team members to assess the needs and best practices to complete a particular project related to the organization’s Amazon system.
What are the career prospects for AWS Solutions Architect Associate in the near future?
Amazon’s reach within the IT industry is growing by leaps and bound, surpassing most similar technology companies. Companies are leveraging Amazon Web Services to their advantage. The companies that use AWS technologies are saving millions of dollars by reducing on-premises systems. Unfortunately, on-premises systems costs continue to grow. Companies are also able to shut down their own data centers because they can run their entire infrastructure within the Amazon framework, saving half of what it takes to operate a traditional data center. As these changes occur, the need for certified pros will rise.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics, the outlook for network engineers has an expected rise of 5%. However with the introduction of AWS and the lack of qualified applicants, this number is expected to increase for the specific role.
How long does the certification last?
Each AWS certification lasts for two years. This means that every two years, certification holders have to recertify.
What is the cost?
The cost of the AWS Associate level exam is $150. The cost of the professional level exams are $300.
How do I register for the AWS certification exam?
In order to register, you must log into AWS Training and Certification.
How long does it take for my results to come back?
You will receive your results on your screen immediately after taking the exam. This will be followed by an email within five days of exam completion. You can see your results under your AWS account. It will be located under the Achieved Certifications menu after logging into the AWS Training and Certification Portal website. All results from Beta exams are available 13 weeks (90 days) after exam completion.
How many questions are on the AWS certification exam?
There are 65 exam questions.
How long is the AWS certification exam?
You are required to complete the exam in 130 minutes. The AWS certification exam is made up of multiple-choice and multiple-answer type exams. You also need to make sure you download and review the February 2018 Exam Guide.
What topics are tested on the AWS certification exam?
There a five key areas of focus on the exam called domains:
| Domain | % of the Total Questions |
| Design Resilient Architectures | 34% |
| Define Performant Architectures | 24% |
| Specify Secure Applications and Architectures | 26% |
| Design Cost-Optimized Architectures | 10% |
| Define Operationally Excellent Architectures | 6% |
The exam uses a specific model called the compensatory scoring model. Each subtopic that makes up the exam has a weighted value that is used in calculating your overall score based on the number of questions you answered correctly.
How did I pass the AWS certification exam?
It is tough to sit at a computer and study for hours on end for any type of certification. With that in mind, I decided to try something different, and it actually worked.
The first thing I did was download a recording app to my phone. I wanted to make sure I could use my phone as a recorder. There are many recording app options for both an Android and iPhone user. Once I got the software up and running, I verbally converted all my study materials to audio materials on my phone.
Once I had all the information on my phone, I was able to listen to anything on the go. I live on five acres of land in the midwest and really enjoy doing yard work. So, I simply plugged in my headset and studied every day while I did other things. Sometimes, I studied just five minutes a day. Other days, I would study as long as an hour. All of the critical information I needed to remember for the exam equated to about one hour’s worth of listening material. As I learned more and more about Amazon services, the less I needed to listen to my customized study material. I passed the exam on the first try and earned my certification.
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Posted by: John Brooks