A Beginner’s guide to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect (SAA-C03)- Associate Exam

In the previous blog, we discussed how to pass the AWS Cloud Practitioner. Now we are moving a level up. Now we are talking about how to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Exam.

The most popular and sought-after exam that AWS offers is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam. This is because AWS Certified Solutions Architects are among the top paid people in the IT sector. It assesses an individual’s ability in creating and deploying safe, scalable applications on the AWS Cloud. This test assesses a candidate’s capacity to effectively and safely plan, develop, and implement solutions using AWS services in order to meet organizational objectives. It goes over things like AWS services, cloud computing ideas, best practices for architecture, and cost-cutting tactics.

Understanding the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam

Exam duration	130 minutes
Exam format	65 questions; either multiple-choice or multiple-response
Cost	150 USD
Test in-person or online	Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam

Step 1: Get to know the exam and exam-style questions

The exam includes 65 questions and has a time limit of 130 minutes.
You need to score a minimum of 720 out of 1000 points to pass the exam.

Response types:

 There are two types of questions on the exam:

• Multiple choice: This type consists of one correct answer and three incorrect options (distractors).
• Multiple responses: This type requires selecting two or more correct answers from five or more options.
• Unscored content: The exam includes 15 unscored questions that do not affect your score. AWS collects information about performance on these unscored questions to evaluate these questions for future use as scored questions. These unscored questions are not identified on the exam.

Most questions are 1-2 lines of a scenario followed by the actual question itself. For example, you may be asked to select the MOST secure, MOST cost-effective, or MOST operationally efficient option.

Step 2: Learn about exam topics

The exam has the following content domains and weightings:

• Domain 1: Design Secure Architectures (30%)
• Domain 2: Design Resilient Architectures (26%)
• Domain 3: Design High-Performing Architectures (24%)
• Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures (20%)

Step 3: Prepare for your exam

There are various courses where you can enroll both on Udemy and YouTube. AWS also offers various training options, including instructor-led classes, online courses, and self-paced tutorials.  The most famous and highly rated course for AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification is Stephane Mareek’s Udemy Course. He also has a practice test where you can enroll or you can also watch this free YouTube Video.

Step 4: Putting Theory into Practice

Now it’s time to do hands-on practice on the actual AWS Console. Create your free account on AWS. AWS offers new customers a 12-month free tier when they create an account. This tier includes three types of offerings: 12 months free, always free, and short-term free trials.

Some Important services to focus on for SAA-C03

1. Compute – EC2, Lambda, EBS, Load Balancing, Beanstalk.
2. Storage – S3, Redshift, Storage Gateway, EFS, Glacier.
3. Networking – VPC, Route53, API Gateway, CloudFront.
4. Security – IAM, KMS, Cognito.
5. Governance – Cost Explorer, CloudTrail, CloudWatch.
6. Databases – DynamoDB, RDS, Elasticache.
7. Applications – SNS, SQS, SWF.

Additional Knowledge for the Exam

AWS DataSync vs Storage Gateway

• Understand when to use AWS DataSync or Storage Gateway for efficient data transfer and storage.

FSx (Cold and Hot Storage)

• Differentiate between FSx cold and hot storage based on data access patterns and cost considerations.

Cross-Region Read Replicas vs Multi-Az RDS

• Decide between Cross-Region Read Replicas and Multi-AZ RDS for high availability based on your application’s needs and data redundancy.

Direct Connect vs Site-to-Site VPN

• Understand when to choose AWS Direct Connect or Site-to-Site VPN for secure and low-latency AWS access.

AWS Config vs AWS CloudTrail

• Differentiate AWS Config and AWS CloudTrail for monitoring and auditing your AWS environment.

Security Group vs NACL (Network Access Control List)

• Determine when to use AWS security groups or NACLs to control inbound and outbound traffic.

NAT Gateway vs NAT Instance

• Understand the differences between NAT gateways and NAT instances for outbound traffic management from private subnets.

Geolocation Routing Policy vs Geoproximity Routing Policy on Route 53

• Learn how to select routing policies in Amazon Route 53 based on traffic routing needs, such as directing users to the nearest AWS resources or global traffic distribution.

This additional knowledge will be valuable for your AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) exam preparations.

Step 5: Assess your exam readiness

Before scheduling your exam, make sure to review the whitepapers provided by AWS.

These are some important whitepapers provided by AWS:

1. AWS Well-Architected Framework: Understand the principles and best practices for designing and maintaining well-architected AWS environments.
2. An Overview of the AWS Cloud Adoption Framework: Learn about the AWS Cloud Adoption Framework and how it can guide your organization’s cloud journey.
3. Cost Optimization Pillar — AWS Well-Architected Framework: Dive into cost optimization strategies within the Well-Architected Framework to maximize your AWS investments.
4. Disaster Recovery of On-Premises Applications to AWS: Explore disaster recovery strategies for migrating on-premises applications to AWS for enhanced resilience.
5. Security Best Practices for Manufacturing OT: Discover security best practices tailored to the unique challenges of manufacturing environments.

Step 6: Schedule and Take the Exam

Once you feel confident in your knowledge and preparedness, it’s time to schedule your exam. Visit the AWS Training and Certification websiteto book your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE testing centre or opt for an online proctored exam from the comfort of your home or office.

Conclusion

Earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect marks a significant achievement. It shows your expertise in building effective cloud solutions. As you continue your journey in cloud computing, let your certification be a symbol of your skills and commitment to excellence. As we wrap up, let’s remember the famous words of Jeff Bezos: “Work hard, have fun, make history.” These simple and powerful words remind us to put in the effort, enjoy the journey, and strive to create something remarkable.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you the best of luck. In case you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at LinkedIn or drop your comments here and I would love to help.

For more information and guidance on technology, visit the CloudZenia website.

Happy Learning!