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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional Study Guide (SAP-C02)

April 24, 2023

Explore the best resources, tips, and strategies to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) exam and boost your cloud architect career.

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Embarking on the journey to become an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) can be challenging, but with the right study materials and guidance, you can unlock your full potential in the world of cloud architecture. In this article, we'll provide you with the most effective study guides, videos, practice exams, and labbing environment recommendations, along with essential exam details and objectives to ensure your success.

What is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02)?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) is a highly sought-after certification that validates your advanced technical skills and expertise in designing, deploying, and managing scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant applications on AWS. This certification is intended for experienced solutions architects who have a deep understanding of AWS services, architectural best practices, and the ability to design complex, enterprise-level solutions.

How to pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) (recommended study materials)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional Study Material

To pass the SAP-C02 exam, we recommend the following study materials:

Solutions Architect - Professional Books

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Training Notes by Neal Davis

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Solutions-Architect-Professional-Training/dp/B09TZBPZ6Z/

Neal Davis's AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Training Notes is a comprehensive book that covers all exam objectives in-depth. This guide is an excellent choice for those who prefer a written format, as it provides clear explanations, diagrams, and summaries to help you understand complex concepts.

Solutions Architect - Professional Video training

Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional 2023 by Stephane Maarek

Video training: https://www.udemy.com/course/aws-solutions-architect-professional/

Stephane Maarek's Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional 2023 is a highly-rated online course on Udemy that provides engaging video lectures, hands-on labs, quizzes, and practice exams. This course is perfect for visual learners, as it offers step-by-step guidance for designing advanced AWS solutions and architectures.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional by Adrian Cantrill

Video training: https://learn.cantrill.io/p/aws-certified-solutions-architect-professional

Adrian Cantrill's AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional course on Learn.Cantrill.io is another fantastic resource for mastering the SAP-C02 exam. This course includes detailed video lectures, hands-on labs, quizzes, and a supportive community. Adrian's in-depth explanations and real-world examples make complex concepts easier to understand.

Solutions Architect - Professional Practice Exams

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Practice Exam by Jon Bonso

Practice exams: https://www.udemy.com/course/aws-solutions-architect-professional-practice-exams-sap-c02/

Jon Bonso's AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Practice Exam on Udemy is an essential resource for testing your knowledge before the actual exam. These high-quality practice exams closely mimic the real exam experience and provide detailed explanations for each question, helping you identify areas that need improvement.

Labbing Environment

Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional exam. As this certification requires several years of experience in designing, deploying, and managing AWS solutions, it is essential to create a lab environment in your AWS account. This will allow you to practice advanced concepts and gain practical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To set up an effective lab environment, consider the following:

  1. Utilize AWS Well-Architected Labs: AWS Well-Architected Labs provide hands-on labs designed to help you learn the principles of the AWS Well-Architected Framework. These labs cover a range of topics, including security, performance, and cost optimization, allowing you to gain experience with various AWS services and best practices.
  2. Leverage AWS Free Tier services: AWS Free Tier offers free access to a variety of AWS services, including EC2, S3, and Lambda. Utilizing these services will enable you to practice deploying, managing, and troubleshooting AWS solutions without incurring additional costs.
  3. Create custom scenarios: Design and implement custom projects that challenge your understanding of AWS services, architectural patterns, and best practices. This will help you gain practical experience in solving real-world problems, preparing you for the complexities of the SAP-C02 exam.
  4. Participate in online labs and workshops: Engage in AWS-led workshops and online labs focused on specific AWS services and use cases. These sessions often provide hands-on guidance and expert insights, helping you deepen your understanding of AWS solutions and architectures.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) Exam Objectives

Exam guide: https://d1.awsstatic.com/training-and-certification/docs-sa-pro/AWS-Certified-Solutions-Architect-Professional_Exam-Guide.pdf

The SAP-C02 exam focuses on four primary domains, which encompass various AWS services, architectural principles, and best practices to design and implement sophisticated AWS solutions.

Domain 1: Design Solutions for Organizational Complexity (26%)

This domain focuses on designing solutions that address the challenges and requirements of large-scale organizations. Key AWS services and technologies in this domain include:

Domain 2: Design for New Solutions (29%)

This domain emphasizes the design and implementation of new AWS solutions to meet specific business objectives. Key AWS services and technologies in this domain include:

Domain 3: Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions (25%)

This domain focuses on optimizing and enhancing existing AWS solutions to improve performance, security, and cost efficiency. Key AWS services and technologies in this domain include:

Domain 4: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization (20%)

This domain emphasizes the migration and modernization of workloads to the AWS cloud. Key AWS services and technologies in this domain include:

By understanding these domains and their associated AWS services and technologies, you can better prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) exam and excel in designing and implementing advanced AWS solutions.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) Exam Details

Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

Exam Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)

Exam Language: English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese

Delivery Method: Online proctored or testing center

Passing Score: 750 out of 1000

Exam Fees: USD 300

Preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) Exam

Before registering for the SAP-C02 exam, make sure to review the AWS Well-Architected Framework and AWS whitepapers related to the exam domains. Additionally, gain hands-on experience with AWS services by working on real-world projects or utilizing AWS Well-Architected Labs. It's also essential to study the recommended materials, complete practice exams, and participate in online forums or communities for additional support.

Why should you get AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) certified?

Obtaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) certification brings numerous benefits, including:

Increased credibility: This certification validates your expertise in designing and implementing advanced AWS solutions, making you a valuable asset to your organization or potential employers.

Enhanced job opportunities: As the demand for skilled cloud architects grows, having a professional certification can help you stand out in the job market and secure higher-paying positions.

Access to the AWS Certified Global Community: Becoming AWS certified grants you access to an exclusive community of professionals, offering networking opportunities and resources to further your career.

Continuous learning: Preparing for the SAP-C02 exam will expand your knowledge of AWS services and best practices, helping you stay updated with the latest advancements in cloud technology.

Recognition and rewards: AWS certified professionals are often eligible for AWS-specific perks, such as digital badges, exclusive merchandise, and invitations to AWS events.

FAQ

Is AWS Solution Architect Professional worth it?

Yes, the AWS Solution Architect Professional certification is worth pursuing, as it validates your advanced technical skills and expertise in designing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS. This certification can enhance your career prospects, increase your credibility, and provide access to an exclusive community of professionals.

How difficult is the AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam?

The AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam is considered challenging due to its comprehensive coverage of complex concepts, architectural best practices, and AWS services. However, with proper preparation, hands-on experience, and the right study materials, you can successfully pass the exam.

What is the salary of an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional?

The salary of an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific job role. On average, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professionals can expect to earn between $120,000 to $160,000 per year.

What is the difference between the AWS Solution Architect Associate and Professional?

The AWS Solution Architect Associate certification focuses on foundational knowledge of AWS services and architectural best practices, while the Professional certification requires a deeper understanding of AWS services, design principles, and the ability to design complex, enterprise-level solutions. The Professional certification is considered more advanced and is aimed at experienced solutions architects.

How many people have AWS Solutions Architect Professional Certificate?

The exact number of AWS Solutions Architect Professional certificate holders is not publicly disclosed by AWS. However, it is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after certifications in the cloud industry.

What is the hardest AWS certification to get?

The difficulty of AWS certifications can be subjective and may vary based on an individual's background and experience. However, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional are often considered the most challenging certifications due to their comprehensive scope and the depth of knowledge required.

How long does it take to become an AWS Solutions Architect Professional?

The time it takes to become an AWS Solutions Architect Professional depends on your existing knowledge and experience with AWS services. On average, candidates spend between 3 to 6 months preparing for the exam, which includes studying recommended materials, participating in online courses, and gaining hands-on experience.

How long does it take to study for the AWS Solution Architect Professional?

The time required to study for the AWS Solution Architect Professional exam varies depending on your background and familiarity with AWS services. Most candidates spend between 150 to 250 hours studying the recommended materials, completing practice exams, and engaging in hands-on practice.

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