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the correct certification path really depends on your specific technical background.
If your experience already includes several years of working with IT infrastructure and you have some prior exposure to Public Cloud environments, you can skip the foundational certifications. In that case, you can directly prepare for the Solutions Architect Associate by completing a few AWS Skill Builder modules and working through the practical practice questions provided there.
However, since you mentioned you are completely new to the Cloud in general, if you do not have that multi-year infrastructure or cloud background, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is definitely recommended as the best starting point to learn the core concepts before moving on to the Associate level.
While you have the option to pursue certifications in any order, the recommended path for becoming an AWS Solutions Architect typically includes starting with foundational certifications before advancing to associate and professional levels. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate are considered minimum requirements for Solutions Architects. These foundational certifications provide you with a solid understanding of AWS services and architectural principles. With the growing importance of generative AI, obtaining the AWS Certified AI Practitioner is also encouraged. However, if you have substantial IT experience, you could consider preparing directly for the Solutions Architect – Associate certification. Some professionals find that studying for the associate-level exam first makes the Cloud Practitioner exam easier if taken afterward. Additionally, passing the Cloud Practitioner certification provides a 50% discount voucher for your next certification exam, which can be applied to the Solutions Architect – Associate exam. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional is designed for individuals with two or more years of hands-on experience performing solutions architect roles and validates advanced technical skills in designing distributed applications and systems on AWS. Given your extensive IT background, you might consider starting with the Solutions Architect – Associate certification and then progressing to the Professional level. To support your certification journey, take advantage of AWS training resources, practice with official exam questions, maintain a consistent study schedule, and build personal projects to reinforce your learning.
Sources
The AWS Tech U survival guide | AWS Training and Certification Blog
AWS Certification Exam Guides - AWS Certification Exam Guides
Community | Get AWS CLF-C02 & SAA-C03 Certified in 2024!
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