AWS sysops certification vs solutions architect associate.

Based on your background in IT operations and on-premises administration, you have two good options for your next AWS certification.

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator certification would align well with your existing operational experience. This certification focuses on operations management in the AWS environment and would be a natural extension of your IT ops background.

Alternatively, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is also a popular choice after completing the foundational exam (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner). This certification focuses on designing distributed systems and architectures on AWS, following best practices for security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Given your operational background, either path could work well for you:

• Choose the SysOps Administrator certification if you want to stay focused on operational excellence, system management, and implementation.

• Choose the Solutions Architect Associate if you're interested in expanding your skills toward designing cloud architectures and solutions.

Many professionals find the Solutions Architect Associate to be a versatile certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of AWS services and how they work together, which can be beneficial regardless of your specific role. However, the SysOps Administrator certification might allow you to leverage your existing operational knowledge more directly.

Whichever path you choose, there are excellent preparation resources available through AWS Skill Builder, including practice exams, hands-on labs, and exam preparation courses.
Sources
Community | Demystifying Your First AWS Certification: A Guide to Choosing the Right Path in Cloud Computing
Community | AWS Careers Roadmap
Beyond the server room: Transform your IT career with AWS | AWS Training and Certification Blog