AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)

Overview

This training focuses on designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS. It covers topics such as AWS services, security, and architecture best practices. Ideal for individuals who want to validate their skills in designing and implementing distributed systems on AWS.

Course scope

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate training focuses on designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS. Participants will learn to design multi-tier architectures that are highly available, fault-tolerant, and scalable. The training covers AWS services, security best practices, and architecture principles. It also includes securing data at rest and in transit using encryption and key management services.

What you'll learn

Overview of Cloud Computing
Cloud Service Models
Cloud Deployment Models
Design Resilient Architectures
Design High-Performing Architectures
Design Secure Applications and Architectures
Design Cost-Optimized Architectures
Prepare for the Certification Exam

Certification detail — AWS Certified (SAA-C03)

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) certification validates the ability to design and deploy well-architected solutions on AWS. It is aimed at individuals with some experience in designing distributed applications and systems on AWS.

Key Objectives:

Design Resilient Architectures: Ability to design systems that are resilient to failures and can maintain availability and business continuity.

Design High-Performing Architectures: Proficiency in designing systems that are scalable, efficient, and optimized for performance.

Design Secure Applications and Architectures: Knowledge in implementing security measures and access controls for AWS environments.

Design Cost-Optimized Architectures: Capability to design architectures that minimize costs while meeting performance and scalability requirements.

Domain Breakdown:

The certification exam is divided into four primary domains, each focusing on different aspects of AWS architecture:

Design Resilient Architectures (30%):

High Availability and Fault Tolerance: Understanding of designing systems that ensure high availability and fault tolerance. Includes the use of services like Amazon Route 53 for DNS failover and AWS Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) for distributing traffic.

Disaster Recovery: Designing strategies for disaster recovery and business continuity using services such as AWS Backup, Amazon RDS Multi-AZ, and cross-region replication.

Decoupling Mechanisms: Implementing message queues and event-driven architectures using Amazon SQS and Amazon SNS to decouple application components.

Design High-Performing Architectures (28%):

Compute Resources: Knowledge of choosing appropriate compute services like Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, and Amazon ECS for different workload requirements.

Storage Solutions: Selecting the right storage solutions, such as Amazon EBS for block storage and Amazon S3 for object storage, based on performance needs.

Networking: Design for network performance, including the use of Amazon VPC, subnets, security groups, and network ACLs.

Design Secure Applications and Architectures (24%):

Data Protection: Implementing encryption for data at rest and in transit using AWS KMS and SSL/TLS.

Access Control: Managing permissions and access using AWS IAM policies, roles, and resource-based policies.

Compliance and Security Best Practices: Designing architectures that adhere to security best practices and compliance requirements, including AWS Config for monitoring.

Design Cost-Optimized Architectures (18%):

Cost Management: Using AWS cost management tools like AWS Cost Explorer and AWS Budgets to monitor and manage costs.

Efficient Resource Utilization: Implementing auto-scaling, right-sizing, and cost-effective resource management strategies to optimize costs.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

Technical Skills:

Experience with AWS Services: Hands-on experience with a range of AWS services such as EC2, RDS, S3, VPC, and Lambda.

Architecture Design: Ability to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective architectures on AWS.

Security Practices: Knowledge of AWS security practices and tools for protecting data and managing access.

Cost Optimization: Skills in managing and optimizing costs using AWS tools and strategies.

Knowledge Areas:

AWS Well-Architected Framework: Understanding the AWS Well-Architected Framework and its pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, and Cost Optimization.

Best Practices: Familiarity with AWS best practices for designing and deploying applications.

Compliance and Governance: Awareness of compliance standards and governance practices applicable to AWS environments.