How to Become an AWS Architect?
It is a dream for many young and enthusiastic individuals to become certified AWS architects. However, the decision-making process is sometimes disrupted due to the lack of guidance, information and know-how about a proper platform for learning what it takes to become an AWS cloud architect.
If you are someone who is aspiring to become a great cloud architect and don’t know how to go about it, then you are exactly where you need to be. In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about becoming an AWS cloud architect.
Why Choose AWS Solutions Architect Certification?
AWS is by far the most recognized and leading platform when it comes to cloud computing security. By getting an AWS certified solutions architect certification, your skillet is enhanced to the next level and enables you to become one of the most sought-after individuals in the field. The certification certainly adds to your credibility and value in the professional sphere. AWS is the market leader and the preferred choice in the industry.
Currently, it occupied as much as 47.8% of market share in 2018 (Source). It wouldn’t be wrong to say that AWS certifications evaluate an individual’s computing skills with the best possible practices.
If you are already associated with AWS and wish to strengthen your AWS skills then such certification can certainly help you fulfil your dreams and find your way to success.
Skills Required to Become AWS Certified:
Having the passion alone to do something is not helpful if you don’t have the right skillset. Similarly, apart from AWS certified solutions architect certification, it is mandatory for an aspiring AWS cloud architect to possess the following skills.
Basic programming knowledge:
Being an AWS architect, you must have some basic knowledge when it comes to writing code in any programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, etc.
Fundamentals of Data Storage:
Going deep into technicalities is somewhat possible if your basics of the database are not clear yet. Knowing when and how to use databases is a crucial part of becoming a cloud architect. While using AWS, you may have several data storage options available to you but the real trick is to use the right one at the right time.
Communication Skills:
Your technical skills lose their essence if you lack proper communication skills. Being a cloud architect, it is important for you to have the ability to communicate flawlessly with the concerned software developers. Not only is it necessary to have verbal communication skills but also written. We cannot deny the fact that exceptional presentation skills can conceal various minor flaws.
Understanding of Cloud Technologies:
There are certain rules that are subject to change once system is moved into the cloud. Therefore, some thought and effort have to be put into understanding the nature of cloud technologies. Not doing so can lead to reduced quality of work which cannot be afforded in the IT sector at all.
Security Foundations:
Before you sign up for AWS certified solutions architect certification, you should be well aware of what goes on in Identity and Access Management. It is basically a service that helps you understand who can access certain data and resources. The importance of learning how to secure networks cannot be ignored whatsoever if you wish to become a cloud architect.
AWS Service Selection:
There are many services provided by a cloud vendor and it is in your best interests to have a good knowledge of the services provided by the cloud vendor. For those aspiring to become AWS cloud architects, it is important to have a thorough understanding of all the services associated with Amazon Web Services. It is very crucial in the case of AWS as the company tends to come up with new and revised services all year round. SQS, SNS, and RDS are among the major services by Amazon that you should know of.
How to Become AWS Cloud Architect?
There is no hard and fast rule to study for AWS training and certification. Some choose to self-study and some choose to enrol themselves in AWS digital courses and training classes. However, we suggest you go for professional training classes as the courses because, in self-study, individuals tend to miss out on important points unknowingly.
You can also go through study guides available online and in stores in order to enhance your knowledge. However, make sure you get the guides from credible sources because your final performance depends on what you learn during the preparation period. Moreover, practice hard until the day of the final exam because AWS certification is not a child’s play. Schedule the final exam only when you think you are confident about what you have learnt.
Here is the list of AWS certifications available for different levels.
- Foundation Level Certification: AWS Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Level Certification
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Level Certification
- AWS Certified Developer
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
- AWS Professional Level Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking
- AWS Certified Security
- AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder
- AWS Certified Machine Learning
Each exam comes with different objectives and strengthens your cloud security skills in a different way. All exams are designed to open up numerous doors of opportunity for the candidates. These certifications certainly land you in secure jobs.
Conclusion:
That said, it should be kept in mind that one certification loses its value over time as Amazon comes with a number of new services from time to time. Thus, it is advisable to recertify after some time to keep your skills in line with the new trends in the cloud market. Appearing for the first time in the exam might be difficult but once you have knowledge and experience, recertification does not seem as difficult as it may sound. There is absolutely nothing better than keeping your skills fresh and always in-demand. The rest depends on the candidate’s dedication and willingness to learn.