Master AWS architecture design, implement scalable and secure solutions, and design high-performing, cost-optimized cloud infrastructures.
AWS Solutions Architects design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. You'll architect secure applications, implement cost-optimization strategies, select appropriate AWS services for given requirements, and ensure solutions meet business objectives while following AWS best practices and the Well-Architected Framework.
AWS Cloud Practitioner
Optional FoundationSolutions Architect Associate
After Phase 4The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) exam tests your knowledge across four key domains:
If you're new to AWS Solutions Architecture:
→Begin with Phase 1: Foundation (expand below)
→Complete AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) first if you're completely new to AWS
→Don't worry about advanced patterns until Phase 3
→Focus on one phase at a time — finish it completely before moving forward
Already have some AWS experience?
→Jump to the phase that matches your current skill level
Cloud concepts, AWS global infrastructure, core services overview
EC2 instances, types, pricing models, user data, placement groups, Auto Scaling
S3 (storage classes, lifecycle, versioning, encryption), EBS (volume types, snapshots), EFS
RDS (Multi-AZ, Read Replicas), Aurora, DynamoDB basics
VPC, subnets, route tables, internet gateway, NAT gateway, security groups vs NACLs
Application Load Balancer (ALB), Network Load Balancer (NLB), health checks
SQS (standard vs FIFO, DLQ), SNS (topics, fan-out), EventBridge, Step Functions
IAM (policies, roles, permission boundaries), KMS, Secrets Manager, Cognito, WAF, Shield
CloudWatch (metrics, alarms, logs), CloudTrail, Config, Systems Manager
Lambda (functions, triggers, concurrency), API Gateway, DynamoDB Streams, DAX
Database Migration Service (DMS), Application Migration Service, Snow Family, DataSync
CloudFront (CDN, edge locations, caching), Route 53 (routing policies, health checks)
Multi-AZ deployments, Auto Scaling across AZs, Route 53 failover, cross-region replication
Backup & Restore, Pilot Light, Warm Standby, Multi-Site Active-Active strategies
CloudFront caching, ElastiCache strategies, Read Replicas, EBS-optimized instances
Defense in depth, least privilege, encryption at rest/transit, VPC isolation
Right-sizing, Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, Spot Instances, S3 Intelligent-Tiering
6 pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance, Cost Optimization, Sustainability
VPC with public/private subnets, ALB with Auto Scaling, RDS Multi-AZ, ElastiCache, CloudFront
API Gateway + Lambda, DynamoDB with streams, SQS for async processing, Cognito authentication
Cross-region replication (S3, RDS), Route 53 health checks, CloudFormation IaC, automated backups
Complete 3-4 full practice exams, review incorrect answers, identify weak areas
VPN or Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, Hybrid DNS (Route 53 Resolver), Storage Gateway
SAA-C03: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
This certification validates your ability to design distributed systems on AWS. It demonstrates expertise in designing secure, resilient, high-performing, and cost-optimized architectures. Exam details: 130 minutes, 65 questions, $150 USD, passing score 720/1000.
Practice SAA-C03 QuestionsImplement IAM policies, design network security with VPCs, configure encryption and compliance controls
Design Multi-AZ deployments, implement Auto Scaling, configure disaster recovery strategies
Select appropriate compute, storage, and database services, implement caching strategies, use CDN
Right-size resources, use Reserved Instances and Spot, implement lifecycle policies and optimization
Validate your architecture skills with AWS's official Solutions Architect Associate credential
Follow Well-Architected Framework, explain trade-offs, design for specific business requirements