Start Your AWS Solutions Architect Career！

What is a cloud solution architect?

The definition of cloud solution architect can also be seen from many recruited JDs. Cloud architects need to deliver solutions that include front-end, back-end, network, and cloud computing. The cloud architect transforms the technical requirements of the project into the architecture and design concept of the final product, which is specifically to provide a feasible solution for solving complex problems.

AWS solution architects need to have the skills needed to assess an organization's needs, so that they can make some suggestions for implementing and deploying applications on AWS. And also need to be very familiar with the AWS platform and various product systems. And also need to have a certain understanding of open source solutions and solutions of other cloud vendors.

Basic skills of an AWS solution architect

Understanding the basic skills of an AWS solution architect can help you understand the job roles and responsibilities of this position, and it is also an essential element on the road to becoming an architect. These basic skills include:

1. Proficient in at least one operating system, such as Linux, Windows, Solaris, Ubuntu, or Unix. For aspiring candidates, the recommended operating system experience is Linux (Ubuntu or Red Hat). In addition, as a solution architect, it is also an advantage if you have experience as a system administrator or architect.
2. Familiar with a certain programming language or scripting language
3. Have a certain understanding of network knowledge, such as IP address, DNS, TCP/IP, and HTTP
4. Have a certain understanding of security components, such as firewalls, WAF, etc.

Role-based architect skills

We also need to focus on some specific work skills and soft skills, which are also essential for architects.

1. Communicating with sales and customers is an important part of the work of AWS architects, so it is extremely important for the work of architects.
2. Always take customer needs and business goals as one's own responsibility
3. Adaptability. In the career of an architect, we may have to face various tasks, such as writing scripts, troubleshooting, handling migration, handling customer relationships, and product feedback. Basically, it needs to be involved from the front-end sales link to the back-end product production mitigation. So adaptability is also the skill requirement of this role.
4. The many tasks thrown at AWS architects every day also require time management skills. Therefore, schedule planning and task prioritization are particularly important, especially for domestic customers, where 996,007 scenarios are often needed.
5. Finally, as an architect, you also need to constantly update your skills and fill up your skill tree as soon as possible. AWS has launched 11 different certifications, and the certification is only a shallow understanding of this knowledge, the real iceberg is still below sea level.

As an architect, what certification do I need to obtain

We have introduced the basic requirements and skill requirements of an AWS solution architect. Now let's take a look at which certificates can help you start your career. First of all, there are two certificates with the highest gold content at present. They are AWS Certified Assistant Solution Architect and AWS Certified Expert Solution Architect. Let's take a look at the basic description of these two certificates.

AWS Certified Associate Solution Architect

There is no doubt that AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate certification is the first choice for new AWS solution architects! 

The time for the certification exam is 130 minutes, which is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Candidates must take the certification exam at the testing center of their choice. The exam will include single-choice and multiple-choice questions, and the registration fee is $150. The AWS Associate Solutions Architect certification exam tests candidates for the following abilities.

1. Be able to use AWS technology to demonstrate how to structure and deploy secure and robust applications
2. Define specific solutions based on technical principles and customer needs
3. Provide implementation guidance throughout the life cycle of the project according to best practices

AWS Certified Expert Solution Architect

If you want to make more progress and gains in the position of an architect, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect- Professional exam can help you. Generally, students with more than 2 years of architecture experience are recommended to take this exam. Otherwise, even if you pass the exam, a lot of content will not be able to be integrated and truly understood.

The certification exam is available in four languages: English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese. The test time is about 170 minutes, or 2 hours and 50 minutes. The registration fee for the exam is US$300. Candidates must take the certification exam at the testing center of their choice. The form of the question is multiple choice and single choice. The certification exam tests the candidates for the following abilities.

1. Design and deploy dynamically scalable, fault-tolerant, reliable, and highly available applications on AWS applications.
2. Choose the appropriate AWS services for designing and deploying applications.
3. Migrate complex multi-tier applications on AWS.
4. Implement cost control strategies.
5. Design and deploy enterprise-level scalable operations on the AWS platform.

Career Description of AWS Architect

In fact, if we put our goal in a certain career direction and don't know what specific ability requirements the position has, the most direct way is to look at JD. In this way, you can easily and clearly understand Party A's requirements for candidates, and a direction for your efforts. Among them, the most important responsibilities of AWS architects include:

1. The most suitable technical solution for positioning existing business problems
2. Describe various software terms for the people involved in the project
3. Define characteristics, requirements and phases in the solution
4. Provide specifications for the definition, management and delivery of solutions

The following are some of the responsibilities of the AWS solution architect role:

1. Perform architecture evaluation and analysis, design of enterprise-level systems
2. Promote the right best practice architecture and design tools, such as IBM Rational
3. Develop, enhance and maintain the established service design process to achieve a perfect and robust architecture design
4. Collaborate with an efficient team of solution architects to support enterprise-oriented project development
5. Responsible for current practices and recommendations
6. Ensure the sustainability of configuration management
7. Identify customer needs, analyze alternative solutions and product recommendations related to platform, software and network configuration