AWS Cloud Architect Path
From cloud beginner to solutions architect
The most common cloud career path in the world. This sequence takes you from zero cloud knowledge to AWS expert-level architecture credentials — the combination that appears in the most cloud job postings globally.
- Total Cost
- $700–$1,100
- all materials included
- Timeline
- 12–20 months
- at 1–2 hrs/day
- Exam Fees Only
- $400
- required certs
- Steps
- 3 certifications
- 2 required, 1 optional
The Path
AWS CLF
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The easiest on-ramp to AWS certifications
$100
exam fee
Why at this step: Builds the vocabulary and mental model you need before anything else. Without understanding regions, availability zones, the shared responsibility model, and core service categories, the SAA content won't stick.
AWS SAA-C03
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification in the industry
$300
exam fee
Why at this step: The most job-relevant AWS cert at ~700k job postings. This is where you learn to actually design systems — VPCs, multi-tier architectures, high availability, disaster recovery, and cost optimization. Most cloud roles require this minimum.
AWS SAP-C02
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Advanced AWS architecture for senior cloud professionals
$300
exam fee
Why at this step: Targets senior architect and principal engineer roles. The SAP tests complex multi-account governance, migration strategies, and organizational-scale architecture decisions. Required by many enterprise consulting firms and large cloud teams.
Where to Specialize Next
After completing this path, these are the most popular specializations.