AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Focuses on designing cost-effective, secure, and scalable cloud solutions using AWS. Professionals at this level typically have experience deploying distributed systems, choosing the right AWS services for given requirements, and understanding best practices for cloud architecture. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional A more advanced credential requiring deeper expertise in designing complex AWS architectures at scale. Candidates at this level can handle enterprise-level migrations, multi-tier applications, hybrid environments, and cost optimization strategies. They often have several years of cloud and IT architecture experience. Ideal Candidate Profile: Background in cloud architecture, systems engineering, or software development. Hands-on experience with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, and IAM. Strong understanding of networking, security, high availability, and disaster recovery in the cloud. Ability to gather business requirements and translate them into technical solutions. For Professional level: prior experience leading enterprise migrations, designing large-scale distributed systems, or overseeing cloud governance and compliance.