What is the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) certification?
The SOA-C02 certification validates a candidate’s expertise in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS. It is designed for individuals in system administrator or operations roles with at least one year of experience with AWS environments. It covers both theoretical knowledge and hands-on operational skills.
What topics are covered in the SOA-C02 exam?
The exam tests knowledge in six key domains:
- Monitoring, Reporting, and Automation
- High Availability, Backup, and Recovery
- Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation
- Security and Compliance
- Networking and Content Delivery
- Cost and Performance Optimization
What are the prerequisites for taking the SOA-C02 exam?
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but AWS recommends candidates have:
- At least 1 year of hands-on experience with AWS
- Understanding of monitoring, logging, and automation tools
- Familiarity with networking, security, and virtualization concepts
- Proficiency with the AWS CLI, SDKs, and AWS Management Console
What is the format of the SOA-C02 exam?
The exam includes both multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, along with exam labs that simulate real-world scenarios. Candidates must complete hands-on tasks using the AWS Management Console and/or CLI. The total time allotted is 130 minutes.
What are exam labs in the SOA-C02 test?
Exam labs are performance-based questions where candidates must perform specific administrative tasks in a live AWS environment. These labs assess your ability to apply practical knowledge under timed conditions and contribute significantly to your overall exam score.
How should I prepare for the SOA-C02 exam?
To prepare effectively:
- Review the official exam guide and sample questions
- Enroll in AWS Skill Builder courses, such as Exam Readiness: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
- Practice using AWS Builder Labs, Cloud Quest, and AWS Jam
- Gain real-world experience by managing AWS services
- Join study groups or forums to collaborate and learn from peers
What is the passing score for the SOA-C02 exam?
AWS does not disclose an exact passing score, as the exam uses a scaled scoring system. However, candidates typically need to demonstrate proficiency across all domains, especially in exam labs, to pass. A scaled score between 100 and 1,000 is provided, with 720 generally considered the benchmark for passing.
How long is the certification valid, and how do I recertify?
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certification is valid for 3 years. To recertify, candidates must either:
- Retake the latest version of the SOA-C02 exam
- Pass a higher-level certification exam such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
What benefits do I gain after earning the SOA-C02 certification?
Certified professionals gain:
- Recognition as a validated AWS Operations expert
- Access to the AWS Certified Global Community
- Digital badges for social sharing
- Improved job prospects and potential salary increases
- Opportunities to work on more advanced AWS projects or roles
