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AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02)

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) certification is designed to validate the technical expertise of professionals responsible for managing and operating workloads on AWS. This certification specifically evaluates proficiency in system operations, including monitoring, security, networking, and performance optimization. Candidates who achieve this certification demonstrate their ability to:

  • Deploy, manage, and maintain scalable and resilient AWS workloads.
  • Implement and manage security and compliance controls.
  • Monitor, log, and troubleshoot applications and infrastructure.
  • Optimize performance and manage operational costs.
  • Apply foundational networking principles within the AWS environment.
  • Execute disaster recovery and business continuity strategies in alignment with architectural best practices.

– Intended Audience

This certification is tailored for system administrators working in cloud-focused operational roles. It is most suitable for individuals responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations in AWS-based environments.

– Validated Skills

The SOA-C02 exam assesses a candidate’s capability to:

  • Operate within the AWS Management Console and AWS CLI.
  • Support workloads in accordance with the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
  • Apply and monitor security and compliance controls.
  • Perform system logging, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
  • Execute core networking tasks (e.g., DNS, TCP/IP, firewalls).
  • Implement scalable architectural solutions for high availability and performance.
  • Conduct business continuity and disaster recovery operations.
  • Effectively identify, classify, and remediate operational incidents.

– Recommended Experience and Knowledge

General IT Background

Candidates are expected to have:

  • 1–2 years of experience as a system administrator in an operational role.
  • Solid understanding of monitoring, logging, and troubleshooting practices.
  • Familiarity with core networking principles.
  • Ability to meet architectural requirements such as availability, performance, and capacity planning.

AWS-Specific Experience

Applicants should also have:

  • A minimum of one year of hands-on experience with AWS services.
  • Practical experience in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS.
  • A working knowledge of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
  • Proficiency with the AWS Management Console and CLI.
  • Experience in using AWS tools for networking and security.
  • Skills in implementing security controls that align with organizational and compliance standards.

Exam Details

  • The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) is an Associate-level certification designed to validate the expertise of individuals in system operations roles within the AWS Cloud.
  • The exam has a duration of 130 minutes and includes a total of 65 questions, which are presented in either multiple-choice or multiple-response formats.
  • Candidates have the flexibility to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or opt for an online proctored exam, depending on their convenience and location.
  • The certification exam is available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, ensuring accessibility for a global audience.
  • Scoring for the exam is reported on a scaled score range from 100 to 1,000, with a minimum passing score of 720 required to earn the certification.

Course Outline

The exam covers the following topics:

1. Learn About Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation (20%)

1.1 Implementing metrics, alarms, and filters by using AWS monitoring and logging services

1.2 Remediating issues based on monitoring and availability metrics

2. Understand Reliability and Business Continuity (16%)

2.1 Implementing scalability and elasticity

2.2 Implementing high availability and resilient environments

2.3 Implementing backup and restore strategies

3. Learn About Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation (18%)

3.1 Provisioning and maintaining cloud resources

3.2 Automating manual or repeatable processes

4. Overview of Security and Compliance (16%)

4.1 Implementing and managing security and compliance policies

4.2 Implementing data and infrastructure protection strategies

5. Understand about Networking and Content Delivery (18%)

5.1 Implementing networking features and connectivity

5.2 Configuring domains, DNS services, and content delivery

5.3 Troubleshooting network connectivity issues

6. Learn Cost and Performance Optimization (12%)

6.1 Implementing cost optimization strategies

6.2 Implementing performance optimization strategies

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate Exam FAQs

Check here for FAQs!

AWS Certification Exam Policy Overview

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has established a comprehensive set of standardized policies and procedures to ensure a secure, fair, and consistent certification experience for all candidates. These policies are designed to uphold the integrity of the AWS Certification Program and cover essential areas such as exam retakes, score reporting, and the use of unscored questions.

– Exam Retake Policy

Candidates who do not pass an AWS certification exam are required to observe a mandatory 14-day waiting period before retaking the exam. While there is no limit to the number of retake attempts, each attempt requires the full payment of the exam registration fee. This policy ensures that candidates take adequate time to prepare before their next attempt, supporting the credibility of the certification process.

– Scoring and Results

The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) exam results are provided as a scaled score between 100 and 1,000, with a minimum passing score of 720. The exam follows a pass or fail format, based on a standard determined by AWS experts in alignment with industry best practices. Scaled scoring is used to account for slight variations in exam difficulty across different versions, ensuring fairness in score interpretation.

Candidates may also receive a section-level performance breakdown, which classifies their performance across various exam domains. The exam utilizes a compensatory scoring model, meaning it is not necessary to pass every individual section. Instead, the overall score determines whether a candidate passes the exam.

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate Study Guide

Step 1: Understand the Exam Objectives

Begin your preparation by thoroughly reviewing the official AWS SOA-C02 exam guide. Familiarize yourself with the key domains, such as monitoring, security and compliance, networking, and system operations. Understanding what AWS expects you to know ensures that your study plan is aligned with the actual exam content. Focus on the percentage weight each domain carries, as this indicates the emphasis placed on particular skill sets.

Step 2: Leverage Official AWS Training Resources

AWS offers a variety of official training materials specifically designed for this certification. These include self-paced digital courses and classroom-based sessions delivered by AWS-accredited instructors. These resources are structured to align with the certification’s learning objectives and provide in-depth insights into AWS services, operational practices, and architecture principles critical for SysOps administrators.

Step 3: Use AWS Skill Builder for Structured Learning

The AWS Skill Builder platform is a powerful resource offering curated learning plans, hands-on labs, and interactive learning experiences. It features courses tailored to the SysOps Administrator Associate exam, covering key topics like automation, incident response, system monitoring, and cost control. Skill Builder helps you track progress, revisit weak areas, and reinforce your understanding through practical application.

Step 4: Enroll in Digital Courses to Fill Knowledge Gaps

While progressing through your studies, identify areas where you may lack experience or clarity—such as specific AWS services (e.g., CloudWatch, IAM, Auto Scaling) or best practices for security and networking. Enroll in targeted digital training modules to build a deeper understanding of those topics. Choose courses that offer a mix of theory, real-world scenarios, and practical exercises.

Step 5: Practice with AWS Builder Labs

To translate your knowledge into hands-on skills, work through AWS Builder Labs. These labs simulate real-world scenarios and require you to perform tasks in a live AWS environment. They’re especially useful for practicing tasks like monitoring resources, configuring alarms, managing permissions, and automating operational processes—all core areas tested in the SOA-C02 exam.

Step 6: Explore AWS Cloud Quest and AWS Jam

For an interactive and gamified learning experience, use tools like AWS Cloud Quest and AWS Jam. Cloud Quest offers a role-based adventure where you solve challenges in a virtual city while learning AWS skills. AWS Jam presents real-life operational scenarios in a team-based format, helping reinforce your problem-solving abilities in an AWS environment. These resources enhance both engagement and retention.

Step 7: Join Online Study Groups and Discussion Forums

Becoming part of an AWS-focused study group—whether on LinkedIn, Reddit, Discord, or dedicated certification forums—can accelerate your learning. Engaging with peers allows you to exchange insights, ask questions, and stay motivated. Study groups also offer access to shared resources, tips from candidates who have passed the exam, and support when tackling complex topics.

Step 8: Take Practice Exams to Assess Readiness

Before scheduling your actual exam, take several full-length practice tests that reflect the structure and difficulty level of the SOA-C02 exam. These tests help you identify knowledge gaps, get comfortable with the question format, and improve your time management. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind each answer—whether correct or incorrect—to solidify your understanding of AWS concepts.

Step 9: Review, Reinforce, and Refine

In the final phase of your preparation, revisit the exam blueprint and your study notes. Focus on reinforcing weak areas and reviewing key topics. Re-attempt labs and quizzes, watch revision videos, and read whitepapers or FAQs related to AWS services covered in the exam. Maintain a calm and focused mindset as you approach the exam day.

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