AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Program Description

Possible career opportunities for those with an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate include Information Technology Architect (IT Architect), Network and Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Solutions Architect, Systems Architect, Systems Consultant, and Systems Engineer. Solutions Architects are responsible for managing an organization’s cloud computing architecture. They have in-depth knowledge of the architectural principles and services used to develop technical cloud strategy, assist with cloud migration efforts, review workload architectures, and provide guidance on how to address high-risk issues.

This program prepares students to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. The program focuses on account security, networking, compute, storage, databases, monitoring, automation, containers, serverless architecture, edge services, and backup and recovery. At the end of the program, students will practice building a solution and apply what they have learned with confidence.

Successful candidates must be self-motivated and independent learners, detail-oriented, have strong analytical skills, the ability to take direction, and the ability to work both independently and as a team member. Skills required to be a successful Solutions Architect include flexibility and eagerness to learn, time management, communication skills and business acumen, decisiveness, and industry technical credentials.

AWS has approximately 33% of the market share among today’s most extensive cloud services. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of computer systems Engineers/Architects is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,640. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. make informed decisions about when and how to apply key AWS Services for compute, networking, storage, database, monitoring, and security;

2. deploy, manage, and operate workloads on AWS as well as implementing security controls and compliance requirements;

3. use the AWS Management Console and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI);

4. understand the AWS Well-Architected Framework, AWS networking, security services, and the AWS global infrastructure;

5. identify which AWS services meet a given technical requirement and to define technical requirements for an AWS-based application; and

6. prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential: Students will be prepared to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.

Certifying Organization: Cisco Systems Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

4 days - 28 hours.

Program Requirements

Academic Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED. Students must be computer literate, have strong computer skills, and have access to a computer and the Internet to attend the classes.

Computer Requirements:

The following browsers are supported: Microsoft Edge (Chromium) 77+, Chrome v76+, Safari v15+, Opera v63+ 3 - Zoom Desktop Application preferred, but classes can be launched with Zoom from browser.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 7

Program Sequence

Course Series

Additional Information

Additional Expenses

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam = $150

Related Courses or Programs

AWS Technical Essentials

Cloud Operations on AWS

Advanced Architecting on AWS

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: TBA

Administrative Assistant: TBA

Contact CCBC Student Central at 443-840-2222 for more information.