Should I pursue AWS certified solutions architect – associate or networking?

[MichaelHW]

I’m trying to decide if pursuing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is the right next step for me, or if I should focus on something more specialized like advanced networking. My current role is mostly on-prem infrastructure support, and I’m not sure if this broad cloud certification would actually help me transition or if it’s just a checkbox.

[Ella98]

I chased the AWS Associate last year hoping it would unlock a cloud transition. The content is broad, but I did get value from the hands-on bits: I set up a small lab with a VPC, a few subnets, some IAM policies, and a basic S3 workflow. It gave me the vocabulary and a rough timeline (about 8 weeks, 4–6 hours a week). Still, after the exam I found recruiters want real project experience, not just a certificate, and I couldn't point to a concrete cloud project I led.

[JustinR]

I keep wondering if the problem is the certificate or the lack of actual cloud projects. With mostly on-prem experience, I think the Associate may help get in the door, but I doubt it will seal a transition without doing migrations, cost controls, or security reviews in a real env.

[Justin.L]

If you truly want a sharper edge, maybe go for advanced networking as you asked. It could line up with hybrid deployments and cloud networking roles. I spent a few weeks on a networking track and found it relevant for on-prem skills adapting to cloud, but I still didn't land something cloud-adjacent.

[Mila.D]

I had a moment where I drifted into a tangent about Kubernetes and then came back. My takeaway: the path isn't linear; maybe pair a broad cert with a targeted project, like migrating one app to a test VPC and documenting cost and performance. The real payoff might be a mix rather than one cert.