Ace SOA-C02: AWS Solutions Architect Prep
AWS SOA-C02 Solutions Architect. Core services, architecture patterns, and design principles.
Course created by Nick Williams, reviewed by LearningHD
Course Description
This course prepares you for the AWS Solutions Architect (SOA-C02) exam. We cover AWS core services, architecture patterns, and design principles. Video lessons, hands-on labs, and practice exams included.
Course Curriculum
5 sections • 14.25 hours total length
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Decoding the SOA-C02 Exam Blueprint (12m)
Break down the exam structure, question types, and weightings to build a targeted study plan.
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Setting Up Your AWS Free Tier Account (8m)
Step-by-step guide to creating and securing your AWS account for hands-on practice.
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Identity and Access Management (IAM) Fundamentals (18m)
Learn users, groups, roles, and policies with a practical permission policy breakdown.
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AWS Global Infrastructure Explained (9m)
Understand Regions, Availability Zones, and Edge Locations for optimal architecture decisions.
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Shared Responsibility Model: What You Need to Know (11m)
Clarify the security division between AWS and you for exam scenarios.
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Pricing Models & Cost Optimization Basics (15m)
Save money and pass the exam by understanding Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, and cost calculators.
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Key AWS Services Overview: The Big Picture (20m)
High-level tour of 20+ must-know services to frame your learning path.
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Your First Hands-On Lab: Building a Simple Web Server (25m)
Apply foundational concepts by launching an EC2 instance and configuring security groups.
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EC2 Deep Dive: Instance Types and Purchase Options (22m)
Compare On-Demand, Spot, and Reserved Instances with real cost scenarios.
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EBS Volume Types and Performance Tuning (16m)
Master gp2, gp3, io1, and st1 for different workload requirements.
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Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) Types and Use Cases (19m)
Learn ALB, NLB, and GWLB differences with a traffic routing demo.
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Auto Scaling Groups: Hands-On Configuration (24m)
Build resilient applications with step-by-step Auto Scaling policies.
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S3 Storage Classes and Lifecycle Policies (17m)
Automate cost savings by transitioning objects between storage tiers.
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VPC Networking: Subnets, Route Tables, and IGWs (28m)
Design a custom VPC from scratch with public and private subnets.
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NAT Gateways vs. NAT Instances: When to Use Which (14m)
Solve outbound internet access for private subnets with clear comparisons.
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Database Options: RDS, Aurora, and DynamoDB (23m)
Match the right database service to your application needs with a decision framework.
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CloudFront and Content Delivery Networks (13m)
Speed up global applications with origin configurations and caching strategies.
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Route 53: DNS and Health Checks (18m)
Configure routing policies and failover for high availability.
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AWS Security Best Practices for the Exam (21m)
Review KMS, security groups, NACLs, and encryption in transit and at rest.
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CloudWatch Metrics, Alarms, and Logs (19m)
Monitor resources effectively and troubleshoot with log insights.
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AWS CloudTrail and Config for Governance (15m)
Track changes and compliance with a practical audit scenario.
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Simple Notification Service (SNS) & Simple Queue Service (SQS) (20m)
Decouple applications with pub/sub and queuing patterns.
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Lambda Basics: Serverless Compute (17m)
Create and trigger a Lambda function with API Gateway.
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Elastic Beanstalk vs. CloudFormation vs. OpsWorks (22m)
Choose the right deployment and automation tool for your workflow.
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High Availability vs. Fault Tolerance vs. Disaster Recovery (18m)
Define architectures that meet specific resilience requirements.
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Multi-Tier Architecture Design Session (32m)
Whiteboard a web app with web, app, and database tiers using best practices.
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Hybrid Connectivity: VPN and Direct Connect (26m)
Connect on-premises environments to AWS securely and reliably.
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Cost-Optimized Architecture for a Startup (19m)
Apply budget-friendly services and patterns to a realistic case study.
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Securing a Public-Facing API (23m)
Implement WAF, API Gateway throttling, and IAM roles for least privilege.
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Data Transfer and Bandwidth Optimization (16m)
Reduce costs with VPC endpoints, S3 Transfer Acceleration, and caching.
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Disaster Recovery Strategies in AWS (27m)
Design a DR plan with pilot light, warm standby, and multi-region failover.
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Troubleshooting Common Exam Scenarios (14m)
Work through frequent problem areas like VPC peering and IAM trust policies.
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Advanced IAM: Federation and SSO (20m)
Understand SAML, OIDC, and role chaining for enterprise setups.
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Container Services: ECS, EKS, and Fargate (24m)
Compare container orchestration options and their exam relevance.
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Serverless Patterns: Step Functions & EventBridge (18m)
Orchestrate complex workflows without managing servers.
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Building Your Final Review Cheat Sheet (12m)
Create a one-page reference of key facts, limits, and acronyms.
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Practice Exam Strategy: How to Read Questions (15m)
Techniques for eliminating wrong answers and spotting trick wording.
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Timed Mock Exam Walkthrough Part 1 (35m)
Solve 20 questions under time pressure with detailed explanations.
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Timed Mock Exam Walkthrough Part 2 (35m)
Continue with 20 more questions focusing on networking and security.
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Reviewing Your Mistakes: A Learning Loop (18m)
Turn practice errors into strengths with a structured review process.
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Scheduling and Preparing for Exam Day (10m)
Checklist for environment, ID, and software requirements for Pearson VUE.
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Post-Certification: Jobs, Resume, and Next Certs (21m)
Leverage your AWS certification for career growth and advanced paths.
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Deep Dive Follow-Up: New Services to Watch (13m)
Stay current with AWS updates that may appear in future exam versions.
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Building a Portfolio Project with Your Skills (25m)
Plan a capstone project to showcase your architecting abilities.
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Community & Resources: Where to Get Help (8m)
Join forums, study groups, and official AWS channels for support.
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Course Wrap-Up: Your Action Plan (7m)
Summarize your next steps and set a target exam date.
Course Details
- Duration: 14.25 hours
- Level: Adaptative
- Language: English
- Lessons: 46+ video lessons
- Categories: IT Certifications
- Access: Lifetime access
- Device: Mobile & Desktop
- Certificate: Yes. After completion and Exam
The course is totally free. Seriously appreciated attribution
