TL;DR
- The SOA-C02 certification is being replaced by the SOA-C03 as AWS transitions from the SysOps Administrator Associate to the CloudOps Engineer Associate path.
- The SOA-C03 exam adds automation-focused domains, scenario-based labs, and real-world cloud operations simulations.
- Both are associate-level certifications, but SOA-C03 emphasizes automation, cost optimization, and multi-region architectures.
- The exam cost remains USD 150, and the passing score is 700/1000.
- SOA-C03 validates skills in AWS workloads, security controls, automation tools, and AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK).
- The older SOA-C02 certification will remain valid for three years, but new candidates should register for SOA-C03.
- AWS now categorizes CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA C03 under cloud operations to align with automation-driven roles.
- Cert Empire offers up-to-date SOA-C03 exam questions, simulators, and 24/7 support for the latest AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate exam.
Introduction to the AWS SysOps Certification Path
The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator journey has always been a benchmark for professionals managing AWS cloud operations. Over time, AWS recognized the shift toward automation-driven roles and released the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate (SOA-C03), the natural successor to the SOA-C02. Both paths validate expertise in deploying, managing, and maintaining AWS workloads, yet their core objectives differ.
As of 2025, the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA-C03 exam officially replaces SOA-C02, introducing fresh domains, new scenario-based tasks, and a deeper focus on security controls and multi-region architectures. For anyone planning an associate certification, understanding this evolution ensures you select the right exam guide and build a precise exam prep plan.
AWS Certification Track and Role Focus
The AWS certification ecosystem is layered; Foundational, Associate, and Professional. The SOA-C02 and SOA-C03 sit in the associate level certification bracket, bridging the gap between AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and the advanced AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional credential.
| Level | Exam | Primary Role Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Cloud Basics, Billing & Support |
| Associate | AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – SOA-C02 | System Operations & Monitoring |
| Associate | AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – SOA-C03 | Cloud Operations & Automation |
| Professional | AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional | Continuous Delivery & Security Integration |
Both SOA-C02 and SOA-C03 train you to maintain AWS workloads efficiently. However, CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA C03 emphasizes automated provisioning, performance optimization, and policy-driven scaling—skills crucial for cloud operations teams managing global infrastructures.
What Changed Between SOA-C02 and SOA-C03
Exam Format and Domains Update
The SOA-C02 exam contained seven classic domains centered on monitoring, logging, and operations. The SOA-C03 exam consolidates these into six balanced areas that reflect modern AWS services, IaC tools, and AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK) automation.
Scenario-Based Labs and Hands-On Questions
Unlike SOA-C02, the new exam introduces practical simulations that replicate real console tasks launching EC2 instances, configuring IAM policies, or debugging CloudWatch alarms. Candidates must prove their ability to perform analytics, apply security controls, and function properly across multi-account environments.
Shift Toward Cloud Operations Automation
The SOA-C03 blueprint heavily references cloud operations principles, monitoring data, optimizing costs, enforcing governance, and building multi-region architectures. AWS calls this its Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA C03 model, geared to roles demanding cross-service integration skills.
Detailed Comparison Table – SOA-C02 vs SOA-C03
| Category | SOA-C02 (Old Exam) | SOA-C03 (New Exam) |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Name | AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate | AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate |
| Exam Code | SOA-C02 | SOA-C03 |
| Level | Associate Certification | Associate Certification |
| Format | Multiple Choice + Multiple Response | Multiple Choice + Scenario Tasks |
| Duration | 180 Minutes | 170 Minutes |
| Delivery Method | Pearson VUE / PSI Testing Center | Pearson VUE / Online Proctored |
| Exam Fee (USD) | 150 | 150 |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese | English + Expanded Locales 2025 |
| Passing Score | 720 / 1000 | 700 / 1000 |
| Retirement Status | Retires Mid-2025 | Active from 2025 |
| Primary Focus | Systems Operations & Monitoring AWS Workloads | Automation, Security Controls & Cloud Operations Governance |
Exam Domains and Objectives
The SOA-C02 exam evaluated competence in deploying, monitoring, and troubleshooting AWS workloads. Its successor—the SOA-C03 exam—aligns domains to cloud operations workflows, emphasizing automation, multi-account management, and security.
SOA-C02 Domains
- Monitoring & Reporting (18%)
- High Availability (16%)
- Deployment & Provisioning (18%)
- Storage & Data Management (14%)
- Security & Compliance (14%)
- Networking & Content Delivery (13%)
- Automation & Optimization (7%)
SOA-C03 Domains
- Monitoring and Logging Solutions (20%)
- Reliability and Business Continuity (16%)
- Deployment and Provisioning (18%)
- Security and Compliance (15%)
- Cost and Performance Optimization (12%)
- Performance Troubleshooting (19%)
This restructuring signals AWS’s move toward continuous cloud operations, reducing manual monitoring and increasing the role of AWS CDK, automation templates, and policy-as-code concepts.
Skills and Knowledge Assessed
Both exams verify an engineer’s ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and maintain AWS workloads securely. Yet the engineer associate SOA C03 targets a broader skill set:
- Building multi-region architectures for resilient deployments.
- Implementing security controls via IAM, KMS, and CloudTrail.
- Performing data analysis using CloudWatch Metrics.
- Applying risk management principles to cost and performance issues.
- Using AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK) for infrastructure automation.
- Troubleshooting system failures through AWS console footer logs and CLI.
These skills mirror the real tasks expected from cloud operations teams and certified CloudOps Engineers who deliver relevant marketing content, perform analytics, and display relevant content for their organizations through secure architecture designs.
Updated SOA-C03 Exam Domains and Weights
| Domain Area | Weight (%) | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring and Logging Solutions | 20 | Automation with CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and AWS X-Ray |
| Reliability and Business Continuity | 16 | Backups, failover, multi-region architectures |
| Deployment and Provisioning | 18 | Infrastructure as Code, AWS CloudFormation, AWS CDK |
| Security and Compliance | 15 | IAM policies, encryption, access management |
| Cost Optimization | 12 | Monitoring AWS workloads for efficiency |
| Performance Troubleshooting | 19 | Incident response and system debugging |
This layout ensures that certified CloudOps Engineer Associates gain balanced competence across both technical execution and strategic decision-making in AWS cloud operations.
Exam Registration and Cost Details
The AWS Certification Exam for both SOA-C02 and SOA-C03 costs USD 150, with optional practice tests available for USD 20 at AWS Skill Builder. Candidates register through the AWS Certification Portal and choose either an online proctored or testing-center delivery option.
Essential steps in exam registration include:
- Logging into your AWS Training & Certification account.
- Selecting the desired associate exam.
- Choosing your preferred testing language (English or Simplified Chinese supported 2025).
- Confirming schedule and save preferences to avoid cancel save preferences unable errors.
The exam guide and AWS Skill Builder modules are free resources that help you learn through hands-on practice and mock labs. Candidates should regularly update their privacy preferences and store essential cookies in the AWS portal so the platform can function properly and collect anonymous statistics for better recommendations.
Exam Prep Plan and Recommended Resources
A strategic exam prep plan is vital for passing the SOA-C03 exam on the first attempt. Below is a recommended timeline based on AWS’s official associate certification standards:
| Week | Activity | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 | Review AWS exam guide and download exam domains PDF | Identify skill gaps in automation and monitoring |
| 3 – 4 | Study via AWS Skill Builder and AWS Training videos | Learn AWS services related to networking and data management |
| 5 – 6 | Attempt practice exams and scenario-based questions | Focus on multi-account setup and performance optimization |
| 7 – 8 | Conduct final review and mock tests | Validate readiness before official exam registration |
Supplemental learning from the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate exam guide, official white papers, and AWS Skill Builder labs helps solidify core cloud operations concepts and prepare for complex real-world challenges.
How Cert Empire Supports Your Preparation
Preparing for the SOA-C03 exam requires accurate content and updated question patterns. Cert Empire bridges this gap through verified AWS study files and interactive exam simulators that replicate the real AWS interface.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Updated SOA-C03 Exam Questions | Based on latest AWS exam guide and domains. |
| PDF + Simulator Access | Enables self-study and realistic exam practice. |
| 3-Month Free Updates | Covers syllabus changes and AWS services additions. |
| Instant Delivery | Immediate access to all materials after purchase. |
| 24/7 Support | Assistance for technical queries or contact support requests. |
Cert Empire’s resources help AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associates gain confidence through structured exam prep plans, verified answers, and hands-on learning. Its simulator mirrors AWS’s real environment, allowing learners to practice tasks like monitoring, automation, and security implementation across AWS cloud projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between SOA-C02 and SOA-C03?
The SOA-C02 focused on manual system operations, while the SOA-C03 exam is designed for automation-driven roles. The new version transitions from AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate to AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate, emphasizing cloud operations, automation, and multi-region architectures.
2. Is the SOA-C02 certification still valid in 2025?
Yes. The SOA-C02 certification will remain valid for three years from the date of passing. However, AWS has officially shifted its associate pathway to SOA-C03, encouraging professionals to upgrade for better career alignment with the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate role.
3. What is the exam format for SOA-C03?
The SOA-C03 exam includes multiple-choice questions, scenario-based simulations, and performance tasks. It validates hands-on proficiency in AWS workloads, security controls, and automation tools like AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK).
4. Which certification is harder: SOA-C02 or SOA-C03?
The SOA-C03 exam is considered more challenging due to its emphasis on cloud operations automation and real-world simulation labs. However, structured exam prep plans, AWS Skill Builder, and practice exams can help candidates build confidence and practical expertise.
5. What is the passing score for the new exam?
The passing score for SOA-C03 is 700 out of 1000. The evaluation measures your ability to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot AWS services, automate cloud operations, and maintain secure configurations.
6. How long does the SOA-C03 certification remain valid?
Once achieved, the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate (SOA-C03) credential is valid for three years. Candidates can renew by retaking the associate certification or progressing to the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional level.
7. Are the domains different between SOA-C02 and SOA-C03?
Yes. The SOA-C03 exam domains were redesigned to better reflect cloud operations roles. It integrates cost optimization, security compliance, and performance troubleshooting as standalone areas, unlike SOA-C02, which prioritized manual monitoring.
8. How should I prepare for the SOA-C03 exam?
Use the AWS exam guide, AWS Skill Builder, and Cert Empire’s updated study materials. A solid exam prep plan should include:
- Weekly topic review by exam domains
- Hands-on practice with CloudWatch and CloudFormation
- Regular practice exams for performance tracking
Following a consistent routine ensures readiness for every domain.
9. What roles can I pursue after earning the SOA-C03 certification?
Certified professionals often become:
- CloudOps Engineer Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Consultant
These roles involve maintaining AWS workloads, optimizing AWS cloud environments, and enforcing security controls across large deployments.
10. How much does the SOA-C03 certification exam cost?
The AWS certification exam costs USD 150 globally. AWS also offers optional practice exams priced at USD 20 through the AWS Skill Builder platform.
11. Does SOA-C03 replace the SysOps Administrator title entirely?
Yes. The AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA-C03 officially replaces the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02). Existing SysOps credentials still hold value but will gradually phase out as organizations adopt cloud operations-focused roles.
12. Where can I find the best SOA-C03 practice materials?
Cert Empire provides comprehensive resources for AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA-C03, including:
- Verified exam questions with correct answers
- PDF and simulator access
- 3-month free updates reflecting AWS’s latest changes
- 24/7 support to assist with exam registration or technical issues
Final Thoughts
The shift from SOA-C02 to SOA-C03 reflects how AWS certification exams evolve with real-world demand. The modern Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate SOA C03 targets professionals who automate, monitor, and secure AWS workloads across multi-region environments.
This change represents more than an update; it’s AWS’s step toward aligning certifications with the cloud operations reality. Candidates must now demonstrate technical fluency in AWS services, automation, and performance optimization, supported by a solid exam prep plan.
For learners aiming to validate their cloud operations skills, the AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer Associate credential opens new pathways in system administration, DevOps, and enterprise-level automation.
Cert Empire continues to empower learners through updated exam guides, real practice exams, and hands-on materials that mirror the official AWS Skill Builder experience. With reliable content and a focused approach, achieving your AWS certification and advancing your cloud career has never been more achievable.
Last Updated on by Team CE
