AWS Cloud Practitioner & Solutions Architect

AWS Cloud Practitioner & Solutions Architect Program Overview

Amazon Web Services (AWS) powers millions of businesses worldwide, making AWS certifications among the most valuable credentials in cloud computing. Our unique dual-certification bootcamp prepares you to earn both the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certifications in just 5 days. This two-step pathway starts with foundational cloud concepts and advances to designing scalable, cost-optimized AWS solutions.

This program combines live expert-led instruction, unlimited certification exam attempts, realistic practice tests, and hands-on labs using actual AWS services. Whether you're migrating workloads to the cloud, designing resilient architectures, or optimizing cloud costs, you'll build the confidence and practical skills needed to pass both AWS exams and launch or advance your cloud career.

CIAT Unlimited Certification Exam Policy
Unlimited Certification Exam Policy*

All bootcamp programs include unlimited certification exam attempts. Students may retake their certification exams as many times as necessary until they achieve passing scores, providing confidence and reducing test anxiety.

Is the AWS Bootcamp for me?

This bootcamp is recommended for:

  • Career changers and beginners with no prior cloud experience who want to break into cloud computing with foundational AWS knowledge.

  • IT professionals currently working with on-premises infrastructure who need to transition to cloud-based solutions.

  • System administrators and support specialists looking to expand their skillset into cloud architecture and AWS services.

  • Technical professionals with basic understanding of networking, storage, and compute concepts ready to design AWS solutions.

  • Students and aspiring cloud engineers who want to earn two industry-recognized AWS certifications quickly and cost-effectively.

This bootcamp welcomes both complete beginners (who'll focus on Cloud Practitioner first) and those with IT experience (who can pursue both certifications). Basic understanding of IT concepts is helpful but not required.

Bootcamp Structure

The AWS bootcamp runs over five consecutive days, Monday through Friday, with live, instructor-led online sessions. The unique two-step structure allows you to build foundational cloud knowledge with the Cloud Practitioner certification, then immediately advance to solution architecture concepts for the Solutions Architect - Associate exam. Each day combines lectures, AWS console demonstrations, and hands-on labs using real AWS services.

Be certification-ready in just 1 week — enroll now for only $2,640 $995*

Bootcamp Schedule

Our bootcamp programs follow an accelerated 5-day format with live online instruction. Students participate in daily sessions Monday through Friday, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.

Bootcamps are offered throughout the academic year with multiple start dates:

Bootcamp Schedule

Bootcamp Month

May Dates

MAY SESSION 1 DATES

11th - 15th

Bootcamp Month

June Dates

JUNE SESSION 1 DATES

8th - 12th

Bootcamp Month

July Dates

JULY SESSION 1 DATES

6th - 10th

Unlimited Certification Exam Policy*

All bootcamp programs include unlimited certification exam attempts. Students may retake their certification exams as many times as necessary until they achieve passing scores, providing confidence and reducing test anxiety.


5-Day Course Breakdown

Day 1
DAY 1

AWS Cloud Practitioner Foundation: Cloud computing concepts, AWS global infrastructure, core AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, VPC), AWS pricing models, cloud economics, shared responsibility model, and basic security and compliance concepts.

Day 2
DAY 2

AWS Cloud Practitioner Advanced Topics: AWS management tools, monitoring with CloudWatch, IAM fundamentals, support plans, billing and cost management, architectural best practices, and Cloud Practitioner exam preparation and practice testing.

Day 3
DAY 3

Solutions Architect Foundation: Designing resilient architectures, high availability and fault tolerance, AWS compute services deep dive (EC2, Lambda, ECS, EKS), storage solutions (S3, EBS, EFS, Storage Gateway), and database services (RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, Redshift).

Day 4
DAY 4

Solutions Architect Core Services: VPC design and networking, Route 53 and DNS management, load balancing and auto scaling, CloudFront and content delivery, security best practices, IAM policies and roles, encryption and key management (KMS), and identity federation.

Day 5
DAY 5

Solutions Architect Advanced Design: Cost optimization strategies, performance optimization, serverless architectures, migration strategies, disaster recovery solutions, monitoring and logging (CloudWatch, CloudTrail), AWS Well-Architected Framework, and Solutions Architect exam preparation strategies.

AWS Certification Exam Details

CLF-C02

Exam Code

90 Min

Exam Duration

65

Questions

700/1000

Passing Score

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    Cloud Concepts (24%)

    Cloud computing principles, AWS Cloud value proposition, cloud architecture design principles, and migration strategies.

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    Security and Compliance (30%)

    AWS shared responsibility model, security and compliance concepts, access management, and security support resources.

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    Cloud Technology and Services (34%)

    AWS services for compute, storage, database, networking, analytics, and application integration.

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    Billing, Pricing, and Support (12%)

    AWS pricing models, account structures, billing tools, cost optimization, and AWS support plans.


SAA-C03

Exam Code

130 Min

Exam Duration

65

Questions

720/1000

Passing Score

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    Design Secure Architectures (30%)

    Secure access to AWS resources, secure workloads and applications, encryption strategies, and data protection mechanisms.

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    Design Resilient Architectures (26%)

    Scalable and loosely coupled architectures, highly available and fault-tolerant solutions, and multi-tier architecture designs.

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    Design High-Performing Architectures (24%)

    Elastic and scalable compute solutions, high-performing storage and database solutions, and networking architectures.

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    Design Cost-Optimized Architectures (20%)

    Cost-effective storage solutions, cost-optimized compute resources, database cost optimization, and network cost efficiency.

Hands-On AWS Labs: Practice Real Cloud Scenarios

You'll practice in actual AWS console environments designed to mirror real cloud engineering tasks:

Router Configuration
EC2 & Compute EC2 instance deployment and management
Network Troubleshooting
Storage Solutions S3 bucket configuration and lifecycle policies
Network Analysis
Networking VPC design and subnet configuration
Cloud Firewall
Database Services RDS and DynamoDB setup
Server Rack
Security & IAM IAM policies, roles, and security groups
Network Security
Load Balancing Application Load Balancer and Auto Scaling
Troubleshooting Network
Serverless Lambda functions and API Gateway
Monitoring CloudWatch metrics and CloudTrail logging
Monitoring CloudWatch metrics and CloudTrail logging

1 Bootcamp - 2 Certifications

Step 1: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Build your foundational understanding of AWS Cloud, services, pricing, and core concepts. Perfect for those new to cloud computing or transitioning from traditional IT infrastructure.

  • AWS cloud fundamentals and global infrastructure

  • Core AWS services and common use cases

  • Pricing, billing, and cost management basics

  • Security fundamentals and shared responsibility model

Step 2: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Advance to designing scalable, resilient, and cost-optimized AWS architectures. Learn to translate business requirements into technical cloud solutions using AWS best practices.

  • Design secure and resilient architectures

  • High availability, fault tolerance, and scalability

  • Cost-optimized compute, storage, and networking decisions

  • Real-world architecture patterns and best practices

This two-certification approach delivers both foundational knowledge and practical architecture skills in one intensive bootcamp, maximizing your confidence, exam readiness, and career advancement potential.

Explore Other Certifications

Looking to build your cloud and IT career path? Consider pairing AWS certifications with these:

CompTIA Security+
CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ IT fundamentals covering hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting, the perfect foundation before cloud specialization.

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    Hardware and mobile devices

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    Networking fundamentals

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    Operating systems

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    Security and troubleshooting

Learn More
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ Cybersecurity essentials covering threat mitigation, risk management, and security operations to secure your cloud infrastructure.

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    Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations

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    Security architecture

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    Security operations

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    Security program management

Learn More
Career Support for Bootcamp Students

Career Support For Bootcamp Students

Career support to help you find your next job role:

  • Access to hundreds of exclusive CIAT partner job postings
  • Access to SkillsFirst AI resume building and mock interview platforms
  • Access to career development workshops and events

Bootcamp FAQs

CIAT's AWS Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect bootcamp is ideal for anyone looking to quickly break into cloud computing or advance their existing IT career. This bootcamp is perfect for:

  • Beginners with no prior cloud experience who want foundational AWS knowledge and a clear certification pathway.

  • IT professionals working with on-premises infrastructure who need to transition to cloud technologies.

  • System administrators, support specialists, and network engineers ready to expand into cloud architecture.

  • Career changers seeking high-demand cloud skills that command competitive salaries.

  • Students or working professionals who prefer an intensive 5-day learning experience with live instruction, hands-on AWS labs, and the opportunity to earn two certifications.

With expert instructors, real AWS console practice, and unlimited certification exam attempts, participants gain the skills, experience, and credentials to pursue cloud computing careers immediately.

No prior cloud experience is required. The bootcamp starts with Cloud Practitioner fundamentals, making it accessible to complete beginners. However, basic understanding of IT concepts (like what servers, databases, and networks are) is helpful. If you're completely new to technology, consider pairing this with our CompTIA A+ bootcamp first for a stronger foundation.

Yes! This bootcamp prepares you for both exams through a structured two-step approach. Days 1-2 focus on Cloud Practitioner content, Days 3-5 cover Solutions Architect topics. You'll receive exam vouchers for both certifications with unlimited retake attempts. Most students take the Cloud Practitioner exam first, then the Solutions Architect exam, but you can approach them in the order that works best for you.

Absolutely. AWS holds approximately 32% of the global cloud market share, and demand for AWS-certified professionals continues to grow. These certifications validate your cloud skills to employers and can significantly increase your earning potential, Cloud Solutions Architects earn $113K-$140K on average. AWS certifications are recognized globally and open doors to cloud computing roles across virtually every industry.

The AWS bootcamp costs $995 (regularly $2,640) and includes preparation for BOTH certifications, all course materials, hands-on AWS labs, unlimited exam attempts for both exams, and career support services. This dual-certification approach offers exceptional value compared to taking each certification separately. Your certification achievements can also be applied as transfer credits toward any CIAT certificate or degree program.

CIAT is an AWS Authorized Training Partner, ensuring you receive official AWS curriculum and up-to-date materials. Unlike self-study, you get live instruction from AWS-certified professionals, hands-on practice in real AWS console environments, comprehensive coverage of both certifications, and unlimited exam attempts for both exams. This intensive, structured approach accelerates your learning and maximizes your certification success.

Yes. You'll work directly in AWS console environments during the bootcamp, practicing with real AWS services including EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, Lambda, IAM, and more. These aren't simulations, you'll configure actual cloud resources, build architectures, and troubleshoot real scenarios just like you would in a cloud engineering role.

All CIAT bootcamps are delivered live online with interactive labs and real-time instructor support, allowing you to participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

The AWS bootcamp runs 9 hours per day with a 1-hour break: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST / 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST

YES! It's truly unlimited for BOTH exams. You receive exam vouchers for both Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect exams. If you don't pass either exam on your first attempt, you'll need to complete 2 practice exams at 90% or higher to demonstrate readiness before receiving your next voucher. After 2 failed attempts on either exam, you will be offered the opportunity to retake relevant bootcamp instruction at no cost to strengthen your knowledge.

While the bootcamp prepares you for both certifications, you can choose to focus on just the Cloud Practitioner if you prefer. However, we strongly encourage attempting both since the bootcamp covers all necessary content and you receive vouchers for both exams with unlimited attempts, there's no additional cost and significant career value in earning both credentials.

We recommend taking Cloud Practitioner first, even if you have IT experience. It establishes foundational AWS knowledge and terminology that makes Solutions Architect content easier to absorb. The Cloud Practitioner exam is also shorter and less technical, giving you an early confidence boost before tackling the more challenging Solutions Architect exam.

Refunds are calculated based on how much instruction you’ve received:

  • Cancel by the end of Day 1 (8 hours or 20% of the course) = 80% refund.

  • Cancel by the end of Day 2 (16 hours or 40% of the course) = 60% refund.

  • Cancel by the end of Day 3 (24 hours or 60% of the course) = 40% refund.

  • Cancel after Day 3 (more than 60% completed) = no refund available.

No refund is available once you complete Day 3 (24 hours of instruction or 60% of the course). This policy ensures fairness since you’ve received the majority of the course content and instruction by this point.

Yes. You can turn your bootcamp certification achievements into transfer credits that apply toward any CIAT certificate or degree program. This allows you to seamlessly transition from bootcamp training to full academic programs while maximizing the value of your learning investment. Academic advisors are available to guide you in integrating your certifications into your personalized degree plan.

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Have Questions?

Connect with a CIAT advisor to discuss course details, enrollment options, or inquire about volume discounts for employee training. We’re here to guide you through the process and support your individual or organizational goals.

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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality