Cloud Architect
The most popular AWS certification path globally. CLF-C02 establishes your foundation, SAA-C03 is the core architecture credential, and SAP-C02 puts you in the top tier of AWS professionals. This path targets senior cloud architect and principal engineer roles.
CLF-C02 builds the cloud vocabulary and AWS service awareness you need before tackling architecture concepts. Skipping this step makes SAA-C03 significantly harder.
SAA-C03 is the core credential for cloud architects. It validates your ability to design resilient, cost-optimized architectures and is required before sitting the Professional exam.
SAP-C02 is the most rigorous AWS certification. It validates senior-level architecture across complex multi-account, multi-region environments and puts you in the top tier of AWS professionals commanding $155,000–$195,000.