What is the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Certification?
AWS designed SOA‑C02 for system administrators in a cloud operations role with ~1 year of hands‑on experience deploying, managing, networking and securing workloads on AWS. It validates practical skills such as monitoring and maintaining AWS workloads, implementing security controls, applying networking concepts, performing business continuity procedures, and cost/performance optimisation.
The official exam guide further lists abilities such as operating via the AWS Management Console and AWS CLI, aligning operations with the AWS Well‑Architected Framework, and identifying and remediating incidents — the day‑to‑day of a modern cloud ops role.
Exam snapshot (AWS):
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Format: 65 questions; multiple‑choice or multiple‑response (exam labs may appear in some forms, where tasks are completed in the Console/CLI).
- Delivery: Pearson VUE test centre or online‑proctored.
- Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese.
- Who it’s for: candidates with ~1 year experience in AWS operations.
Why is the AWS SysOps Certification so popular?
- It’s job‑aligned. The content maps to the core responsibilities of cloud ops: monitoring, incident response, cost control, security controls, and reliable deployments.
- Flexible testing. You can sit the exam in a Pearson VUE centre or online from a private space with OnVUE proctoring; many appointments run 24/7.
- Global recognition & verification. Passing earns an AWS Certification digital badge that’s instantly verifiable and easy to share on LinkedIn, CVs and email signatures — useful for internal promotions and client‑facing roles.
Is the AWS SysOps Certification worth it today?
Short answer: yes — and if you’re starting now, you should transition your target to the new CloudOps Engineer – Associate (since SysOps closed on 29 September 2025). For professionals who already hold SOA‑C02 (or were booked before the sunset), the credential remains well‑understood by employers and maps directly to operations roles on AWS.
From a signalling perspective, the AWS badge is vendor‑verified and widely known. From a skills perspective, the exam is practical: it expects you to operate workloads, enforce guardrails, monitor and troubleshoot — exactly what teams need.
Pros of AWS SysOps Certification
Job availability
AWS makes scheduling straightforward across Australia. You can book online and choose Pearson VUE online‑proctoring or a local test centre — whichever fits your schedule and environment.
AWS SysOps salary potential
AWS doesn’t publish salary tables; compensation varies by sector, seniority and region. What AWS does highlight is the organisational benefit of certified staff (productivity gains, faster troubleshooting), which strengthens your case at review time. The digital badge provides quick verification when negotiating roles or contracting.
Global recognition
The certification is industry‑recognised; your badge is globally verifiable, and AWS often provides perks like exam discounts at major events (e.g., 50% voucher at re:Invent for in‑person attendees).
Career pathways
Holding SOA‑C02 has been a common springboard to DevOps Engineer – Professional or to depth specialisations (Security, Networking, Database). With the new CloudOps Engineer – Associate replacing SysOps, the progression logic still applies — validate ops depth at Associate, then broaden or go Pro.
Cons of AWS SysOps Certification
Cost considerations (Australia)
AWS lists Associate exams at USD $150. For local budgeting, Pearson VUE’s Australian store sells an AWS Associate exam voucher at ~AUD $229 (check the store for current pricing and validity).
Evolving industry demands
Cloud operations shifts fast (IaC maturity, incident automation, guardrails as code). The certification is current at exam release, but you’ll still need ongoing hands‑on practice and updates to stay sharp — and now, to align with the CloudOps successor exam.
Certification difficulty
It’s time‑boxed at 130 minutes for 65 questions. Some forms include exam labs — hands‑on tasks in the Console/CLI — so pacing and environment familiarity matter. AWS uses scaled scoring (100–1000); the numeric score is not a simple percentage.
Where to begin to get your AWS SysOps Certification (or transition to CloudOps)
- Check availability and migration: Since SOA‑C02 ended on 29 Sep 2025, log in to your AWS Certification Account to see any remaining options or plan for the CloudOps Engineer – Associate update.
- Read the official exam guide: Note the validated tasks (operate workloads, implement security controls, monitor/log/troubleshoot, BCDR) and the response types (multiple‑choice/response; labs may appear).
- Choose your prep path: AWS Skill Builder’s 4‑step plan mixes exam‑style questions, digital courses and hands‑on labs. Complement this with console and CLI practice in your own AWS account.
- Book your exam: Schedule with Pearson VUE — either online (OnVUE) or in a test centre near you; many online appointments are available 24/7.
- Share your badge: After you pass, claim your digital badge and add it to your LinkedIn/CV.
Key topics covered in SOA‑C02
Per the exam guide and official overview, expect coverage of:
- Deploying, managing and operating workloads on AWS (console and CLI).
- Monitoring, logging and troubleshooting with services such as CloudWatch and related tooling.
- Implementing security controls and meeting compliance requirements using AWS services.
- Networking concepts in context (DNS, TCP/IP, firewalls) and architectural requirements (availability, performance, capacity).
- Business continuity and disaster recovery procedures.
- Cost and performance optimisations throughout operations.
Is an AWS SysOps certification enough to get a job?
A certification is a signal, not a substitute for experience. The stronger your hands‑on stories — alarms you tuned, incidents you resolved, costs you reduced, guardrails you enforced — the more the certification multiplies your prospects. AWS’s badge helps recruiters verify you quickly, and online scheduling makes it easy to keep your credential current as you change roles.
Is AWS SysOps worth it in Australia?
Yes — both historically (SOA‑C02) and going forward via CloudOps Engineer – Associate. The learning outcomes map closely to real ops work on AWS; the exam is accessible online or in test centres across the country; and the verified badge is a plus in contracting and permanent markets.
Does having an AWS SysOps Certification pay well?
AWS does not publish salary tables and compensation varies across industries and seniority. Verified, current skills signal impact — particularly around reliability, security and cost optimisation — which typically correlates with stronger offers and reviews.
Is the AWS SysOps exam very difficult?
Challenging but fair. Expect scenario‑based items that test cause‑and‑effect thinking and hands‑on familiarity if labs appear. Remember that AWS uses scaled scoring; your score (100–1000) isn’t a simple percent correct. Time management and a calm, repeatable approach are key.
Is the AWS SysOps certification stressful?
Exams can be. Two tips:
- If testing at home, run the OnVUE system test ahead of time and clear your workspace; you can check in up to 30 minutes early.
- If you prefer structure, a test centre provides a controlled environment and on‑site staff. Book whichever option reduces your anxiety.
How many fail AWS SysOps?
AWS does not publish pass rates. Your report will show a scaled score and domain‑level feedback; use it to target weak areas for the next attempt (or to plan your next certification if you’ve passed).
The future of networking jobs in Australia
Even in a world of serverless and managed services, networking fundamentals (routing, DNS, identity‑aware access, VPC design) underpin reliable operations. The SysOps/CloudOps skillset strengthens your ability to automate and prove those guardrails in code, monitor them, and respond quickly — exactly what Australian employers expect from modern ops roles. AWS keeps the path clear with flexible online‑proctored options and verifiable digital badges, so you can continue levelling up without travel constraints.