Cloud Architect

An advanced learning path for cloud architects covering cloud fundamentals, architecture patterns, multi-cloud strategies, cost optimization, governance, and disaster recovery at scale.

1. 1

   Cloud Computing Fundamentals

   Master IaaS, PaaS, SaaS models and core cloud service categories

   Completion criteria: Compare and select appropriate cloud service models for use cases

   Next step: Deep dive into a major cloud platform

   ⏱ 10h

2. 2

   AWS Core Services Deep Dive

   Master EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, and IAM on AWS

   Prerequisites: ca-01

   Completion criteria: Architect a multi-tier application on AWS with proper VPC setup

   Next step: Study cloud architecture patterns

   ⏱ 18h

3. 3

   Cloud Architecture Patterns

   Learn microservices, event-driven, and serverless architecture patterns

   Prerequisites: ca-02

   Completion criteria: Design an event-driven architecture for a real-world scenario

   Next step: Explore multi-cloud and hybrid strategies

   ⏱ 16h

4. 4

   Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Strategies

   Design architectures spanning AWS, Azure, and on-premises

   Prerequisites: ca-03

   Completion criteria: Design a hybrid cloud architecture with failover capabilities

   Next step: Study scalability and high availability

   ⏱ 14h

5. 5

   Scalability and High Availability

   Design auto-scaling, load balancing, and multi-region architectures

   Prerequisites: ca-04

   Completion criteria: Design a globally distributed, auto-scaling architecture

   Next step: Learn cloud security architecture

   ⏱ 14h

6. 6

   Cloud Security Architecture

   Design secure cloud architectures with defense in depth

   Prerequisites: ca-05

   Completion criteria: Design a secure architecture meeting compliance requirements

   Next step: Study cost optimization

   ⏱ 14h

7. 7

   Cloud Cost Optimization

   Implement FinOps practices and optimize cloud spending

   Prerequisites: ca-06

   Completion criteria: Reduce cloud costs by 30% through optimization strategies

   Next step: Learn infrastructure as code at scale

   ⏱ 10h

8. 8

   Infrastructure as Code at Scale

   Manage large-scale infrastructure with Terraform modules and policies

   Prerequisites: ca-07

   Completion criteria: Build reusable Terraform module library for enterprise use

   Next step: Study cloud governance and compliance

   ⏱ 12h

9. 9

   Cloud Governance and Compliance

   Implement cloud governance frameworks and compliance controls

   Prerequisites: ca-08

   Completion criteria: Design a governance framework meeting SOC2 or HIPAA requirements

   Next step: Learn disaster recovery and business continuity

   ⏱ 12h

10. 10

    Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

    Design DR strategies with RTO/RPO targets and failover plans

    Prerequisites: ca-09

    Completion criteria: Design and test a DR plan with defined RTO and RPO targets

    Next step: Study cloud migration strategies

    ⏱ 12h

11. 11

    Cloud Migration Strategies

    Plan and execute cloud migrations using proven frameworks

    Prerequisites: ca-10

    Completion criteria: Create a migration plan for an on-premises application

    Next step: Build a capstone cloud architecture project

    ⏱ 10h

12. 12

    Capstone Cloud Architecture Project

    Design a complete enterprise cloud architecture from requirements

    Prerequisites: ca-11

    Completion criteria: Deliver a complete architecture design document with diagrams

    Next step: Pursue cloud certifications and specialize in a domain

    ⏱ 18h