IBM Assessment: Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2025
Your complete roadmap to passing the A1000-029 certification exam. This comprehensive study guide covers all 4 exam domains with detailed explanations, study tips, and practice resources.
Quick Start
Essential steps to begin your preparation
Review Exam Objectives
View all domains →Take Assessment Quiz
Free practice test →Follow Study Plan
8-week roadmap →Full Practice Exams
Start practicing →Exam Domains & Objectives
Master these 4 domains to pass the A1000-029 exam
Cloud Infrastructure Design
Cloud Platform Services
Security and Compliance
Migration and Optimization
8-Week Study Plan
Follow this structured plan to prepare for your IBM Assessment: Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 exam
Foundation
Understand core concepts and exam objectives
Focus Areas:
- Cloud Infrastructure Design
- Cloud Platform Services
Deep Dive
Master advanced topics and practical applications
Focus Areas:
- Security and Compliance
- Migration and Optimization
Practice & Review
Take practice exams and review weak areas
Focus Areas:
Final Prep
Full practice exams and last-minute review
Focus Areas:
- Full-length practice tests
- Review all domains
Curated Study Resources
AI-curated resources with real links to help you prepare for the IBM Assessment: Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 exam
Complete Study Guide for IBM Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 (A1000-029)
The IBM Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 certification validates your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure solutions using IBM Cloud technologies. This professional-level certification demonstrates your ability to architect robust, secure, and scalable cloud environments for enterprise deployments.
Who Should Take This Exam
- Cloud architects with 2-3 years of experience
- Infrastructure architects transitioning to cloud
- IT professionals working with IBM Cloud platforms
- Solution architects designing hybrid cloud solutions
- Technical consultants implementing cloud migrations
Prerequisites
- Strong understanding of cloud computing concepts and architectures
- Experience with IBM Cloud platform and services
- Knowledge of networking, storage, and compute fundamentals
- Familiarity with virtualization technologies
- Understanding of security principles and compliance frameworks
- Basic knowledge of containerization and orchestration
Official Resources
IBM Training and Certification Home
Official IBM certification portal with exam details, requirements, and registration information
View ResourceIBM Cloud Documentation
Comprehensive documentation covering all IBM Cloud services, architecture patterns, and best practices
View ResourceIBM Cloud Architecture Center
Reference architectures, solution designs, and architectural patterns for IBM Cloud
View ResourceIBM Cloud Whitepapers
Technical whitepapers, case studies, and solution briefs for cloud infrastructure
View ResourceIBM Skills Network
Free IBM training courses and hands-on labs for cloud technologies
View ResourceIBM Developer
Technical articles, tutorials, and code patterns for IBM Cloud services
View ResourceRecommended Courses
Recommended Books
Cloud Architecture Patterns: Using Microsoft Azure
by Bill Wilder
While Azure-focused, covers universal cloud architecture patterns applicable to any cloud platform including IBM Cloud
View on AmazonArchitecting the Cloud: Design Decisions for Cloud Computing Service Models
by Michael J. Kavis
Comprehensive guide to cloud architecture principles and design decisions
View on AmazonCloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture
by Thomas Erl
Foundational book covering cloud computing concepts, mechanisms, and architectures
View on AmazonKubernetes in Action
by Marko Luksa
Essential for understanding container orchestration on IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service
View on AmazonInfrastructure as Code: Managing Servers in the Cloud
by Kief Morris
Covers IaC principles applicable to IBM Cloud Schematics and Terraform
View on AmazonCloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise Perspective
by Tim Mather
Comprehensive coverage of cloud security principles and compliance
View on AmazonPractice & Hands-On Resources
IBM Cloud Free Tier
Free access to 40+ IBM Cloud services with no time limit for learning and testing
View ResourceIBM Cloud Code Patterns
Sample applications and architectural patterns with code examples
View ResourceKatacoda IBM Cloud Scenarios
Interactive browser-based learning scenarios for IBM Cloud technologies
View ResourceIBM Cloud Solution Tutorials
Step-by-step tutorials for building complete solutions on IBM Cloud
View ResourceGitHub IBM Cloud Terraform Modules
Terraform modules and examples for IBM Cloud infrastructure
View ResourceCommunity & Forums
IBM Cloud Support Community
Official IBM Cloud community for discussions, questions, and knowledge sharing
Join CommunityStack Overflow - IBM Cloud
Technical Q&A for IBM Cloud development and architecture questions
Join CommunityIBM Developer Blog
Technical articles, tutorials, and best practices from IBM experts
Join CommunityIBM Cloud Blog
Official IBM Cloud blog with announcements, updates, and thought leadership
Join Communityr/CloudComputing
General cloud computing community useful for broader cloud architecture discussions
Join CommunityStudy Tips
Hands-on Practice
- Create a free IBM Cloud account and explore services hands-on - the exam focuses heavily on practical knowledge
- Build at least 3-5 reference architectures covering different scenarios (web app, data analytics, hybrid cloud)
- Practice using IBM Cloud CLI and API - many questions test command-line knowledge
- Deploy containerized applications on IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service or Red Hat OpenShift
- Experiment with IBM Cloud Schematics and Terraform for infrastructure automation
Documentation Mastery
- Read IBM Cloud Architecture Center thoroughly - many exam questions are based on reference architectures
- Bookmark and review IBM Cloud service documentation, especially service limits and quotas
- Study comparison matrices between different service options (e.g., VPC vs Classic infrastructure)
- Review pricing documentation to understand cost optimization strategies
- Focus on best practices documents for each major service category
Exam-Specific Strategies
- With 40 questions in 90 minutes, you have about 2 minutes per question - practice time management
- Focus on the high-weight domains: Cloud Infrastructure Design (30%) and Platform Services (25%)
- Understand the 'why' behind architectural decisions, not just the 'how' - many questions are scenario-based
- Know the differences between IBM Cloud Classic and VPC infrastructure thoroughly
- Memorize key service features, use cases, and limitations for compute, storage, and networking services
- Study IBM Cloud IAM in detail - access management questions appear across all domains
Domain-Specific Focus
- For Cloud Infrastructure Design: Master VPC architecture, subnet design, and routing configurations
- For Platform Services: Know when to use each compute option (Virtual Server, Bare Metal, Kubernetes, Code Engine)
- For Security: Understand IAM roles, resource groups, access groups, and service-to-service authentication
- For Migration: Study the 6 R's (Rehost, Replatform, Refactor, Repurchase, Retire, Retain) and when to apply each
- Create comparison charts for similar services to understand subtle differences
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't confuse IBM Cloud Classic infrastructure with VPC - know which services are available in each
- Understand the shared responsibility model - know what IBM manages vs what customers manage
- Don't overlook network ACLs and security groups - understand the difference and when to use each
- Pay attention to regional vs global services and data residency requirements
- Review disaster recovery RPO/RTO concepts and how to achieve them with IBM Cloud services
Week Before Exam
- Review all four exam domains systematically using your notes
- Take at least 2-3 full-length practice exams under timed conditions
- Focus review time on your weakest domain based on practice exam results
- Create quick reference sheets for service specifications, limits, and best practices
- Review IBM Cloud CLI commands and common API operations
- Get familiar with IBM Cloud console navigation to visualize services during the exam
Exam Day Tips
- 1Arrive 15 minutes early if taking exam at a test center; log in 15 minutes early for online proctoring
- 2Read each question carefully - many questions test your ability to choose the BEST solution among multiple valid options
- 3Flag difficult questions and move on - you can return to them after completing easier questions
- 4For scenario-based questions, identify the key requirements (HA, cost, security, compliance) before evaluating options
- 5Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds if you need to guess
- 6Watch for absolute terms like 'always' or 'never' - these are often incorrect in cloud architecture contexts
- 7Pay attention to specific service names - IBM has many similar services with different capabilities
- 8Don't overthink questions - the first answer that meets all requirements is usually correct
- 9With 65% passing score (26/40 questions), you can afford to miss 14 questions - don't panic if some seem difficult
- 10Use all available time to review flagged questions and verify your answers
Study guide generated on January 7, 2026
Pro Study Tips
Expert advice to maximize your study effectiveness
Active Learning Strategies
- Hands-on practice: Apply concepts in real scenarios
- Teach others: Explain concepts to reinforce learning
- Take notes: Write summaries in your own words
Exam Day Preparation
- Get enough sleep: Rest well the night before
- Review key points: Go through your notes and cheat sheets
- Time management: Practice pacing with timed exams
Continue Your Preparation
More resources to help you succeed
Complete IBM Assessment: Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide will help you prepare for the A1000-029 certification exam offered by IBM. Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this guide covers everything you need to know to pass on your first attempt.
What You Will Learn
Our study guide covers all 4 exam domains in detail:
- Cloud Infrastructure Design (30%)
- Cloud Platform Services (25%)
- Security and Compliance (25%)
- Migration and Optimization (20%)
Recommended Timeline
Most candidates need 6-8 weeks of dedicated study to pass the IBM Assessment: Cloud Computing Infrastructure Architect v1 exam. We recommend studying 1-2 hours daily and taking practice exams weekly to track your progress.
Next Step: Start with our free practice test to assess your current knowledge level.