Updated on: 2019-04-20
Currently, I’ve successfully passed the following AWS Certifications: AWS Solutions Architect - Professional, AWS Security Specialty, AWS Developer Associate, AWS Architect Associate and AWS SysOps Associate.
In this post, I will show you how do I prepare for AWS Certifications.
To start, please find below the actual Certification roadmap:
Why AWS Certifications?
It is always a benefit to validate your knowledge with the official certification path from the vendor, It’s a recognition for your skills like all other IT Certifications, but AWS certifications are well recognized in the IT area.
But, It’s also a great opportunity to level-up your income
This article from Forbes is a little outdated (2016) but even more true today, AWS certifications are at the top 15 of IT Certifications.
More recent post: 15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for 2019
Exams
| Exams | Length (Min) | Fees | Difficulty (1-6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | 90 | 100USD | 1 |
| AWS Architect Associate | 80 | 150USD | 2 |
| AWS Developer Associate | 80 | 150USD | 2 |
| AWS SysOps Associate | 80 | 150USD | 2 |
| AWS Specialty - Security | 170 | 300USD | 3 |
| AWS Specialty - Advanced Networking | 170 | 300USD | 3 |
| AWS Specialty - BigData | 170 | 300USD | 3 |
| AWS Architect Professional | 170 | 300USD | 5 |
| AWS DevOps Professional | 170 | 300USD | 5 |
| AWS Specialty - Machine Learning | 170 | 300USD | 6 |
| AWS Specialty - Alexa Skill Builder | 170 | 300USD | 4 |
E-Learning
I’m using an e-learning platform like A Cloud Guru and I follow the corresponding certifications courses, I’m writing down all the important stuff, and exam tips. I’m comfortable with Ryan Kroonenburg courses as I’m not English native, his accent is very adequate to me.
My recommendation: get a monthly account and during your certification period stick to it. When you’re done, or no more time to learn, cancel your subscription. (this advice is not sponsored… :)
Schedule your exam 1,5 month before, to set a target, and enough time for learning at your own pace.
re:Invent Videos
AWS FAQ
Following, you will find the must-read AWS FAQ before taking exams:
Sample Questions
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Architect Associate
- AWS Developer Associate
- AWS SysOps Associate
- AWS Specialty - Security
- AWS Specialty - Advanced Networking
- AWS Specialty - BigData
- AWS Architect Professional
- AWS DevOps Professional
WhitePapers
- AWS Whitepapers Home Page
- AWS Well Architected Framework
- AWS Security Best Practices
- AWS Pricing Overview
Certified Guys FeedBack
OpenGuide & Labs
My (Obvious) Tips
- All choices may be correct, just some are more correct than others
- Time Management is very important (Pro Exams)
- Read the question first, and then the scenario
- Do the labs, on your own free tiers AWS Account
- Not sure about some questions ? Flag it for later review
- Schedule your exam early in the morning if possible
That’s all folks!
zoph.