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 I prepare for AWS Certifications.
To start, please find below the current 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.
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This article from Forbes is a little outdated (2016) but even more true today: AWS certifications are in the top 15 of IT Certifications.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 certification courses. I write down all the important stuff and exam tips. I’m comfortable with Ryan Kroonenburg courses as I’m not a native English speaker, his accent is very clear to me.
My recommendation: get a monthly account and stick to it during your certification period. When you’re done, or you no longer have time to learn, cancel your subscription. (This advice is not sponsored. :)
Schedule your exam 1.5 months ahead to set a target and give yourself enough time to learn 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 tier AWS Account.
- Not sure about some questions? Flag them for later review.
- Schedule your exam early in the morning if possible.
That’s all folks!
zoph.