Certification #5
This is my fifth AWS certification that I have passed! I have one MS Azure certification, a total of 6 Cloud related certs. The reason I am telling you this, is because I hope you take my guidance seriously. Let’s jump right into it!
Pass these exams first
Tip #1
I super highly recommend to climb your way up the ladder. This process helped me study a bit faster or sometimes skips some domains because I already had that knowledge because of the previous certification. Here’s the order I recommend.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associates
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associates
- AWS Certified Security – Speciality
Timing
Tip #2
Take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner as soon as you can. Then study for the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associates, schedule this exam and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associates in the same month! I spent majority of my study time into the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator and a bit on the AWS Certified Solutions Architect. Took each exam just a week apart. Then a year or so, study for the AWS Certified Security – Speciality, then schedule this one and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional about a 2-5 weeks apart. Dedicate majority of your time on the Security exam, and a good portion on the professional. If you barely passed any of the previous exams, then dedicate more time on the professional.
Be prepared mentally
Tip #3
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional was by far the most challenging, intimidating, verbose, and exhausting exam I have ever taken! It took my all 170 minutes to complete. I’m usually done with an exam with plenty of time left on the clock. There was so much reading and comprehending that I was mentally drained and wanted to just give up in the last 30 minutes! (ps. it was also a Saturday so that didn’t help, maybe do it on a Sunday?) So take a deep breath here and there, look away from the screen for few seconds to recollect yourself and keep on pushing.
Be motivated
Tip #4
I hope your motivation is strong enough to get you to study so much and sit on a super long exam. If you have no motivation then I don’t advise you to take on this challenge. Ask your supervisor if there any cash rewards or does it help you take on a new role or to assist you to get a better wage. Or it might be a personal challenge. Whatever it is, be sure it’s strong!
Experience, Study, do labs
Tip #5
As always, experience is your best tool to passing an exam. Then on top of that study using online services like LinuxAcademy.com and their hands on labs. Read all the necessary white papers mentioned in the exam guide.
Shoutout to Adrian Cantrill for awesome and precise explanation of each topic and all the exam tips and tricks!
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