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This article from Forbes is a little outdated (2016) but even more true today, AWS certifications are at the top 15 of IT Certifications.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

• re:Invent breakout sessions

AWS FAQ

Following, you will find the must-read AWS FAQ before taking exams:

Sample Questions

WhitePapers

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.