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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud computing services in the world today. A lot of people are looking to get certified in AWS, but the certification process can be difficult. This article will provide some great tips to help readers not only prepare for their AWS certification exams but also boost their scores.
Table of Contents
Free Resources For AWS Certifications
1. Official AWS Certification Prep Page
To help you prepare for your AWS certification exam, use the AWS official exam guides, sample questions, and other resources.
2. Free AWS Digital Catalog
Head out to this link from AWS for all the free digital courses. The courses are in depth and on-demand. You can enroll in any course from their digital catalog.
3. Free AWS Official Sample Exam Questions
If you’re looking to preview how the AWS certification exam will look, be sure to check out the free sample questions on the individual AWS Certification Prep Page. Example –
Official Sample questions for AWS Solutions Architect Associate level exam – AWS SAA
Solution Architect Exam AWS SAA Free sample questions from ReviewNPrep
4. Official AWS Exam Readiness Video Courses
Again, the link to the official AWS readiness course can be found on the Official AWS Certification Prep Page. Once you have registered for an account, you will have immediate access to all of the content without having to use or store your credit card.
5. Free AWS Flashcards For All Certifications
You can access AWS Free flashcards from ReviewNPrep to help you in memorizing the key AWS concepts and services. Additionally, you can also create your own flashcards and share with others if you choose to. Simply create an account on ReviewNPrep and start creating your personal flashcards.
6. AWS Exam Preparation Journeys
Access hundreds of AWS exam experience feedback aka preparation journeys from users across the globe and learn from their journey. You can also add your preparation journey and get a $5 Amazon Gift card.
AWS Certifications Study Tips
Below are some study tips we’ve collected from the real certified professionals.
1. Take The Time To Understand The Material
Before you start studying for your AWS certification exam, make sure to go through the exam syllabus. This will help you understand the exam content better and know where to focus your study time. Also, it is important to know what certifications are available and which ones are best suited for you.
Once you know the right certification, read the official AWS guidebook before you start studying. It contains all the information you need to prepare for the exam.
Studying frequently (almost every day) will help you remember what you learned and be able to apply it correctly on the actual exam.
2. Practice Often And Hands-On Where Needed
The second step to boosting your AWS certification exam scores is reviewing and practicing the content often often. As you deep dive into the course material, apply the concepts learned to real-world scenarios. If you can do this, you’ll be well on your way to passing the exams with ease.
Once you have mastered the material be it an online course or an in-person class, it is time to practice! Try flashcards or other types of practice exams before taking the real certification exam. This will help you feel confident when taking the test and boost your chances of getting high test scores.
Additionally, gaining hands-on experience in AWS Console will not only help you choose the correct answers quickly and accurately, but also build a strong foundation for understand the cloud principles. Create a AWS Free tier account for your hands-on practice and cementing the key concepts in your head. Remember to tear down the environment after practicing to avoid getting charged.
It can’t be stressed enough that hands-on labs are the best ways to learn!
App
3. Create a Plan That Works
Creating a plan before you start for any certification or a new technology is of prime importance. Do not try to cram the material into your schedule in a short amount of time – this will only lead to frustration and lower test scores. Instead, take your time and learn everything that you can about AWS before taking the exam.
Everyone learns and understands differently. So, create a plan that works for you. Here is a sample plan for AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification:
| Day of the Week | Week-1 | Week-2 | Week-3 | Week-4 | Week-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Domain 1: Cloud Concepts | Domain 2: Security and Compliance | Domain 3: Technology | Domain 4: Billing and Pricing | Practice Tests |
| Tuesday | Define the AWS Cloud and its value proposition | Define the AWS shared responsibility model | Define methods of deploying and operating in the AWS Cloud | Compare and contrast the various pricing models for AWS | Practice Tests |
| Wednesday | Identify aspects of AWS Cloud economics | Define AWS Cloud security and compliance concepts | Define the AWS global infrastructure | Recognize the various account structures in relation to AWS billing and pricing | Practice Tests |
| Thursday | Explain the different cloud architecture design principles | Identify AWS access management capabilities | Identify the core AWS services | Identify resources available for billing support | Practice Tests |
| Friday | Revisit Domain 1 | Identify resources for security support | Identify resources for technology support | Revisit Domain 4 | Option1: Take Exam |
| Saturday | Schedule Exam and Read Exam Guide | Revisit Domain 2 | Revisit Domain 3 | Revisit All Domains | Option2: Take Exam |
| Sunday | Practice Tests | Practice Tests | Practice Tests | Practice Tests | Option3: Take Exam |
4 . Use Practice Tests To Boost Your Exam Prep
One of the best ways to boost your AWS certification exam scores is using practice tests materials. If you are not familiar with the format of the real exam, take practice tests. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you sit down for the real thing.
In addition to the free practice exams, there are paid preparation resources available. These include full-length mock certifications, flashcards, and interactive quizzes. A number of vendors sell these prep tools at prices ranging from $10 to hundreds of dollars. However, we recommend only purchasing them from companies whose track record shows they stand behind their wares. We don’t want to encourage anyone who isn’t absolutely certain about passing their exam to spend money on prep when they aren’t sure they’ll even pass.
Practice Tests
5. Make Effective Use of Time
If you travel to work or work from home, make time for learning, there are ways to optimize your learnings. For example, if you commute to work using public transportation, watch video course on your way to office. Based on if you are a morning or a night person, chalk out at least 3-4 hours every day to learn. Make sure to hold yourself accountable and incentivize yourself after completing each domain.
6. Participate in Online Discussions Related to Your Certification Topic
This final tip is one that can be extremely beneficial for any professional looking to boost their exam scores. Participating in online discussions related to your certification topic is a great way to learn about the latest developments and best practices related to the certification you are seeking.
Join Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn groups to stay connected on these topics. By doing this, you will be able to build up your understanding of the material and better prepare for your exams.
7. Keep A Positive Attitude Toward Your Study Process
When studying for your AWS certification exam, it is important to have a positive attitude. Do not let the stress of the exam get you down. Instead, try to look at it as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills. If you approach your studies in a positive manner, you are more likely to achieve success.
Reward yourself after reaching each milestone to keep yourself motivated.
Conclusion
AWS Cloud Services change at a rapid pace, so it is important to learn the latest and greatest in this space. Certifications not only help with learning the cloud concepts better but also helps you stay ahead of the competition. So, whether you are new to AWS or a seasoned player, get your AWS certification.
Further Reading
AWS Certifications Explained – Choose the right one for you.
Blogs
