Introduction
I recently achieved something I’ve been aiming for: I passed the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. This was a big goal for me, and even though it took a lot of effort, I made it through. If you're looking to take on this challenge, I want to share some tips that could help you get that pass mark.
What’s the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam?
AWS suggests that it’s best if you've spent one year working with their cloud services before you take the exam. It’s not a rule, but it’s good advice.
The exam asks questions on a wide range of topics, so the more hands-on experience you have, the better. It’s one of the most detailed AWS exams and lays a strong foundation for other AWS certs.
Who Should Take This Exam?
This exam is a great step for anyone in IT, like Data Engineers, Software Engineers, DevOps pros, and SecOps teams. It shows employers you know your stuff and it can even help you land a better job.
Preparing for the Exam:
I’d suggest setting aside at least three months to study (or 60 hours). This isn’t something you want to cram for at the last minute.
Understanding the main AWS Services:
Get to know the basic AWS services like Lambda, Kinesis, EC2, S3, RDS, and VPC. These are the tools you'll be tested on, so you need to know them well.
The Study Materials That Worked for Me:
The Stephan Mareek Course on Udemy really helped me grasp the tough concepts. He makes the material easy to digest.
Recommended by LinkedIn
I also used TutorialsDojo Practice exams, which have a very similar format to the actual exam, and also gives you feedback and detailed explanations for each question.
I have also read some of AWS Whitepapers. I'd advice you to read “AWS Security Best Practices”, the "Cost Optimization" and “Well-Architected Framework”
Understanding the Exam Structure:
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. You’ll have 130 minutes to answer 65 questions. The exam is scored on a scale from 100-1000, with a minimum passing score of 720. Knowing this structure will help you pace yourself during the exam, ensuring you allocate enough time for each section.
Exam Domains Breakdown:
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is divided into four domains, each with its own focus:
Each domain has a weighting on the exam overall score.
Helpful Tips for When You Take the Exam:
Conclusion:
Getting certified in AWS is more than just remembering facts; it’s about understanding how to solve problems using AWS services. If you follow a structured study plan and do plenty of practice tests, you'll be on the right track to ace this cert.
