Kick-Start Your AWS Certification Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide

I've always had a strong passion for technology, which started back when I was doing my Master's in Software Engineering at BITS-Pilani. My career kicked off as a System Administrator, where I was managing datacenter workloads. Over time, I got the chance to work alongside a variety of teams, including Infrastructure, Software Development, DevOps, and Security. It was during these early years that I really got hooked on the complexities of system design and infrastructure. This curiosity and exposure to so many different areas made me even more eager to learn and grow in my career.

As I gained more experience, I began noticing a shift towards cloud adoption in organizations. More and more companies were encouraging certifications to keep up in a world that was becoming more cloud-first. AWS, in particular, was a big player in this change, and my company was preparing to make the move to AWS. I realized that getting certified in AWS would not only help me stay current with the latest trends but also improve my own skills and knowledge. And that's when I decided to dive into the world of AWS certifications. Here's how I got started on that journey.

1. Which Certification Should I Pursue?

If you're not sure where to begin, AWS has a great Certification Pathways guide that can help you figure out the best certification for your experience level and career goals. It really helped me plan out my journey.

When I was just getting started with the cloud, I decided to go for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. Since it’s an entry-level cert, it gave me a broad overview of AWS services and cloud concepts. It was a perfect starting point for me to get a solid understanding of AWS and build a foundation for cloud knowledge.

After I nailed the Cloud Practitioner certification, I set my sights on the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate cert. This one was key for proving that I could design, build, and deploy cloud applications. If you’re familiar with the cloud but unsure where to go next, this is a great pick. For people with more of a systems administration background, the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate might be a better fit. I committed about an hour a day to studying, which took me around 3-4 months of consistent effort (about 7 hours a week).

Once I got the Associate cert under my belt, I went for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. Personally, I think this is one of the toughest AWS certs, but definitely one of the most rewarding. It tests your ability to design, deploy, and evaluate applications in complex AWS environments. Preparing for this took me 5-6 months, putting in about 7 hours a week. While it's not required, I highly recommend completing the Associate-level certification first because it gives you the foundation you’ll need for the Professional exam.

2.Preparing for the Exam

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a great place to start. The exam tests your basic understanding of AWS Cloud concepts, services, and terms. It's perfect for people who aren't in tech or cloud roles, as well as those with an on-premises IT background who want to get a solid grip on AWS Cloud. After you finish the Cloud Practitioner cert, the next common step is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. This cert shows you can design and deploy cost-effective, scalable applications on AWS. It focuses on creating solutions that strike the right balance between cost and performance while ensuring you understand the AWS Well-Architected Framework.

Here are 10 steps I took to prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exams:

• Download the Exam Guides: The Exam Guides gave me great insights into what the exams cover and helped me focus my study efforts.?

[Link to Exam Guides](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-prep/)

• Explore the Exam Preparation Pages: I spent time on the exam prep pages to learn more about each certification and the AWS resources available, like practice questions and exam prep courses.?

[Link to Exam Prep](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-prep/)

• Sign Up for AWS Skill Builder: AWS Skill Builder is an awesome online learning platform that offers over 600 free courses, role-specific learning plans, and official AWS practice question sets. It also includes AWS Cloud Quest for hands-on practice.?

[Link to AWS Skill Builder](https://skillbuilder.aws/)

• ?Take the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Course: This six-hour course was perfect for getting a solid, basic understanding of AWS Cloud. It covers AWS services, security, pricing, and architecture, and it's key for preparing for the Cloud Practitioner exam.?

(https://explore.skillbuilder.aws/learn/course/external/view/elearning/134/aws-cloud-practitioner-essentials)

• Complete the AWS Technical Essentials Course: This four-hour course helped me learn how to build scalable and cost-effective cloud solutions. It also prepped me for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.?

(https://explore.skillbuilder.aws/learn/course/external/view/elearning/1851/aws-technical-essentials?trk=810a2056-c993-4832-af32-11286cad694c&sc_channel=el)

• ?Use Free Sample Questions: After completing the courses, I tested my readiness using free sample questions. AWS also offers official practice sets with 20 sample questions for both exams. These helped me get familiar with the exam format.?
• Get Hands-On: I spent time practicing in the AWS Console to develop my skills in deploying, managing, and operating AWS workloads. Hands-on experience really boosted my knowledge and confidence. The AWS Builder Labs and AWS Jam Journey were especially useful for this.?
• Schedule the Exam: I booked my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam before starting my studies to give myself a deadline to work towards. It helped me stay focused, and I could always reschedule if needed.
• Take the Solutions Architect Exam Soon After: I scheduled the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam shortly after passing the Cloud Practitioner exam. The Cloud Practitioner exam gave me a solid foundation for the Solutions Architect exam.
• Study with a Friend or Colleague: Studying with a partner helped me stay motivated and focused. We shared resources, discussed ideas, and kept each other accountable, making the process more enjoyable.

A common question is how long it takes to study for these exams. The answer is, "it depends." It varies based on factors like your prior AWS experience, how much study time you can dedicate, and how comfortable you are with test-taking. Most people spend several weeks to a few months preparing for these exams. So, it's important to set aside dedicated study time and track your progress.

At first, I questioned whether AWS Certification was worth it for my career, but now I'm glad I put in the effort. The certifications have already helped me professionally and will continue to open doors as I move forward in my career. I hope these tips are useful as you prepare for your own AWS Certification journey!

3. During and After the Exam

On the day of the exam, I recommend taking it at a test center to avoid any potential network disruptions. The AWS exams are scored between 100 and 1,000, with a passing score of 750. You will usually know the result immediately after submitting the exam. Your official score will appear in the AWS Certification portal within 5 days.

4. Key Advice

Hands-on and continuous exploring AWS environment is the key to success. Take full advantage of AWS Free Tier for your Hands-On. Stay committed, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the learning process! In my case the Hands On experience and real time working on multiple projects helped me a lot to understand.

5. Other Certification Paths