Chapter 1: Introduction to AWS Certification

Before embarking on your journey to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate exam, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with this guide.

You've made the decision to invest in your future! With a growing number of individuals pursuing AWS Certification exams, it’s hard not to recognize this rising trend. To achieve success, what you truly need is an effective strategy.

This guide is tailored for those who are new to AWS. However, as someone who has been working with AWS products for the past year, I’ll strive to make this guide as seamless as possible. Embrace the journey, not just the outcome.

I sat for the exam not merely for the certificate or because it’s a job requirement—though it can indeed enhance job prospects—but because I developed a passion for the learning process. My primary motivation stemmed from a period of discouragement after a setback in my entrepreneurial pursuits. The exam served as a necessary jolt to rekindle my desire to work and learn, despite the common dread associated with examinations.

A solid understanding of the certification and its purpose is crucial to boost your chances of success. According to AWS, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate credential is designed to:

This certification assists organizations in identifying and nurturing talent with essential skills for executing cloud initiatives. Achieving the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate validates one’s capability to design and implement distributed systems on AWS.

For those engaged in Data-related roles (such as analysts and scientists), the exam should be relatively straightforward as it assesses foundational knowledge. For newcomers to cloud technology, additional time will be necessary to grasp these basics. Regardless, preparing for this certification will broaden your skill set in various aspects of Data Engineering and may facilitate a career shift (though this is not guaranteed!).

Chapter 2: Essential Resources for Exam Preparation

Now that you’re acquainted with the fundamentals of the certification, let’s delve into the courses and resources that will be instrumental in your exam preparation, organized by importance.

Course Recommendations

The Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate course by Stephane Mareek is essential for anyone serious about mastering AWS services beyond just obtaining the certification. Stephane excels at breaking down complex services into manageable components and principles, all while maintaining an engaging course flow.

This paid Udemy course offers high-quality content that is regularly updated. As of March 8, 2022, it has been revised to align with the AWS SAA-C02, ensuring you receive the most current study materials. Although Stephane’s courses may appear costly, discounts of 65–85% are frequently available on Udemy, making it a worthwhile investment for comprehensive AWS SAA knowledge.

Exam Preparation Material

If you search for AWS SAA-C02 study guides, you’ll find that Tutorial Dojo’s practice exams are universally recommended, and for good reason. Jon Bonso’s courses are critical for passing the AWS SAA-C02 exam.

Tutorial Dojo’s exams are structured into four modes: Timed Mode, Review Mode, Section-Based, and Topic-Based. The practice exams closely simulate the actual test, featuring 60 questions with a 90-minute time limit across six practice tests.

While the questions may not mirror the exam exactly, they provide ample practice and insight into the types of questions you’ll encounter. AWS tends to incorporate unnecessary details into questions to mislead test-takers. Many questions are framed such that, by focusing on keywords, you can eliminate all but the most apparent answer.

This mental preparation not only equips you for specific scenarios but also trains your mind to prioritize critical information, allowing you to discard incorrect options effectively. You’ll recognize your progress when you start to feel the exam's rhythm and notice that most questions split between two possible answers.

Additional Resources

Whizlabs offers nine practice tests and individual topic-based assessments. The strength of Whizlabs lies in its extensive question range, enhancing your exam readiness. After answering, links to official AWS documentation provide further insight. While their practice exams are beneficial, the actual exams can be slightly more challenging. Pricing is reasonable, often featuring promotional bundles.

For reference, I paid 9.95 pounds for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate practice exams.

ACloudGuru also provides quality content, though some materials may not be the most current. While the course is well-produced, I found the quality lacking in certain areas. After reading positive reviews, I signed up, but it seems the focus has shifted away from delivering promised high-quality content.

Exam Strategy

If you have a month to prepare for the exam and are a complete novice to AWS, follow this straightforward guide to maximize your chances of passing.

Before diving into the strategy, keep in mind that AWS Certification is flexible, allowing you to reschedule for a minor fee.

This approach, however, is not for the faint-hearted! It involves grappling with substantial material in a short timeframe, but it represents your best shot at passing in just 30 days.

The exam comprises 65 questions, with at least 50 needed to pass. Here’s the plan:

1. Stephane Mareek's Course: Dedicate the first ten days to watching course videos and reviewing notes twice.
2. Whizlabs Practice: Spend the next seven days completing practice exams multiple times to solidify concepts.
3. Tutorial Dojo: Allocate the final thirteen days to retaking the exams multiple times and revisiting each course section until you pass all practice tests.

Test Taking Experience

This section reflects my experience with the exam's Pearson Vue mode. In summary, the test was mentally demanding, taking around two hours to complete.

Understanding the exam process is vital. A few days prior, register with the OnVUE app, which captures images of you for verification as a test-taker.

On exam day, you’ll need to use the same app to verify your identity alongside a government-issued ID. Once verified, I utilized my internal webcam throughout the test.

It’s important to note that the OnVue app requires a thorough room scan, taking about 30 minutes, so log in at least 40 minutes before your scheduled time. The exam itself took two and a half hours, with a fee of $150.

Video Insights

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of passing the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate Certification in just one month, providing valuable tips and strategies for success.

This second video outlines the experience of passing the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam in just seven days, detailing the approach and resources utilized for rapid preparation.