You are reading this article to learn how to begin preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam. If you’re unsure about pursuing a career with AWS, look no further. AWS certificates are highly valued on your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Employers prefer certified professionals to handle their valued cloud computing systems on AWS.
With the present boom in cloud computing services, there is a high demand for professionals well-versed in the system. Amazon ranks first among cloud service providers, increasing the demand for AWS-certified professionals.
To put it bluntly, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam is not an easy one to crack. You cannot make your plan today and take the exam the next day. They have a detailed syllabus and a competitive question pattern based on real scenarios. The test is formulated by AWS experts, who ensure that only those who have experience working on the AWS cloud system get certified. The AWS Associate Certification works as a proficiency tag on the professional.
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam Tips
- Understand the AWS Cloud
Even if you have experience working on other clouds like Azure, every cloud system is different. But you will be able to have a general idea of the platform. They work on certain base norms. So, if you have experience working on any cloud system, then understanding AWS would be more accessible.
If you do not have any previous encounters with cloud computing, you can acquaint yourself with the basics of AWS by watching YouTube videos. You can register for webinars and conferences on the AWS training website.
- Take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam
The Cloud Practitioner Exam is a base exam to get started with AWS. There are online aws cloud practitioner courses available for this at very minimal prices. It is more straightforward and contains simplified basics of AWS & Cloud Computing. Passing the exam will also help improve your confidence and give you the push needed to move forward in your AWS career.
This is not a mandatory requirement. You can skip the Cloud Practitioner exam and move on to the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam. But we have included this intermediary certification as a precursor to your career path that will help you plan according to your comfortable AWS expertise.
- Get Acquainted with the Exam Details at the AWS Website
The AWS website has all the required information to understand the exams. If you have at least one year of hands-on experience in AWS, you have three exam options in Architect, Operation, and Developer sections. You can find all the genuine and valid information about the exam here.
The exam has a time of 130 minutes with 65 Questions.
The cost of attempting an exam is $150. Check the passing grade on the AWS website, as it may vary from 60-72%. Optimally you can target 72% marks. You can also find helpful pages like AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam Guide, how to prepare for the exam, and the FAQ section, which will help you get started on your AWS journey.
- Make use of the AWS Free Learning Resources
Once you have registered for the exam and scheduled it, it’s time to kick-start the preparation. You can optimally begin with the exam guide and the sample question paper on the AWS website.
You can also find digital training modules and free webinars. Following the digital training videos alone will not suffice for a newcomer to understand the AWS system. But these are excellent resources to get started. The detailed syllabus can be found in the exam guide, which will set the route map for your learning process.
- Enroll in an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam Preparation Course
To prepare for the AWS exams, there are online and offline aws cert training courses available. Soon after you have your exam scheduled, the first thing you ought to do is to sign up for a training course. Most courses provide hands-on training on the AWS platform. Relying entirely on the course material is not recommended. Yet, these can give you 60% of your preparation and help with the rest of the resources.
- Get Hands-on Experience
Many questions are scenario-based, and without experience on the AWS platform, it is impossible to pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam. You can ideally pick an online course that provides practice labs. These are not like simulations or demos. You get to solve real-world scenarios and operations. It will improve your chances of answering scenario-based questions on the exam.
AWS free tier accounts can also assist you in gaining hands-on experience with the AWS platform and resolving issues. The account is free to access and proves helpful in improving your learning and understanding of the concepts.
- Attempt Sample papers and Quizzes
With all the learning and preparation in place, you can move on to practice papers to test yourself before the exam. There are mock tests available that are similar to the actual exam. These will prepare you to understand the exam pattern, plan your time, and analyze your weaker areas. Do not feel discouraged by a low score, as you still have time to prepare.
The sample papers usually come with an explanation for each answer. Understanding the reasoning will help you master the concept. After several mock exams, you will pass the test, giving you the necessary confidence.
- Community Learning
There are online groups on LinkedIn, Quora, and Facebook where you can find suggestions and conversations by candidates who have passed the exam or attempted it. The inputs will help you prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam.
- Focus on the Core Areas
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam has most questions based on AWS services. Understanding them will also help you in your career progress and further exams. The experts have highlighted the core services S3, RDS, VPC, EC2, and Lambda.
The practical session will be more crucial in understanding the working of the services. You should be able to differentiate between the working of these services. Two solutions might seem the same, but to score the mark, you should be able to choose the best option.
- Read the Whitepapers & FAQs
The AWS website gives free access to whitepapers like AWS Security Best Practices, Well-Architected Framework, Microservices, and other Solutions Architect Associate-related papers. Most training modules provide pdf copies of the necessary whitepapers to their students.
The AWS FAQ section also answers common queries regarding AWS services, and you might find some of your questions answered.
- Read Books or Guides
AWS constantly keeps changing the certification and even the operation of the system. Therefore, there is a high possibility of the books and guides getting outdated quickly. But, if you are the kind of person who likes to study from books, you should check for the latest version.
You can find books on AWS fundamentals and use them alongside your online training course. Books containing AWS practice papers and flashcards can also be purchased to make learning more structured.
- Make Flashcards or Notes
While attending the course training, creating flashcards or easy diagram notes is recommended. This specifically applies to the 20 core AWS services. Every service has an associated keyword explained in the AWS courses. Grab the keywords and make flashcards with at least three service features.
- Know When you Are Ready
Most people skip this part, but it is crucial if you do not want to retake the exam. A good gauge is the results from the practice exams. Once you have consecutively passed a few mock exams, you should know that you are ready. Unfortunately, if you cannot pass the sample exams, you should understand that there is more to prepare. Look at the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam Tips and catch up on the missed steps.
- Take a Time Extension if English is Not Your First Language
If you feel that you are taking more time to understand the questions which are in the English language, you can apply for a time extension of 30 minutes. Note the point that you have to apply for the extension before scheduling your first AWS exam, and it automatically applies to all future exams. This option can be accessed from the “Request Exam Accommodations” tab on the AWS account page.
- Avail of Online Discount/Benefits
The usual exam cost is $150. But you can search online for codes from promotions, events, or webinars. If you have attended an AWS exam, you likely have a 50% discount coupon for the next exam. You can check for the voucher in your “Benefits” tab on the AWS account page.
Closing Remarks for AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam Tips
The role of an AWS Architect is to fabricate cost-effective and scalable AWS solutions. The exam might be challenging, but with preparation, you can crack the exam. There is a high job opportunity for certified professionals as the exam cannot be passed by anyone and everyone.
The job has an attractive opening salary and thus has been attracting freshers. After the associate-level exam, the candidate can attend the professional-level exam. With the steps to your career growth being laid down, you can buckle up and start your preparations.