How to prepare for AWS Certifications:
Preparing for any certification can feel overwhelming. You need to choose the right study plan and obtain the necessary study materials such as Tutorial courses, practice questions, etc.
In this article, I'll share my strategy to help you streamline the process. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll gain practical insights on how to effectively use resources from educators like Stephane Maarek and platforms like Udemy and Tutorial Dojo.
Follow along as I outline how to prepare for your certification within your desired timeframe.
Understand the AWS Certification Exam and Set a Preparation Timeline:
Before diving into preparation, research what the AWS certification exam entails. Consider your current level of expertise and the specific certification level you're aiming for.
It's always good to allocate a lot of time to study, allowing you to fully understand the material and approach the exam with confidence.
For example, when I prepared for the AWS Developers Associate level, I reviewed the exam guide to understand what the certification covers. This helped me gauge how much time I needed to prepare, which was about two months.
Enroll in a Udemy Course:
I always start by purchasing the AWS certification course on Udemy. I always go for courses taught by Stephane Maarek. Maarek is well-regarded for his clear, concise, and practical teaching style, making complex concepts easier to understand. His courses typically cover all the necessary material for the exams, from beginner to advanced levels.
Engage in Hands-On Practice
The best way to learn AWS is to practice what you learn, therefore make use of the free tier. Stephane Maarek's courses, for instance, include hands-on sections that help reinforce the concepts taught. By engaging in the practical exercises, I was able to solidify my understanding by applying what I had learned.
While Studying, create notes:
I always highlight material slides (comes with the course) to note important concepts and scenarios that are likely to appear on the exam. Creating your own summary notes can be particularly helpful for revision.
Tackle Practice Questions:
At the end of Stephane Maarek's course, you'll take practice questions that closely mock the actual AWS certification exam in format and difficulty. These were crucial in testing my knowledge and helping me get comfortable with the exam. At the end you can review the answers with detailed explanation.
Additionally, I used extra practice exams from platforms like Udemy and Tutorial Dojo, which offer practice question sets for as low as $20.
Review Everything One Last Time
Before the exam, I would go through the Udemy course materials again and binge-watch the videos. This last-minute review should focus on your highlighted areas and weak spots. If there is time left, take a few practice tests.
Take the Exam and Ace it
Once I feel prepared, it is time to sit for my AWS online exam. During the exam, I try to check in early and manage my time well. I also make sure to read each question carefully.
By following this structured plan and utilizing additional practice materials from platforms like Udemy and Tutorial Dojo, you’ll be well on your way to becoming AWS certified. Remember, the key to success is consistency and commitment. Good luck!
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Written by
Louis Echefu
Louis Echefu
I am a Software Engineer currently learning about the Cloud (DevOps)