The certification interests in AWS is picking up slowly and there are several people who are opting to take up AWS Certification. I recently took up AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Level Certification and cleared it.

I am writing this blog post in the interest to spread info about the AWS Certification and general tips on how to get prepared for the Certification – Solution Architect – Associate Level. Even before we start the test, we will be taking an NDA – Non Disclosure Agreement that we wouldn’t share the questions and stuff; so abiding by that, I write this post to provide tips and pointer of how to prepare. This post is not about the question samples, dumps etc.

1. First and foremost point, remember it is easy to understand the concepts of AWS than to search online for the dumps of the questions. If you are a hands-on guy on the AWS, that is the sufficient requirement to clear the test.
2. Remember the Certification Title – Solution Architect so think in the aspects of what is the role of a Solution Architect and prepare accordingly.
3. AWS – Documentation, AWS – SlideShare Channel, AWS -YouTube Channel are good places to learn about the certification. Again there is nothing like the hands on experience feel and learning you will get out of that.
4. FAQs for the all services would be a very good place to refresh, recap, cover lot of ground and explore the topics you may need to concentrate.
5. There are several courses and training materials offered by 3rd Party trainers like Udemy, CloudAcademy are good; but in my opinion hands-on experience is sufficient to clear the certification exam.
6. CloudAcademy provides very good quizzes and multiple choice Q&A. But that would cover the entire length and breadth of the AWS Services and Products which would cover topics like costing, size information, restrictions, negative scenarios etc. of which not all may contribute to the Solution Architecture Exam. Again CloudAcademy is a good place to test out skills but don’t lose heart if you don’t know many of the questions in that. If you are aligned toward the blueprint and curriculum provided by AWS then that is sufficient.
7. Concentrate on the core services first then go to the add-ons and then deeper in to that.
8. Think through the Scenarios and use cases; understand when to use what and where and how. Also the “why shouldn’t scenario” is also important.
9. Think in the lines of the Certification titles viz. Solution Architect, Developer, DevOps; know their responsibilities and concentrate on the depth and breadth of the AWS Services.
10. Look into the Sample Questions, Blue Prints, Curriculum fully end to end again after you get the feel that you have prepared. Those would be a good refresher.

These are my views and opinions after I took the test. Again these purely my personal opinions.

All the very best …