Hello everyone, my name is Amit, and I recently cleared the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam with a score of 843 out of 1000. In this article, I will share my experience and the steps I took to prepare for this certification. Let's dive right in.
To begin, let me present my certification. I received it immediately after passing the exam, which took place on April 12th of this year. The certification is valid until 2024, and it serves as a testament to my knowledge and skills in AWS.
Now, let's discuss the courses I completed to prepare for this certification. I enrolled in the "Even Marek" course, which took me a total of two months to finish. I started my preparation on February 2nd and completed the course in 28 days. However, when I attempted the first practice test included in the course, I scored only 50 percent, which was quite disheartening.
Undeterred, I spent the remaining days reading FAQs and familiarizing myself with the main services, such as S3, RDS, and EC2. Additionally, I delved into a white paper on Direct Connect, which I will provide a link to in the description.
For practice tests, I opted for four different options: Davis, Stephen Marek, John Bonzo's, and Labs. While it is not necessary to take all four, I highly recommend John Bonzo's practice test as it closely simulates the difficulty level of the actual exam. The others are optional but can provide valuable additional practice.
Now, let's talk about the costs involved in this certification journey. Fortunately, my company covered the expenses for the course and the practice tests by Neil Davis and Stephen. I only had to pay for John Bonzo's and Whizlap's practice tests, which amounted to 840 rupees (420 rupees each). Furthermore, the exam cost was also covered by my company, so I did not have to pay anything for that. In total, I spent 840 rupees throughout the entire process.
On the day of the exam, it is crucial to conduct a system test to ensure your internet connection and system performance are optimal. It is recommended not to revise too much on the exam day itself, as you should have prepared adequately beforehand. Additionally, it's best to schedule your exam after 12 am to minimize external noise disruptions. Remember to have your government IDs with you as they will be required for verification purposes.
Once you successfully pass the exam, Amazon AWS provides certain perks. You will receive a 50% discount on your next exam, whether it's the AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam or any other associate-level exam. Additionally, you will be granted one free practice test. Lastly, you will receive a digital badge that you can proudly showcase on your social media or LinkedIn profile.
That concludes my journey and preparation for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam. I hope you find my experience helpful as you embark on your own certification journey. Stay tuned for more articles and insights on AWS coming soon.
Final Thoughts and Joining the Community
So, this wraps up my discussion on the exam day and the overall journey of preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification. I believe I have covered all the essential aspects, but if you still have any doubts or questions regarding preparation strategies or what to consider, I invite you to join our Discord server. You'll find the link in the description, where we can connect, have discussions, and address any queries you may have.
In the Discord server, we can have meetings, engage in chats, and foster a supportive community. It's a valuable platform to seek guidance and share experiences with fellow aspiring professionals. Feel free to join and ask any questions you may have.
Additionally, I will include articles detailing the scores I achieved in my practice tests. You can refer to them for further insights and gauge your own progress. I hope you find them helpful.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and experiences. I trust that you have gathered all the necessary information you need to embark on your own certification path. Remember, AWS certifications can open doors to new opportunities and validate your expertise in the field.
If you have any other inquiries or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you along your certification journey.
Thank you once again for joining me on this insightful exploration of the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification. Best of luck in your endeavors!
