How I cleared 2 AWS Certification exams in a span of 90 days: My Journey to AWS Certification Success

Are you aspiring to break into the cloud industry through AWS certification? I’ve been through the journey and have some valuable insights to share. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my experience preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exams. I’ll share the steps I took, the resources I used, and some handy tips to help you succeed on your AWS certification journey.

When I decided to enter the cloud industry via AWS, I knew that obtaining a foundational certification was the best starting point. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is designed for individuals with no prior IT or cloud experience who are transitioning to a cloud-based career. It’s also beneficial for line-of-business employees seeking fundamental cloud literacy. This certification validates a foundational, high-level understanding of AWS Cloud, its services, and key terminology. Fortunately, I had some prior knowledge about various cloud vendors and basic cloud terminology, which made my journey easier from the outset.

Before delving into the learning process, I wanted to thoroughly understand the nature of the AWS certification exams and the topics they covered. Knowing the exam topics in advance provided me with a clear sense of what to expect and allowed me to tailor my preparation accordingly. Additionally, being aware of the number of questions, exam timings, and available languages helped me mentally prepare for the challenge.

I started my AWS Cloud Practitioner preparation by utilizing AWS Skill Builder, a free resource that covers a wide range of topics. However, since I was seeking a deeper understanding, I opted for Stephane Marek’s paid course on Udemy. This course offered detailed explanations and hands-on exercises, and here’s a tip: if you consider taking the paid course, keep an eye out for discounts and sales. I was able to purchase it at just 30% of the original price.(I have shared the link to the course in the end.)

Instead of passively watching the course videos, I actively engaged in the learning process by taking notes alongside the lessons. This practice not only helped me concentrate better but also facilitated retention and recall. Writing down what I understood in my own words made concepts much easier to remember.

In an unconventional but highly effective move, I “played” Cloud Quest: CCP. AWS Cloud Quest is a unique 3D role-playing game that helps you build practical AWS Cloud skills. In the game, you choose your role (CCP) and apply cloud skills to assist virtual city residents. Completing assignments in your role earns you digital badges to showcase your achievements. If cost is a concern, this game is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience without worrying about billing. It combines guided learning in the first half with practical tasks in the latter half, making learning a fun and engaging experience. And you also get a badge to show your skills. Here’s mine, AWS Cloud Quest : Cloud Practitioner.

Next, I attempted official practice questions and discovered an essential lesson: knowing the concepts doesn’t guarantee success in answering questions correctly(I got 6 right out of 10 questions). To bridge this gap, I embarked on a mission to tackle 455 practice questions (7 sets of 65 questions each). I simulated an artificial exam environment, challenging myself to complete 65 questions within 90 minutes in a single stretch. This rigorous practice was instrumental in improving my focus and attention, especially towards the end of the test. Notably, reviewing and documenting the concepts I struggled with separately proved to be invaluable.

Once my practice test scores consistently surpassed the 80–85% range, I felt confident enough to schedule the official AWS Cloud Practitioner exam. Before the big day, I assessed my readiness by attempting the official practice exam provided in the Skill Builder. To my satisfaction, I cleared it, affirming my preparedness.

For added peace of mind, I chose to take the exam at a certified center rather than opting for an at-home setup. The day before the exam, I revisited the notes I had diligently taken throughout my preparation journey, focusing on the concepts I had previously struggled with.

I’m thrilled to report that I successfully passed my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam with an impressive score of 820. You can check out my achievement here!

Without resting on my laurels, I immediately shifted my focus to preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam. This time, I adjusted my approach. Understanding the exam format and requirements, I decided to enroll in Stephane Marek’s Udemy video course. Based on my positive experience with the CCP exam, I felt confident that this course would provide comprehensive preparation.

Just like the last time, I took meticulous notes and engaged in hands-on practice through labs and Cloud Quest. For additional practice, I tackled a total of 780 questions — two sets from Stephane Marek and another from Jon Bonso, each comprising six tests. These practice tests proved more challenging and required careful attention to questions and answer options. Initial failures occurred as expected , but they served as valuable learning opportunities. Reviewing incorrect answers and explanations provided a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques to approach questions.

Feeling a persistent inclination to postpone the exam due to perceived unreadiness, I made a decisive move and booked the exam. Applying the 50% discount I earned for clearing the CCP exam, I also saved some money in the process.

This decision created a sense of urgency, ultimately silencing my fears and doubts. With determination, I faced the exam on the scheduled date and triumphed on my first attempt. Check out my AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate badge here.

So, this is how I added 2 certifications to my profile.

The resources I used :

1. AWS Skill Builder (Includes Study materials, Official practice exam, exam readiness questions and also Cloud Quest)
2. Ultimate AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01 & CLF-C02 by Stephane Maarek
3. Practice Exams | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01/02
4. Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03
5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Practice Exams by Jon Bonso

All the best! If you intend on taking any AWS certifications.😇