How I Study and Prepare for AWS Certification Exams
Tags: aws, certification, cloud, training
Published: 2024-03-12 15:38:59

As someone who has embarked on the journey of obtaining multiple AWS certifications, I want to share my experience and strategies for effectively preparing for these exams. Whether you're just starting out or looking to add another certification to your portfolio, here are some insights and tips that can help you along the way.

![](https://victorleungtw.com/static/21ba6c750ce55b12c50e271aec3d79ca/8aab1/2024-03-12.webp)

### My AWS Certification Journey

My journey through AWS certifications has been both challenging and rewarding. Here's a brief overview of the certifications I've achieved so far:

- **AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate** (July 2020): [Show credential](https://www.youracclaim.com/badges/8f23150e-bfba-4315-9ea9-07fa0b6c204a)
- **AWS Certified Developer – Associate** (August 2020):[Show credential](https://www.youracclaim.com/badges/41dfa294-65f3-4667-b488-a96ab2c02ba8)
- **AWS Certified SysOps Administrator** (June 2021):[Show credential](https://www.credly.com/badges/6ff89550-31bc-4632-b70e-5170874ff071)
- **AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional** (May 2023): [Show credential](https://www.credly.com/badges/57ae0041-5640-406f-9169-8038574c6fb8)
- **AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional** (October 2023): [Show credential](https://www.credly.com/badges/d59230a5-c9bd-4d6f-8673-9e2613987d28)
- **AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty** (January 2024): [Show credential](https://www.credly.com/badges/76314059-4b76-4de7-a19d-d742a1a36bc3)
- **AWS Certified Security – Specialty** (March 2024): [Show credential](https://www.credly.com/badges/e9e94c9c-6775-40e1-9307-3c0d633e79e2)

### My Study Strategy

One of the most effective strategies I've found for preparing for AWS certification exams is starting with practice questions. This approach allows you to identify your knowledge gaps based on the questions you answer incorrectly. Once you know where your weaknesses lie, you can focus your study efforts more efficiently.

### Suggested Study Materials

Here are some of the study materials I've found particularly useful:

- **A Cloud Guru**: A comprehensive platform offering courses and labs for various AWS certifications.
- **Stephane Maarek**: An instructor known for his clear and concise AWS courses on Udemy.
- **AWS Certified Security Specialty All-in-One Exam Guide** by Tracy Pierce: A great resource for the Security Specialty exam.
- **AWS Certified Advanced Networking Official Study Guide** by Sidhartha Chauhan: Essential for the Advanced Networking Specialty exam.
- **AWS Certified Advanced Networking Study Guide** by Todd Montgomery: Another excellent resource for networking-focused certification.
- **AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Official Study Guide** by Chris Fitch: A must-have for the SysOps Administrator exam.
- **AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide** by Joe Baron: An essential guide for both the Associate and Professional Solutions Architect exams.

### Additional Tips

- **Official AWS Documentation**: Always refer to the official AWS documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- **Hands-On Practice**: Utilize the AWS Free Tier to get hands-on experience with various AWS services.
- **Join Study Groups and Meetup**: Engaging with a community of learners can provide support and additional insights.
- **Take Breaks**: Regular breaks during study sessions can help improve retention and reduce burnout.

### Conclusion

Preparing for AWS certification exams requires a combination of focused study, practical experience, and a strategic approach to identifying and filling knowledge gaps. By leveraging the right resources and maintaining a disciplined study schedule, you can increase your chances of success.

If you found this post helpful or have any questions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: [https://linkedin.com/in/victorleungtw](https://linkedin.com/in/victorleungtw). I'm always happy to share insights and learn from others in the AWS community.

Happy studying, and best of luck on your AWS certification journey!