I passed my AWS Developer exam on the 1st try after only 6 weeks of prep. Here's how you can too:
Tags: aws, beginners, coding, tutorial
Published: 2024-04-04 02:08:24


## Introduction
I'm thrilled to share that I've successfully passed the DVA-CO2 Developer Associate exam after dedicating nearly two months to preparation. As someone with no prior AWS experience, I knew I had to put in extra effort to make up for lost ground. Here's how I did it so you can too:

## Preparation Strategy
### Adrian Cantrill's Course
First and foremost, I enrolled in Adrian Cantrill's course, recognizing it as a cornerstone of my preparation journey. Despite my busy schedule, I managed to go through his course at 1.5x speed, leveraging my visual learning style by taking numerous screenshots of the diagrams he utilized. These visuals proved instrumental in reinforcing key concepts. While I didn't take extensive notes during the course, I diligently noted down questions I got wrong during practice sessions. These notes helped me identify and address my knowledge gaps, ensuring a more thorough understanding of the material.

### Study Routine
My study routine typically consisted of four hours on weekdays, with two hours dedicated to commuting (where I'd listen to course material) and another two hours of focused study in the evenings. Weekends were when I truly ramped up my efforts, dedicating around six hours per day to intensive preparation.

### Tutorial Dojo Practice Tests
After approximately 3.5 weeks of going through Adrian's course, I transitioned to Tutorial Dojo for additional practice. I diligently worked through their practice tests, repeating each multiple times to fully grasp the rationale behind every answer. For questions I struggled with, I made sure to take detailed notes and referred to Tutorial Dojo's "AWS cheat sheets" for further clarification. Additionally, I supplemented my studies with references to the AWS documentation and created flashcards on Quizlet to reinforce difficult concepts.

## Exam Day Experience
### In-Person Testing
When it came time for the exam, I opted for an in-person testing experience to avoid potential technical issues associated with remote exams. Armed with confidence from thorough preparation and a solid gameplan, I approached the exam with a calm and focused mindset. Thanks to efficient time management strategies gleaned from Adrian Cantrill's modules, I was able to complete the exam with time to spare, allowing me to revisit and carefully consider any challenging questions.

### Confidence and Time Management
Thanks to thorough preparation and ample practice, I went into the exam feeling confident and well-prepared. What helped me the best is going in with a gameplan on how to approach the exam as a whole. Adrian Cantrill has some great modules on how to take the AWS exam efficiently. Those tips definitely helped me keep a level head through the entire time. It took me about 70 minutes to go through the entire exam, skipping about 15 questions that I wasn't super sure on. I went back and spent the rest of the time trying to logic my way through those questions. In the end, ended the exam with plenty of time to spare!

## Conclusion
In conclusion, passing the DVA-CO2 exam marked a significant milestone in my AWS journey. I owe much of my success to the comprehensive resources provided by Adrian Cantrill's course and Tutorial Dojo, as well as the supportive community that helped me along the way. 

To those embarking on their own certification journey, I offer my best wishes and assurance that with dedication and the right resources, success is within reach. You've got this!