Preparing for AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) Certification - Resources and Cheat-sheets
Tags: aws, techlead, solutionsarchitect, cloudcomputing
Published: 2022-09-21 15:06:17

---
title: Preparing for AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) Certification - Resources and Cheat-sheets
series: AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certificate Cheat-sheets 
published: true
description: what is the Solutions Architect AWS Certification and how to prepare for it - list of posts with write-ups for the exam
tags: #aws, #techlead, #solutionsarchitect, #cloudcomputing
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/znm28i4diw6ojetfp2z0.png
---

##What is the Solutions Architect Associate Certification? 


![AWS SAA CO3](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8wv74awbts3egav42svv.png)


>The [Solutions Architect - Associate Certification](https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate/)  showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology across a wide range of AWS services. The focus of this certification is on the design of cost and performance optimised solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the [AWS Well-Architected Framework](https://aws.amazon.com/architecture/well-architected/?wa-lens-whitepapers.sort-by=item.additionalFields.sortDate&wa-lens-whitepapers.sort-order=desc&wa-guidance-whitepapers.sort-by=item.additionalFields.sortDate&wa-guidance-whitepapers.sort-order=desc). This certification enhances the career profile and earnings of certified professionals, and increases their credibility and confidence in stakeholder and customer interactions.

## My Goal

Getting this certification has been one of [my new years resolutions](https://dev.to/dvddpl/2019-agile-retrospective-how-did-it-go-with-your-new-year-s-resolutions-1bnb) for the last 3 years..  for different reasons, like becoming [Tech Lead](https://dev.to/dvddpl/from-engineer-to-tech-lead-doubts-and-challenges-4n9e), joining [Toastmasters](https://dev.to/dvddpl/public-speaking-in-times-of-covid19-4n66) and completing its Pathways for Public Speaking and Innovative Leadership,  being assigned to [different projects](https://dev.to/dvddpl/lets-make-the-best-out-of-every-opportunity-4lg2) with lots to learn and do, not to mention the pandemic...

But this spring I was really confident this is the year, and I bought a course from DigitalCloud 
https://digitalcloud.training/aws-certified-solutions-architect-associate/

Then, last month, I became an AWS Community Builder and I got free access to Cloud Academy. Therefore I immediately started [this course](https://cloudacademy.com/learning-paths/aws-solutions-architect-associate-saa-c03-certification-preparation-for-aws-1-7446/).

As AWS Community Builder I also got a voucher for one Exam, so this time, I really have to commit! (honestly i hope i can take advantage of Cloud Academy account and get some more certifications in the meantime)

## How do you prepare?

On the web you can find plenty of free resources - from blog posts to youtube channels. Honestly though, having access to a couple of paid courses allows you to have updated resources, cheat-sheets, practice tests which will save you lot of time and stress. (although I know that 25 dollars for some people, in many countries... are A LOT!)

One serious advice I can give you, is whenever you start thinking about getting the certificate, check the available courses, have a peek, and bookmark them.  And **wait for Sales and Discounts**.
  
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/kpcpf5mxphgxj3ckdkt2.png)

They happen all the time.  And savings are big!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/yo3clqdozqp8g6unuele.png)

Do not rush it and purchase to the full price. Wait and save!

As I mentioned I already purchased the course on Cloud Academy and Digital Cloud, but there are many more available: a few years ago I bought [this from Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/course/aws-certified-solutions-architect-associate-saa-c03/)  and I evenn gave a peek at [this one on Pluralsight](https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/aws-certified-solutions-architect-associate) because my company had for a short period of time offered free subscription to us engineers.

They are all very good.  So just make your research and pick the one you like the most (but, really, wait for discounts!).

### Take notes and use Write-Ups

I have been keeping a learning journal for many years now, where I note down code snippets, quotes, stack overflow answers, findings and samples from my daily code, and lots of interesting articles (AWS Digest) 

During the preparation for this exam I decided to write down in a blog post a summary of every _chapter_ of the courses I was following.  Which i can then review and revisit multiple times before the exam.

I decided to share them in a series of posts, since I believe they can be helpful for anyone attempting the exam, as well for everyone starting out with AWS, since a lot of topics are the foundation of everything you need to know about AWS.

Hope you will like this series and find it useful.