Becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate is highly sought after in the cloud computing world. This article focuses on acing the exam, especially if you aren’t a seasoned cloud pro, and highlights why this certification is so valuable.
Although other public cloud providers exist, Amazon Web Services (AWS) associate certifications are in high demand due to Amazon’s dominant market share. Whether you’re a hands-on engineer or a consultant, displaying this certification on your resume is a significant advantage.
Let’s be upfront: the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam isn’t a walk in the park. It’s not about cramming practice exams; AWS crafts their questions to assess real-world experience and a deep grasp of their services.
7 Steps to Conquer the Exam: AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam Strategies
Let’s dive into how to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam, even without formal engineering or AWS background.
1. Secure the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification
This article guides you towards the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification, but if you lack prior AWS engineering knowledge, I highly recommend starting with the Cloud Practitioner. It provides a broad overview and can be achieved in two weeks with dedicated daily study.
Even with some AWS experience, this foundation can be beneficial as the certification exams may cover unfamiliar AWS services.
Here’s a two-week plan to pass:
- Enroll in the A Cloud Guru (ACG) Certified Cloud Practitioner course. Opt for the full subscription (not just the Udemy version) for extensive use during Solutions Architect prep. ACG’s hands-on AWS labs are invaluable for exam success.
- Take the these practice exams. Note: These practice exams feature the toughest questions. Even if you struggle but are close to passing, you’re likely in good shape for the actual exam, which is generally less demanding.
Tips for Success
- Jot down notes throughout the course and structure them into a study guide for the Solutions Architect exam.
- On exam day, rewatch all of Ryan’s summaries at 2x speed for a concise recap.
2. Master ACG’s AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Course
While not sufficient on its own for beginners, this course is excellent and lays the groundwork for exam preparation. It broadly covers the test topics, with a few areas requiring further exploration (which we’ll address later).
Course Strategies
- Take thorough notes and compile a well-organized study guide.
- Download lectures using the A Cloud Guru app for offline listening while driving or walking. Embrace daily immersion.
- Don’t overlook the hands-on labs. Practical experience is key to internalizing lecture content.
3. Deep Dive into Specific AWS Services
The ACG course lectures alone won’t suffice for most individuals. The exam heavily emphasizes certain services, demanding a strong understanding. Hands-on labs are your best bet for mastery.
Focus your deep dives on:
Amazon VPC
Understanding VPCs initially proved challenging for me, but Cole Morrison’s article and similar resources were game-changers. I highly recommend exploring it if VPCs seem confusing. Additionally:
- Complete the dedicated ACG Hands-on Labs for VPCs found outside the main course in the Hands-on Lab section. Filter by “AWS” and “VPC” and work through each concise but impactful lab.
- The exam heavily focuses on VPCs. Aim to build one from scratch.
- Grasp the distinctions between VPN and Direct Connect implementations.
Amazon S3
Focus on specific parts of the A Cloud Guru S3 Masterclass course instead of the entire course. Key areas include:
- Bucket policies vs. access control lists
- S3 encryption mechanisms
- Storage types and their nuances
- Lifecycle policies and their implications
Amazon RDS
Concentrate on frequently tested aspects within the ACG Intro to RDS course, such as:
- Multi-AZ Replication and its significance
- Read Replicas and their use cases
- Snapshot management
Amazon Kinesis
Ensure a solid high-level understanding of AWS Analytics and data warehousing tools:
- Differentiate between Kinesis Streams, Firehose, and Analytics.
- Understand the distinctions between Kinesis, Redshift, and EMR, as scenario-based questions are common.
- Grasp how Athena differs from Kinesis.
Amazon Lambda and Serverless Components
While taking the ACG Intro to Lambda course, zero in on:
- Lambda limitations and timeouts
- Events and typical services used with Lambda triggers
Serverless architecture will likely gain prominence in future AWS exams, making it crucial to learn.
4. Study the AWS Storage Services Overview Whitepaper
Expect numerous scenario-based questions about choosing the appropriate storage type. You’ll need to differentiate between them and understand when to use each option (for example, EFS vs. EBS, S3, DynamoDB vs. RDS).
5. Master Test-taking Techniques for this Exam
Scenario-Based Questions: Prioritize the kicker. These questions typically begin with a lengthy paragraph followed by a “kicker” that poses the actual question. Read the kicker first, then analyze the scenario.
For example:
“Imagine designing a transcription service where numerous EC2 instances process uploaded audio files, generating text output. Both frequently accessed files need storage in the same durable location until the uploader retrieves the text file. Anticipating a surge in demand, the storage must be scalable and retrievable within minutes.
“Which AWS storage solution offers both cost-effectiveness and scalability in this scenario?”
The kicker is the last line. Pay close attention to the specific requirements. Often, multiple solutions might work, but you need to select the one that best aligns (in this case, cost-efficiency and scalability).
Process of Elimination: Most questions have one or two easily dismissed options. Identify and eliminate these to improve your chances of choosing the correct answer. This seemingly obvious tactic is crucial for the AWS SA exam, as many questions include trick options. Be vigilant and eliminate them.
Double-Check Questions: Questions are designed to be tricky. Avoid skimming and rushing. Subtle wording nuances can alter the correct answer.
Utilize “Mark for Review”: The real exam allows marking answers for later review. When unsure, choose your best guess, mark it, and revisit if time permits. Utilize this feature strategically.
Leverage Questions: Information within one question might answer another. Marking questions for review helps you revisit and potentially adjust previous answers based on newfound insights.
6. Practice with Udemy Exams
Invest in this set of Udemy practice exams and work through them diligently. These practice exams are known for their difficulty, reflecting the most challenging questions you might encounter. The actual exam is generally less demanding.
As a general rule, if you’re comfortably passing these practice exams, you’re well-positioned to succeed in the real exam.
7. Optional: Address Knowledge Gaps with this Udemy course
If you still have knowledge gaps and struggle with practice exams, consider this course. Focus on your weak areas identified by the practice exams instead of going through the entire course.
Udemy’s platform allows keyword searches to locate specific content. For instance, if you struggle with AWS KMS, search for it to find and review all related course sections.
Similar to the Cloud Practitioner preparation, rewatch all ACG Solutions Architect Summary lectures at 2x speed on exam day for a comprehensive recap.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam Prep: Practice is Key
As with any exam, dedicated study paves the path to success, and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam is no exception. While it demands time, the rewards are significant. This certification not only validates your technical skills but also showcases your expertise, attracting recruiters and boosting your long-term career prospects.
Best of luck with your AWS architect certification journey! Feel free to share any helpful tips you come across.
