Mastering the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Exam
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Chapter 1: My Journey to AWS Certification
A few months ago, I resolved to tackle the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional exam. Having previously achieved the AWS Solutions Architect — Associate certification, I sought a more formidable challenge.
AWS offers several certification tracks, with professional and specialty certifications positioned at the advanced level. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional is particularly notorious for its difficulty.
Many seasoned professionals advised me to gain more experience before attempting this daunting exam. I was skeptical and went ahead to register, thinking, "How tough could it really be?" My confidence quickly faded as I delved into the exam guide.
This exam is notoriously challenging—think of it as the Dark Souls of cloud certifications. The reported failure rate hovers around 72%, with only 28% of candidates emerging victorious.
Understanding the Exam Structure
The AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam is designed for professionals, requiring in-depth knowledge of AWS services. According to the official AWS site, this certification helps organizations identify and cultivate talent with essential skills for cloud initiatives. Achieving this credential demonstrates an ability to design, deploy, and assess applications on AWS within complex requirements.
The exam encompasses a wide array of topics, necessitating comprehensive understanding across all areas. While there are no lab components, it consists of 75 multiple-choice questions to be completed in three hours.
Candidates are presented with lengthy scenarios, requiring retention of context for each service used and optimization strategies. Simply knowing what a service does isn't sufficient; you must understand its behavior in various situations and identify the most appropriate service for each scenario.
My Preparation Strategy
To succeed in this exam, it's essential to adopt a focused mindset. This is not the typical test that can be passed with minimal study.
Thoroughly review the exam guide, noting all the services you need to master, especially those you find challenging. I dedicated over two months to my preparation, utilizing Cloud Guru's courses, which I found particularly effective. I've also heard commendable reviews about the Udemy course.
For practice questions, I used Whizlab’s question bank, which closely mirrors the exam format. Simultaneously, I explored AWS services hands-on, as the exam tests your conceptual understanding through deep-dive questions.
In total, I allocated about 30% of my time to coursework and 70% to practice questions and labs, as understanding the question styles and identifying your weaknesses is crucial.
Video: How I Passed the AWS Solutions Architect Professional Exam
This video details my personal strategies and insights on passing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam, providing tips and guidance for prospective candidates.
Did I Succeed?
To my surprise, I passed! This achievement is a significant milestone in my professional journey.
I highly recommend this exam to anyone prepared for a challenge. However, it's vital not to underestimate its complexity. Here are some tips from my experience:
- Balance Learning and Practice: Allocate around 30% of your time to watching courses and 70% to practice tests.
- Study AWS Whitepapers: Focus on areas where you feel less confident. These resources provide in-depth technical knowledge and insights into service operations.
- Manage Your Time: You have approximately two minutes per question, making time management crucial during the exam.
- Stay Focused: Some questions can be lengthy and complex, so it's essential to maintain concentration and understand what is being asked.
If you pass, congratulations! You join the ranks of those who have dared to conquer the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional exam. This certification can significantly enhance your resume and propel your career forward.
Video: How I Passed the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional Exam
In this video, I share my experience and strategies for success in the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional exam, offering practical advice for future candidates.
Taimur Ijlal is an award-winning leader in information security with over 20 years of global experience in cybersecurity and IT risk management within the fintech sector. Connect with Taimur on LinkedIn or visit his blog. He also runs a YouTube channel, "Cloud Security Guy," where he shares insights on Cloud Security, Artificial Intelligence, and career advice in cybersecurity.