I’ve never been a big fan of certifications that involve choosing the correct answer from multiple-choice options. Perhaps it’s the laborious reading or the lack of hands-on tasks. I’ve always preferred certifications that require configuring or troubleshooting systems, like the Red Hat or Kubernetes certifications.
However, the organization I work for places significant emphasis on employees earning certifications relevant to their domain. Certifications are not only a key performance metric but are also fully reimbursed. With this motivation, I committed to earning the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification in 2024. But, as usual, life got in the way, and I kept postponing it due to work and other commitments. Finally, in December 2024, I had no choice but to tackle it head-on.
Resources
I relied on the following resources during my preparation:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Course by Adrian Cantrill
- Practice Tests from Tutorials Dojo
Adrian Cantrill’s course has been my go-to resource for understanding AWS services. I purchased it a few years ago and have returned to it many times whenever I needed clarity on specific topics. The course materials are highly comprehensive, and Adrian’s teaching style is engaging and easy to follow.
A week before the exam, I started taking the practice tests on Tutorials Dojo. Initially, my scores were discouraging—I was averaging around 60–70%. I realized that I needed to review certain concepts more deeply. Revisiting Adrian’s course helped me understand the tricky areas. I also learned a useful trick—identifying key terms within questions and answer choices.
Preparation
My preparation spanned two weeks. While I didn’t have the luxury of full-time study, I managed to dedicate 2–3 hours daily during the first week, increasing it to 4–6 hours in the final days. Having worked with AWS services off and on over the years, I found it easier to connect concepts to real-world scenarios.
The practice tests from Tutorials Dojo were invaluable. They not only exposed my weak areas but also helped me develop test-taking strategies. By the end of my preparation, I was feeling more confident.
The D Day
I opted to take the exam at a testing center rather than remotely from my home. The idea of setting up my room to meet proctoring requirements—and the thought of someone virtually watching me—felt too distracting.
The exam was intense right from the first question. Nearly 70% of the questions had multiple plausible answers, and I found myself second-guessing my choices. The exam questions are brilliantly designed. Whoever designed it did a tremendous job.
Midway through, I started doubting whether I would pass. I had marked about 20 questions for review and used the last 15 minutes to revisit them. By the end, I was mentally drained, with no clear idea of how I’d performed. The wait for the results—8–10 hours—felt excruciating, but when I saw that I had passed, the relief was immense.
Positives
Preparing for this certification helped me catch up on the latest updates in the AWS ecosystem. AWS constantly adds new features and enhances existing services, and this exam preparation pushed me to explore areas I hadn’t focused on recent
I gained a much deeper understanding of Data and Message Processing Services, an area I previously found challenging. This knowledge will undoubtedly benefit me in my work.
During my preparation, I often found myself connecting the dots between theoretical concepts and practical applications in my job. In some cases, I even stumbled upon better ways to accomplish tasks using AWS.
Challenges I faced
In hindsight, rushing to complete the certification wasn’t ideal. With more time, I could have explored the material in greater depth.
Many questions had multiple answers that seemed correct, making it difficult to confidently choose the best one. While this is a great way to challenge candidates, it can be frustrating.
The length of the exam and the complexity of the questions left me mentally exhausted. This made the waiting period for results even more nerve-wracking.
My suggestions for future test takers
If you’re planning to take the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam, here are a few tips:
Give Yourself Enough Time – Don’t rush your preparation. A well-paced study plan will help you absorb the material more effectively and reduce stress.
Practice Tests Are Essential – Practice tests are invaluable for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and identifying areas for improvement. Tutorials Dojo’s practice tests were especially helpful for me.
Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization – AWS services are vast and constantly evolving. Focus on understanding the core concepts and how they apply to real-world scenarios instead of memorizing details.
Highly Recommended for AWS Practitioners – If you’re already working with AWS, this certification will help you gain deeper insights into the platform. During my preparation, I had many “aha” moments where I realized better ways to implement solutions.
