AWS: Tips to pass the certification exams

4 min readJul 11, 2022

In this article, I will be giving you some tips on how you can successfully pass any AWS exam that you undertake.

What is Amazon Web Services (AWS)?

Amazon Web Services or AWS as it’s commonly known in the tech industry is the world’s most reliable cloud computing platform. It provides hundreds of unique services which are all cloud-based, ranging from databases to virtual servers.

Why should you take an AWS certification exam?

Of course, there are many reasons why one should take an AWS certification exam, here are a few to keep in mind:

Show your dedication to the profession of cloud computing

By taking an AWS certification exam you prove to organizations that you are committed to learning about the cloud and, it also shows that you are motivated and driven since some exams can be very difficult to pass.

AWS is the leader in the IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) industry

If your goal is to one day help companies adopt a cloud-based infrastructure, then being certified is necessary. This is because organizations know that AWS-certified professionals are less than likely to make mistakes in the cloud transition process.

Validate your skills and value-based learning

Another reason why you should aim to get certified is to simply validate your skills. When applying for work of any kind, employers want to see and know what you can do and know a bit more about your work ethic. Having an AWS certification shows employers that you have a strong knowledge of cloud computing and also that you have a valued certification — since AWS certifications are very high in demand.

So, let’s get started with some tips…

1. Learn to understand and not to memorize

Although this is a general study approach and not a more technical tip to the benefit of passing your exam, it is essential that you start off with the correct mindset when studying for your exam.

The problem with memorizing is that your focus is only to remember certain pieces of information, hence you will not be able to apply it to a given scenario or rationalize it efficiently since you don’t understand it. Instead aim to understand concepts and key terms/definitions.

Yes, sometimes you need to remember facts, such as the steps and order of events, but for the most part, you need to focus on understanding key concepts instead of memorizing them.

2. Download the official exam guide

Whenever you take an exam, it is important to know what is expected of you. So, be sure to download the exam guide for the exam that you are planning to take on the AWS website. It will outline the sections that you need to know, as well as the percentage of questions per section.

You can find more information from the following link:

https://aws.amazon.com/certification/?nc2=sb_ce_co

3. Be positive and confident

Another non-technical tip, but one that I feel is important nevertheless. When studying for the exam, don’t feel intimidated if there are certain topics that you struggle to understand. Take your time and tackle all the topics until you understand them and remember that it is not a race, whether you take 2 weeks or 2 months, the end result is what counts not the time that it takes.

If you are honest with yourself and take the time that you need and not what you want, then you will have the confidence to ace the exam when the time comes.

4. Udemy course

I strongly recommend taking the time to check out Stephane Mareek’s courses, since he covers most of the AWS exams that you’ll typically take. Everything that you need to know is outlined in his courses. His structure and teaching style of the cloud is exceptional. Included in his courses is usually a free practice paper that will give you a taste of what to expect in your final exam.

Although you will have to pay for his courses, I promise that you won’t regret it. I can say from personal experience as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Developer that Stephane’s course is the way to go.

Please see the link below to Stephane’s profile, where you can take a look at his courses:

https://www.udemy.com/user/stephane-maarek/

5. Do more research

During your exam preparation be sure to surf the web and be on the lookout for other articles which highlight other people’s experiences and perspectives. It is important to read about other people’s thoughts so that you are as prepared as you can be and have more insight when studying for your exam.

Final thoughts

The important thing when taking any AWS exam is to take your time and work hard throughout your study preparations. Don’t ever get despondent or lose hope if you feel that you are struggling. Just believe in yourself and know that you do in fact have the ability.

I hope that this article was of some value to you and that you pass your certification exam the first time.

Good luck with your studies and all the best!