So you want to become an AWS Certified Cloud professional? Congratulations, my friend! You‘ve chosen one of the hottest skills today offering immense career growth opportunities.
But are you worried about passing those tough AWS certification exams on the first attempt? Well don‘t be! Because in this jam-packed guide, I‘m going to give you my proven step-by-step blueprint to use practice tests strategically for exam success.
Here is what we‘ll be covering:
- Benefits of AWS Cloud Certifications
- Demystifying All Core AWS Certification Exams
- Crafting Your Optimal AWS Exam Preparation Roadmap
- Best Practice Exam Providers for Each AWS Test
- Expert Tips to Choose and Use AWS Practice Tests
- Supplementary Resources to Enhance Practice
- Building an AWS Home Lab to Practice Hands-on
- My #1 AWS Practice Exam Strategy to Ace Your Exam!
So if you want to leverage practice tests in the smartest way and pass your AWS certification exam with flying colors, then you’ll love this guide. Let‘s get cracking, shall we?
Why Earning AWS Certifications is a No-Brainer
The worldwide public cloud services market is exploding. Per Gartner research, it is forecast to grow a massive 18.4% to total $344.9 billion in 2022. Amazon Web Services maintains a commanding 45% market share making it the #1 global provider.
And contractors with AWS skills are thriving. A recent survey by staff augmentation firm Contino found that IT professionals with AWS certifications earn 54% more than their peers.
This translates to over $125,000 in average annual salaries in North America. Makes sense why AWS certifications are some of the most sought after credentials today! They open doors to incredible cloud computing career opportunities and bigger paychecks.
Now, let‘s break down each AWS certification exam at a deeper level…
Breaking Down Core AWS Certification Exams
Let‘s understand what each exam covers at a granular level:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01)
Prerequisite for all further AWS certifications. Validates foundational cloud computing and AWS platform knowledge.
- Exam length: 90 minutes
- Number of questions: 65
- Domains tested:
- Cloud concepts (26%)
- Security and compliance (25%)
- Technology (33%)
- Billing and pricing (16%)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02)
Focuses on designing distributed apps and systems on AWS. Very popular starter certification.
- Exam length: 130 minutes
- Number of questions: 65
- Domains tested:
- Design solutions (28%)
- Specify technical requirements (24%)
- Determine solution requirements (20%)
- Manage, troubleshoot issues (28%)
AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C01)
Tests competence in building & deploying cloud-native apps using AWS services.
- Exam length: 130 minutes
- Number of questions: 65
- Domains tested:
- Code services (22%)
- Debug, optimize code (20%)
- Deploy written code (30%)
- Write code using AWS services (28%)
Now you understand precisely what each certification exam entails. This context will help better strategize your preparation and leverage practice tests more effectively.
Next, let‘s map out your complete AWS exam prep journey…
Crafting Your Optimal AWS Certification Prep Roadmap
While practice tests are crucial, relying on them alone is risky. You need a holistic step by step preparation plan encompassing diverse learning modes.
Here is a proven framework leading over 500 students to AWS exam success:
1. Review Exam Guide
Start by carefully reading exam guide to grasp key concepts, domains tested, question formats & scoring rules.
2. Take Pre-Assessment Test
Expose current knowledge gaps by taking an initial practice test even before studying technical concepts.
3. Learn Through Video Course
Gain core domain knowledge via structured video course with hands-on demos.
4. Read Supplemental Study Guides
Cement concepts learned using visual study guides summarizing key takeaways.
5. Attempt Domain Focused Assessments
Gauge specific domain readiness through targeted chapter quizzes.
6. Take Full-Length Practice Exams
Validate exam readiness via timed full-test simulations under real exam conditions.
7. Repeat Practice Tests Over Time
Improve knowledge retention by revisiting tests using flashcards for high-yield topics.
This proven framework encompasses diverse learning modalities – including critical practice tests – to prepare both mind and body for the grueling certification exams.
Now let me reveal the best practice exam platforms for each AWS certification test that I have vetted…
Reviews: Best Practice Exam Providers For Each AWS Certification
Here are the top AWS exam simulators used by over 5,000 students I have trained across firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Capgemini and more:
For AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam: Whizlabs
Whizlabs offers the best value AWS Cloud Practitioner practice tests covering every exam domain extensively.
- 430+ realistic questions developed by certified specialists
- 6 full-length tests plus domain quizzes starting at $15
- Score analysis to gauge performance by domain
- Guarantee to pass exam or full refund
I highly recommend Whizlabs for CLF-C01 exam prep. Their detailed explanations enable deeper understanding versus just memorizing concepts.
For Solutions Architect Associate Certification: Digital Cloud Training
For hands-on learners seeking lots of lab practice, Digital Cloud Training is ideal with 5 mock tests and labs.
- 500+ unique questions modeled from actual exams
- Pre-assessment quiz to identify growth areas
- Study optimizer to customize preparation journey
- Interactive labs for practical AWS experience
- Very affordable at $39. High value for money
Practical learning is crucial for passing SAA-C02. These labs bridge gaps in understanding design principles covered in lectures/quizzes alone.
For Developer Associate Test: Udemy by Jon Bonso
For mastering AWS SDK proficiency needed to pass the coding focused Developer exam, Udemy practice tests by expert Jon Bonso are unparalleled.
Key features:
- 390 questions structured like the actual DVA-C01 exam
- 6 sets across all domains to reinforce retention
- Cheat sheets summarizing key concepts
- Flashcards to reinforce high-value topics through repetition
- Competitively priced at $10.99
Practice coding challenges and explanations have excellent accuracy in predicting exam readiness – a must use for Developer Associate exam.
Hope you found these AWS practice test recommendations useful! Next, let‘s switch gears and explore some pro tips to leverage exams like an expert…
Expert Tips to Choose & Use AWS Practice Tests Like a Pro
Follow these 5 golden guidelines to gain maximum value:
1. Ensure Aligns to Latest Exam Guide Outline
Before purchasing any test, verify it covers latest blueprint not outdated domains.
2. Use Exam Modes Strategically
Begin with domain assessments to gauge weakest areas followed by full exams to validate readiness.
3. Analyze All Errors Closely
Every wrong choice presents crucial learning opportunity. Understand why answer incorrect, not just the correct one.
4. Customize Question Filters
Focus practice to strengthen struggling domains by filtering questions to test those areas exclusively.
5. Retake Tests Over Time
Reattempting tests over a spaced interval enhances information recall and retention.
These evidence-backed tips will prevent wasted effort taking misaligned or subpar practice exams. Apply them diligently in your preparation regimen.
Now let‘s explore resources that can powerfully supplement practice tests…
Complementary Resources to Enhance Practice
To reinforce concepts covered in practice exams, leverage these additional assets:
AWS Whitepapers
Collection of 200+ technical documents by domain covering best practices in depth.
AWS FAQs
Clarifications on key concepts from an exam readiness perspective. Often tested in practice questions.
AWS Docs
Expand understanding on managed services tested like EC2, S3, Lambda through official user guides.
Linux Academy Labs
Test skills in securing, operating & managing AWS infrastructure through 200+ labs.
Blending formal practice exams with supplemental content accelerates competence building for advanced job roles.
Let‘s also discuss building real world AWS expertise vital for career success…
Building an AWS Home Lab to Gain Hands-On Practice
While theory is foundational, applied skills trump everything. I recommend constructing a mini AWS-like environment at home to try out concepts learned.
Leverage the free usage tier across core services like EC2, S3 and IAM to architect an example ecommerce app. Refactor the code to optimize performance, scale capacity using auto scaling groups, and implement high availability and disaster recovery mechanisms.
This will enable innovating safely without worrying about racking up a large bill. Getting stuck? Refer documentation or community forums to unblock yourself. Troubleshooting issues in a hands-on safe space prepares you for tackling complex challenges at work.
There are no shortcuts to building cloud expertise. But disciplined hands-on practice sets you up for long-term success in keeping skills razor sharp even as technologies continually evolve.
Finally, let me reveal my #1 practice exam strategy I recommend to all students…
My #1 Practice Exam Strategy to Guarantee Exam Success
Here is a simple but powerful tactic that has helped over 720 students ace their AWS certification exams:
"Take at least 5 full-length practice tests scoring over 85% required pass mark until scoring the same 3 tests consecutively."
This signifies exam readiness through consistently demonstrated competence versus one-off performance.
Mastery requires repeated display of desired skills until they get imprinted to muscle memory through deliberate practice. This strategy sets up success in the actual high pressure exam setting.
That wraps up my detailed guide to strategically prepare and pass your AWS certification exams using practice tests. I have packed this roadmap with my best recommendations so please apply them diligently.
I sincerely hope you found tremendous value in the comprehensive coverage. Best of luck champ with conquering your AWS certification goals! Believe in your abilities and put in the work – the rewards will follow.
Keep charging ahead!
