From Novice to Certified: How to Successfully Pass the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam

Hello, Dev community 👋!

So you are skeptical about passing the AWS SAA exam? There is nothing to worry about because here are some important tips that will increase your chances of passing the SAA exam.

Practice makes perfect

• Now you can visit the cloud learning center AWS Skill Builder where you can learn from AWS experts and build cloud skills online. It provides access to 600+ free courses and other paid courses.

• I used Stephane Maarek course on Udemy but you can use any course of your choice.

• If you are new to AWS, take a bit of AWS practice exams before rushing to the actual exam.

• The exam recommends you have one or more years of hands-on experience. Time depends on an individual and the experience you have with AWS, thus you can't fake it.

• Practice makes perfect so give it a goal.

• If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge you have learned go over it one more time. Take your time there is so much new knowledge.

Proceed by elimination

• If you do have questions proceed by elimination. The majority of the questions will be scenario-based.

• Remove any questions that you are certain are incorrect from the ones provided.

• Determine which of the remaining responses makes the most sense.

• There are very few trick questions but don't overthink your answers

• If a solution seems feasible but highly complicated, it's probably wrong

• If you don't know the answer to a question right away, answer it and flag 🚩it for review using your little flag feature in the exam.

Skim through the AWS Whitepapers

You can read about some AWS Whitepapers :

1. Architecting for the Cloud: AWS Best Practices

2.AWS Well-Architected Framework

3.AWS Disaster Recovery

It's never a bad idea to go over the AWS Whitepapers you find intriguing; perhaps they will assist you in solidifying your AWS knowledge.

Read each service's FAQ

• If you don't know a service very well or you have doubts read its FAQ. This is where most of the questions on the exam will be.
  For instance, the VPC FAQs check them out here

• FAQs help confirm your understanding of the service

Join the AWS Community

• If you are serious about AWS, you need to get into the AWS community

• Engage, lend a hand, and have conversations with others in the community.

• Read forums and online blogs

• Attend local meetups and discuss with other AWS engineers

• Watch re:Invent videos on Youtube(AWS Conference)

With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam. Remember, preparation and persistence are key. Good luck—you’ve got this!