Getting AWS certified is often seen as something that requires months of preparation, long study hours, and a perfectly clear schedule. In reality, that's not always possible—especially if you're already working, teaching, or involved in multiple projects.
In my case, I earned the two AWS foundational certifications in less than a month, each with very limited preparation time:
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner – taken on October 30, with less than 2 weeks of preparation
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – taken on November 24, with only 1 week of preparation
This wasn't about cramming or relying on luck. It was about strategy, focus, and using the right resources.
The Reality: Limited Time, High Focus
My schedule was packed. Between work, community involvement, and other responsibilities, I didn't have the luxury of long study sessions. Instead of aiming for "perfect coverage," I focused on exam readiness.
The goal wasn't to memorize everything—it was to understand how AWS asks questions and what concepts they prioritize.
The Game-Changer: Tutorials Dojo Practice Exams
If there's one resource that made the biggest difference, it's Tutorials Dojo practice exams.
I didn't just "take" practice exams—I used them as my primary learning tool.
Step 1: Review Mode
I started with two complete passes through the practice exams in Review Mode.
Here's what that looked like:
- I answered each question carefully
- I read every explanation, even when my answer was correct
- I paid attention to:
- Why was the correct answer right
- Why were the other options wrong
- AWS services that looked similar but had different use cases
This step alone helped me build conceptual clarity instead of surface-level familiarity.
Step 2: Timed Mode
Once I felt comfortable with the material, I switched to Timed Mode (at least half of the available practice exams—ideally all of them).
Timed Mode helped me:
- Get used to exam pressure
- Improve my pacing
- Learn to spot and eliminate distractors quickly
But here's the crucial part: after every timed exam, I would:
- List out every question I got wrong
- Review the explanations again
- Study the related AWS services or concepts in depth
Treat Timed Mode Like the Real Exam
When taking Timed Mode practice exams, treat them exactly like the real AWS exam.
- No distractions
- No other browser tabs
- No checking notes or documentation
- Full focus from start to finish
This helps you build the right exam mindset, improve time management, and reduce anxiety on exam day. Simulating real exam conditions trains you to think clearly under pressure and avoid second-guessing yourself when it matters most.
Step 3: Focus on Weak Areas Only
This is where most people waste time. They restudy everything, even the topics they already know well.
Instead, I focused exclusively on:
- Services I kept getting wrong
- Scenarios I didn't fully understand
- Keywords and patterns that appeared repeatedly in AWS questions
After identifying weak areas, I retook the Timed Mode exams until I consistently scored 90–100%.
This approach made my limited study time much more efficient and ensured I was fully exam-ready before the real test.
Why This Worked
Practice exams mirror the real thing. They're designed by people who understand how AWS tests. The question structure, the distractors, and the wording—it all matches what you'll see on exam day.
Explanations teach decision-making. It's not about memorizing facts. It's about learning how to think through AWS scenarios.
Reviewing mistakes forces active learning. When you get something wrong and understand why, that knowledge sticks. Way better than passively watching videos.
Timed practice builds confidence. Walking into the exam already comfortable with the format and time pressure is a huge advantage.
Even with just 1–2 weeks of prep, this method ensured I walked into the exam knowing what to expect.
Final Thoughts
Earning two AWS certifications in less than a month wasn't about having superhuman focus or endless free time.
It was about:
- Being realistic about my time constraints
- Using high-quality, targeted resources
- Learning from my mistakes instead of just consuming content
- Studying smart, not long
If you're busy but determined to get AWS certified, this approach can absolutely work for you.
You don't need months of preparation. You don't need to read every piece of AWS documentation.
What you need is consistency, focus, and the right strategy.
The hours you study matter less than how you study them.
About the Author
Uriel Alonso is a 2x AWS Certified Cloud Applications Specialist at Apper Cloud Labs, where she’s part of the Professional Services Engineering team delivering innovative cloud solutions. An alumna of both the AWS re/Start program and the AWS She Builds Mentorship Program, she’s passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in tech.
As one of the AWS User Group Leaders of AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines, Uriel works to build inclusive spaces where women and gender-diverse individuals in technology feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to grow their careers.
Top comments (1)
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I'm thinking about getting AWS DVA, so this article was very helpful.