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From Zero to AWS Certified: How I Passed the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate(SAA-CO3) Exam in Just 3 Months

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Rachana
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From Zero to AWS Certified: How I Passed the AWS Solutions Architect - Associate(SAA-CO3) Exam in Just 3 Months

Table of contents

A little intro about me-

I am a student pursuing my Bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering, just done with my 4th semester. I started my Engineering with little to no knowledge about computers and coding, I just knew the basics of Python. That led to me wasting my 1st semester trying nothing. In my 2nd semester, I started exploring core concepts of web-development by learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The idea of creating a website out of plain code excited me. So I dived deep into the domain by learning MERN stack. I built an app with guidance and another by my own, with little help from ChatGPT. The excitement wore out soon. Though I enjoyed coding, it just got boring. So I decided to take a break from Web-Development and started learning Data Structures and Algorithms. I was halfway through my 3rd sem by now. I had a little knowledge about C and C++, but was comfortable with Python, so started solving questions in Python. This is what I'd suggest anyone who's starting to learn DSA - pick the language you are the most comfortable with. I've seen people with little to no knowledge on Java and picking it to learn DSA, just because many companies require it. Learn it for your understanding and in your comfort when you're just starting out. My coding and analytical skills definitely improved over time. Yet, I was lacking the contentment. Given today's job market, I didn't feel safe with my skill-set. I was completely clue-less, just solving DSA questions everyday with no plan for the future.

How I got started with Cloud-

One afternoon, I was traveling back home from college, scrolling YouTube and I came across a video "Introduction to AWS | What is Cloud" - the video that changed the course of my professional development. Prior to this, all the knowledge I had about cloud was - "virtual storage". But that video, it really interested me like nothing before. So I got home and started following this playlist, learning AWS.

https://youtu.be/n6RWhajimZg?si=XcLy7aTpaUYOdtXx

This was the video and the guy who taught it, Abhishek Veeramalla is a true hero. I never got tired/bored learning various related technologies like Docker, Kubernetes etc. I was in the middle of my 4th sem, and challenged myself to pass the AWS SAA exam, just one month into learning what cloud was.

Starting the Exam Prep-

  1. Choosing the course-

    I did my research and had 2 options to pick from:

If you are someone who wants to learn fast and pass the exam, I'd suggest you go with Stéphane Maarek. But, if you have some time in your hands and want to dive deep into every topic, you should pick Adrian's course.

As I knew most of the core services in AWS from the YouTube playlist, I decided to go with Stéphane's course.

I finished the course in about 20 days as I had prior knowledge. But, if you are new to AWS, you should definitely take your time to learn and not rush.

  1. Choosing the practice exam-

    The SAA-CO3 exam is very broad. It covers a lot of services and remembering how every service works can get very overwhelming. The questions in the exam are scenario-based. You have to think as a Solutions Architect to design the most resilient, secure and optimized infrastructure as per the client's preferences. So, its crucial to practice similar questions before sitting for the real exam.

    I did my research again and was left with two options:

I chose Tutorial's dojo test as most of them recommended. I'd highly recommend it, as the question's wordings are very similar to the real exam. Often, the real exams are easier compared to the practice tests on TD. This way, it prepares you for the worst-case.

The TD bundle consists of seven sets of practice exams in both Timed and Review modes. It thoroughly explains each option, detailing why it is either correct or incorrect.

I took all the exams in timed-mode first and was scoring between 65% to 75% on my first attempt. You need to score 72%(720/1000) to pass the exam, and i failed in most of the tests. But, I reviewed on where I went wrong and continued to learn.

I used to repeat the same questions in review mode to brush up my memory. Later, during my second attempts I secured above 85% in every practice exam and felt ready to take the real exam.

  1. The real exam-

    https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate/

    Download the exam guide from here and go through the details.

    I scheduled my exam for 7th of June on Pearson Vue Online, and took the exam from home. I ran the system tests required for the exam software to run on my computer and was prepared. The proctor checked my desk and the exam began. I didn't waste time on complicated questions and flagged them for review and moved on with the remaining ones. I was done with all the 65 questions in an hour with around 15 questions flagged. I took my time to eliminate and try and pick the best option for those questions and submitted the exam. Compared to TD's practice exams, the real exam was easier, and I encountered 4 or 5 of the same questions I had solved in the practice tests. Overall, my experience with the exam was smooth.

Tips and Tricks to crack the exam-

  1. Consistency and Spaced repetition - As I have already said, the syllabus for the exam is extensive, making the services easy to forget. So, revise everyday. Utilize flashcards or your own notes to have a crisp version for faster revision.

    Keep a track of your revisions and make sure to re-visit the topics in at most 2 days. It might be overwhelming at first, but trust me, it gets easier the more you revise.

  2. Practice tests - Jump to the tests only after achieving grip to some extent on the course materials. I know most of them would want to attempt the practice exam ASAP after finishing the course, but the results might be demotivating if you do not have the grip. After beginning with the tests, explain yourself why the option is the correct and why others aren't. Review EVERY question - even if you got it correct, understand why it is the best fit.

  3. Answering questions - Lookout for the keywords in the question - "operationally efficient" or "least administrative over-head" or "cost-efficient" or "most secure". Analyze every option and pick the correct answer. If you know the services well, you can easily eliminate options so its not that hard.

  4. Stay active on communities - Personally, the discord server and a sub-reddit for AWS certifications was very helpful when I couldn't find proper explanations. It was also inspiring to read how others passed their exam and boosted my confidence. They also helped me get a 33% discount coupon for my exam.

  5. Get an Extra 30 Minutes on the Real Exam - If you aren't a native English speaker, AWS grants you an additional 30 minutes. But, you will have to claim this before booking the slot for your exam. This is how you can do it-

    • Go to 'AWS certification' page.

    • Navigate to 'Benefits' section from the dashboard. Click on 'Certification Benefits'

    • Request for 'ESL +30 minutes' and it will be approved:

This is all you need to know, guys. Keep learning and have the fire to learn new things. Be it cloud, or cybersecurity or any other domain, it doesn't matter. Learn for yourself, to validate your own knowledge. Nothing else matters.

Good luck to everyone trying to pass the exam. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn with any questions. I'm always here to help others in the community. Cheers!

AWS#SAA Certification