AWS Certification Paths & Exam Preparation
Validate Your Cloud Skills and Accelerate Your Career with AWS Certifications
AWS certifications are some of the most in-demand cloud credentials globally. They demonstrate your expertise in AWS technologies and are recognized by employers worldwide.
This chapter explains:
- Certification levels and paths
- Recommended learning resources
- Detailed breakdowns of key exams (CLF-C02, SAA-C03)
- Preparation tips and strategies
Why Get AWS Certified?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Global Recognition | Trusted by top employers like Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture |
| 💼 Better Job Opportunities | DevOps, Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer roles |
| 💰 Higher Salary Potential | AWS-certified pros often earn > ₹12 LPA in India |
| 📚 Structured Learning Path | Helps focus and retain knowledge |
| 🎓 Access to Exam Vouchers & Resources | Special events, communities, and AWS skillbuilder |
AWS Certification Levels
| Level | Audience | Example Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | Non-tech / beginners | CLF-C02 (Cloud Practitioner) |
| Associate | Developers, admins, architects | SAA-C03, DVA-C02, SOA-C02 |
| Professional | Experienced architects, engineers | SAP-C02, DOP-C02 |
| Specialty | Deep-dive in niche areas | Security, ML, Data Analytics |
Foundational Level – CLF-C02: Cloud Practitioner
Overview:
- No technical background required
- Covers basic AWS services, pricing, billing, security
Domains:
- Cloud Concepts – 26%
- Security & Compliance – 25%
- Technology – 33%
- Billing & Pricing – 16%
Sample Questions:
- What is the AWS Shared Responsibility Model?
- Which service lets you run code without provisioning servers?
Preparation Resources:
- AWS SkillBuilder free course
- Exam Readiness: Cloud Practitioner (AWS)
- TutorialsDojo, Whizlabs (mock exams)
- Whitepapers: Well-Architected Framework, Pricing Overview
Associate Level – SAA-C03: Solutions Architect Associate
Overview:
- Most popular AWS certification
- For solution architects, engineers, and developers
- Covers design, deployment, and security of scalable apps
Domains:
- Design Resilient Architectures – 30%
- Design High-Performing Architectures – 28%
- Design Secure Applications & Architectures – 24%
- Design Cost-Optimized Architectures – 18%
Sample Scenarios:
- Choose the best HA solution using ALB + ASG
- Select appropriate database: RDS vs DynamoDB
- Identify least-cost solution with scalability
✅ Key Services to Know for SAA-C03:
| Category | Core Services |
|---|---|
| Compute | EC2, Lambda, Elastic Beanstalk |
| Storage | S3, EBS, EFS, Glacier |
| Databases | RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora |
| Networking | VPC, NAT GW, Route 53, ALB/NLB |
| Security | IAM, KMS, Security Groups, WAF |
| Monitoring | CloudWatch, CloudTrail, Config, GuardDuty |
| Automation | CloudFormation, CDK, Systems Manager |
Professional & Specialty Certifications
🔷 Professional Level:
| Exam | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| SAP-C02 | Solutions Architect – Professional |
| DOP-C02 | DevOps Engineer – Professional |
These exams are:
- Scenario-heavy
- Time-intensive (180 minutes)
- Require deep understanding of trade-offs, migrations, cost, security
🔷 Specialty Level:
| Exam | Area |
|---|---|
| Security Specialty | IAM, KMS, GuardDuty, WAF |
| Data Analytics | Kinesis, Glue, Redshift, Athena |
| Machine Learning | SageMaker, AI/ML pipelines |
| Networking | Hybrid networking, Transit GW |
| Database Specialty | RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, caching |
Preparation Strategy (Works for All Exams)
1. Official Learning Path
- Use AWS SkillBuilder
- Register for free exam readiness courses
2. Read the Exam Guide + Sample Questions
- Every exam has a PDF guide
3. Practice with Hands-On Labs
- Use AWS Free Tier to:
- Deploy EC2 with Auto Scaling
- Create an S3 bucket policy
- Configure VPC with NAT and Subnets
4. Use Mock Tests
- TutorialsDojo (Jon Bonso’s exams are industry standard)
- Whizlabs
- Udemy Practice Tests
- Interview Question Generator by ScriptBuzz
- AWS Interview Questions
5. Study Whitepapers
| Whitepaper | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| AWS Well-Architected Framework | 5 Pillars of good architecture |
| AWS Security Best Practices | IAM, encryption, logging |
| AWS Cost Optimization | Billing tools, RI vs on-demand |
| Architecting for the Cloud | Design patterns for cloud apps |
Pro Tips for Passing AWS Exams
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Focus on eliminating wrong answers | Most questions are tricky |
| Look for keywords like “cost”, “HA” | Helps narrow down correct logic |
| Re-read questions carefully | Many are scenario-based |
| Hands-on labs > theory only | Improves retention and recall |
| Use practice exams under real timing | Simulates pressure & pacing |
🎓 Certification Maintenance
- Valid for 3 years
- Can renew by retaking the exam
- AWS now offers recertification via learning paths + assessments on SkillBuilder