How to Prepare for AWS Certification Exam in 2025?

Embarking on the journey to earn an AWS Certification in 2025 is a strategic move to validate your expertise in cloud computing and enhance your career prospects. With the increasing adoption of Amazon Web Services (AWS) across industries, obtaining this certification demonstrates your proficiency in leveraging AWS’s comprehensive suite of services. This blog will guide you through effective preparation strategies, recommended resources, and practical tips to help you succeed in the AWS Certification Exam.

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Introduction

Do you want to advance your career in the field of cloud computing? Obtaining an Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification can show your proficiency with the AWS cloud environment and lead to profitable prospects. In 2013, AWS launched certifications to verify a person’s proficiency with the AWS cloud and its optimal deployments. More than 650K people have earned associate, professional, or specialty-level AWS certifications since the program’s launch. AWS-certified candidates are regarded by businesses as reliable sources who can support their AWS adoption. Therefore, we have devoted this post to helping you prepare for the AWS certification exam.

Choose the Right AWS Certification

Think about your interests, goals for your career, and current position. A good place to start if you’re new to AWS is with the Cloud Practitioner certification. It is advised to pursue the appropriate associate-level certification for individuals who have specific roles in mind, such as solutions architect or developer. Advanced professionals who want to further their knowledge may choose to obtain professional or specialty certificates.

Choosing the right AWS Certification is essential to developing your career in cloud computing. AWS provides a well-organized certification program for different positions and skill levels:

Foundational Level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:

This certification offers a high-level overview of AWS services and their applications, making it perfect for people who are new to cloud computing. It is appropriate for people looking for a general overview of AWS who work in managerial, sales, or financial roles.

Associate Level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect:

This certification, which focuses on architectural best practices and services, is intended for professionals who want to create distributed systems on AWS. For many people seeking AWS qualifications, it’s a typical place to start.

2. AWS Certified Developer:

This certification, which is aimed at developers, covers technologies like DynamoDB and Elastic Beanstalk and dives into creating and managing apps on AWS.

3. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator:

Associate credential is intended for system administrators that oversee and run AWS applications, with a focus on deployment, management, and operations.

Professional Level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect:

An advanced credential for seasoned architects, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Professional focuses on intricate AWS structures and multi-tier systems. It is regarded as one of the most difficult AWS certifications to obtain.

2. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer:

This certification emphasizes automation and continuous delivery for individuals with expertise in AWS distributed system provisioning, operation, and management.

Specialty Level Certifications:

1. AWS Certified Advanced Networking:

This certification covers advanced networking principles and AWS services and is intended for individuals who specialize in complicated networking jobs.

2. AWS Certified Big Data:

Professionals that specialize in big data solutions, such as those employing Redshift and Kinesis, can earn the AWS Certified Big Data specialty certification.

3. AWS Certified Security:

This certification is intended for people with a background in security and focuses on protecting data and apps on AWS.

4. AWS Certified Machine Learning:

This certification covers the creation, training, and deployment of models on AWS and is intended for individuals with an interest in machine learning.

Understand the Exam Format & Syllabus

To effectively prepare for AWS Certification exam, it is essential to comprehend the material and exam methodology. AWS provides several certifications, each with a unique format and set of requirements. The following summarizes the syllabuses and exam formats for some of the most important AWS certifications:

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:

• Exam Format: You get 90 minutes to finish the roughly 65 multiple-choice questions on the test. On a scale of 100 to 1000, the passing score is typically 700.

• Syllabus: This foundational certification covers security, architecture, pricing, billing, AWS services, and fundamental AWS Cloud principles. It is intended for people who have never used cloud computing or IT before.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate:

• Exam Format: The exam lasts 130 minutes and consists of both multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. The passing score, which is normally about 720 out of 1000, is not made public.

• Syllabus: The design of cost- and performance-optimized solutions is the main emphasis of this certification. This includes choosing the right AWS services, calculating AWS expenses, and recognizing best practices for AWS architecture.

3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate:

• Exam Format: The exam is composed of both multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, and it lasts for 130 minutes. Although the passing score is normally about 720 out of 1000, it is not made public.

• Syllabus: The certification’s syllabus verifies technical competence in creating, testing, deploying, and troubleshooting AWS Cloud-based applications. It goes over development tools, security, deployment tactics, and AWS services.

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate:

• Exam Format: The exam lasts 130 minutes and consists of both multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. The passing score, which is normally about 720 out of 1000, is not made public.

• Syllabus: This certification focuses on using AWS to deploy, manage, and run fault-tolerant, scalable, and highly available systems. It covers security, automation, reporting, and monitoring.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional:

• Exam Format: The exam lasts 180 minutes and includes both multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. The passing score, which is normally about 750 out of 1000, is not made public.

• Syllabus: Cost optimization techniques, multi-tier applications, and intricate AWS infrastructures are all covered in this advanced certification. It calls for a thorough comprehension of best practices for architecture and AWS services.

6. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional:

• Exam Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions are included in the exam format, which lasts 180 minutes. Although it is not made public, the passing score is normally about 750 out of 1000.

• Syllabus: This certification focuses on using AWS to provision, run, and manage distributed systems. Continuous delivery, automation, security, and monitoring are all covered.

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Follow a Structured Study Plan

Creating a structured study plan is essential for effective preparation for AWS certification exams. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs:

1. Assess Your Current Knowledge:

• Identify your strengths and areas for improvement related to the AWS services and concepts.
• Determine which AWS certification aligns with your career objectives and in the current expertise.

2. Understand the Exam Requirements:

• Access the official AWS exam guide for your chosen certification to understand the domains and the objectives.
• Highlight the areas that require more focus based on the exam guide.

3. Develop a Study Schedule:

• Dedicate specific hours each day or week to studying, considering your other commitments.
• Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and set deadlines for each.
• Schedule regular short breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

4. Utilize Diverse Learning Resources:

• Enroll in AWS’s digital or classroom training programs.
• Take official practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format and identify areas needing improvement.
• Use books, online courses, and forums to gain different perspectives on complex topics.

5. Engage in Active Learning:

• Use the AWS Free Tier to gain practical experience with services.
• Participate in online communities or local study groups to discuss concepts and share insights.

6. Monitor Your Progress:

• Take weekly quizzes or self-assessments to track your understanding.
• Be flexible and modify your study plan based on your progress and any challenges encountered.

7. Prepare for the Exam Day:

• In the days leading up to the exam, focus on revising the critical areas.
• Confirm the exam location, time, and any required identification or materials.

Use High-Quality Study Resources

Preparing for the AWS Certification exam requires a strategic approach, utilizing high-quality study resources to ensure your success. Here are some recommended materials and strategies to guide your preparation:

1. Entri’s AWS Solutions Architect Associate Course:

The AWS Solutions Architect Associate course equips learners with the skills to design and implement scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud infrastructure using AWS. Through hands-on labs and real-world projects, you’ll master core AWS services, best practices for high-availability solutions, and strategies for optimizing performance and cost. The course includes real-world scenarios to build practical experience and prepare you for the certification exam.

Upon completing this course, you will have a deep understanding of AWS services and the expertise to design, deploy, and manage scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud solutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in multiple areas, preparing you for real-world cloud challenges.

2. Official AWS Training and Certification Resources:

For every certification, AWS offers comprehensive exam guides that describe the goal of the test, the needed experience, and the material covered. These resources are crucial for comprehending the focus areas and format of the test.

Digital courses that cover test subjects and go over sample questions for each area are available from AWS. AWS Skill Builder offers several courses, and subscription options give you access to more materials.

3. Tutorials Dojo:

For a variety of AWS certifications, Tutorials Dojo provides thorough study materials and practice exams. They are renowned for having well-organized materials that closely match real exam questions. After utilizing their resources, numerous candidates have reported great success rates.For fast reviews and understanding reinforcement, concise cheat sheets that highlight important ideas can be quite helpful.

4. AWS Whitepapers and Documentation:

Whitepapers on best practices, architectures, and services are published by TAWS. In-depth understanding is provided by studying these materials, which is frequently advised for test preparation. To comprehend the features and setups of different services, familiarize yourself with the official AWS service documentation.

4. AWS Free Tier:

To get hands-on experience with AWS services, use the AWS Free Tier. In order to comprehend real-world applications and reinforce academic knowledge, practical experience is essential. Participate in AWS seminars and labs to put your knowledge to use in safe settings and improve your practical comprehension.

Get Hands-On Experience

Mastering AWS services and performing well on the AWS Certification exam require practical experience. The following are some methods to improve your practical abilities:

1. Utilize the AWS Free Tier:

AWS provides a Free Tier that lets you test out a variety of services without paying anything. The chance to obtain real-world experience without spending money is fantastic.

2. Engage in AWS Labs and Workshops:

Take part in AWS Labs and courses to practice your abilities in safe settings. Guided, practical experience with a variety of AWS services and architectures is offered throughout these workshops.

3. Build Personal Projects:

Utilize your expertise by using AWS services to create own projects. For instance, you could create a web application that runs on AWS or use AWS analytics services to set up a data pipeline. With this method, learning is reinforced through real-world application.

4. Contribute to Open Source Projects:

Participating in open-source initiatives that make use of AWS can give you practical experience and showcase your abilities to prospective employers. There are many projects on sites like GitHub where you may work together and gain knowledge.

5. Participate in AWS Community Events:

Participate in local conferences, webinars, and events to interact with the AWS community. These gatherings frequently feature practical exercises and offer chances to network with industry experts.

6. Complete Online Labs and Challenges:

You may practice and improve your abilities by using interactive laboratories and challenges that mimic real-world situations, such as those provided by platforms like AWS Skill Builder.

Take AWS Practice Exams

An essential part of getting ready for the AWS Certification exam is taking practice tests. They aid in confidence building, knowledge gap identification, and exam format familiarization. The following resources and practice tests are suggested to help you prepare better:

1. Official AWS Practice Exams:

• To give candidates a realistic testing experience, AWS provides certified practice examinations for a number of certifications. The format and degree of difficulty of these tests are intended to replicate those of the real exam. The AWS Training and Certification portal provides access to them.

2. MeasureUp AWS Practice Tests:

• MeasureUp offers thorough AWS practice exams that replicate the actual exam setting. You can better grasp the underlying ideas with the help of the thorough explanations and references to pertinent AWS documentation provided in each question. They include assessment choices that can be customized, such as timed exams that mimic actual exam situations.

3. Digital Cloud Training Practice Exams:

• Digital Cloud Training provides practice tests with thorough explanations and answers. Their practice tests offer a genuine testing experience because they are made to closely mimic the real AWS exam. To get you started, they also provide free AWS practice test questions.

4. Community-Contributed Practice Questions:

• Practice questions and study guides created by the community are frequently available in the AWS Certifications subreddit. For instance, the community gave a user’s collection of 450 practice questions for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam excellent reviews.

5. Free AWS Practice Exam Questions:

• Digital Cloud Training are available, along with thorough explanations and connections to more resources. You can spend as much time as necessary to fully comprehend each idea because these questions are not timed.

Join AWS Communities & Discussion Forums

One of the greatest ways to learn more, stay current on best practices, and meet like-minded individuals is to participate in AWS communities and discussion forums. You can sign up for the following platforms:

1. The AWS Cloud Community:

For cloud supporters to explore, learn, and develop together, the AWS Cloud Community serves as a focal point. It provides tools, gatherings, and conversations to help you meet people who share your interests.

2. AWS Developer Forums:

Users can interact with the AWS community, exchange feedback, and submit technical questions via the AWS Developer Forums. Finding answers to problems and speeding up your development efforts are two of its many benefits.

3. The AWS User Groups:

AWS User Groups are community-led gatherings where developers can network, acquire practical skills, and talk about the newest AWS technologies. You can form your own group or locate one nearby—there are more than 590 organizations worldwide.

4. The Community Events on AWS:

Community leaders organize and present content at AWS Community Events, which are one-day conferences run by the community. The purpose of these events is to inform you about new services, architecture best practices, and the AWS platform.

5. The Community.social on AWS:

AWS supporters can exchange information, knowledge, and experiences on the website AWSCommunity.social. It’s a fantastic location to meet people that share your enthusiasm for AWS.

Book & Ace the Exam

There are a few essential procedures involved in scheduling and passing your AWS Certification test. This methodical guide will assist you in navigating the process:

1. Choose Your Certification Path:

• AWS provides a range of certifications suited to various positions and degrees of experience.
• For example, people who are new to the cloud might consider the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, whilst those with more expertise can consider the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
• Choose the certification that best suits your professional objectives by looking over the AWS Certification Paths.

2. Prepare for the Exam:

• Training Courses: To acquire fundamental knowledge, sign up for AWS Training and Certification programs, which include both online and in-person instruction.
• Practice Exams: To become acquainted with test formats and question patterns, use the AWS Official Practice Question Sets and Tutorials Dojo Practice Exams.
• Study Resources: To learn more about AWS services and best practices, read through AWS Whitepapers and FAQs.

3. Schedule Your Exam:

• Access the AWS Certification Account: Enter your credentials to access your AWS Certification Account.

• Choose Your Test: From the list, select the certification exam you want to take.

• Select a Testing Option: Choose between an in-person testing facility or online proctoring, which enables you to take the test from home. Make sure your PC satisfies the technical requirements for online proctoring.

• Set up the test: Choose a time and date that work for you. Because availability can change, make appropriate plans.

4. Confirm Your Appointment:

• You will receive a confirmation email containing exam policies and details after scheduling. Make sure you comprehend the exam requirements and processes by carefully going over this material.

5. Take the Exam:

On the Exam Day:

• At the appointed time, log into your AWS Certification Account, begin the test by following the directions, and make sure the area is well-lit and quiet.
• Bring all necessary materials and a valid form of identification when you arrive at the testing facility.

During the Exam:

• Each certification has a different exam duration, so make sure you use your time wisely to finish all the questions.
• As needed, you can go between the questions and mark them for review.

Preparing for AWS Solutions Architect? Master the course now!

Post-Certification Next Steps

Well done on earning your AWS certification! In addition to confirming your proficiency, this achievement creates a wealth of chances for career advancement. The following are some tactical actions to think about after certification:

1. Update Your Professional Profiles:

• LinkedIn: To increase your professional visibility, add your new qualification to your LinkedIn page.

• Resume: To demonstrate to prospective employers your AWS expertise, include the certification on your resume.

2. Benefits of Using AWS Certified:

• Digital Badge: To demonstrate your certification status, AWS offers a digital badge. Using your AWS Certification Account, you can access it.

• Discount Voucher: You get a 50% discount voucher for a future exam as a qualified person. You can use this ticket to recertify or to obtain more certifications.

3. Interact with the Community on AWS:

• AWS User Groups: To network with experts, exchange expertise, and keep up with AWS advancements, join local or online AWS User Groups.

• Online Forums: To share experiences and get guidance, join Reddit sites such as r/ AWS Certifications.

4. Go for More Advanced Certifications:

• Specialty Certifications: To expand your knowledge, think about getting specialized certificates in fields like data analytics, security, or machine learning.

• Professional Certifications: To further verify your abilities, work your way up to professional-level credentials like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Professional.

5. Use Your Skills in Real-World Situations:

• Practical Projects: Use AWS solutions in actual projects to show off your skills and solidify your learning.
• Contribute to Open Source: To develop your portfolio and obtain real-world experience, work on open-source projects that make use of AWS services.

Final Thoughts

AWS certifications are a great method to prove your knowledge and advance your cloud career. AWS offers credentials that are specific to your objectives, regardless of whether you’re just beginning your cloud adventure or hoping to specialize in more complex fields like machine learning or security.

You may establish yourself as a useful cloud specialist in a quickly expanding field by meticulously organizing your certification path, obtaining practical experience, and keeping up with AWS offerings. Begin by earning the certification that best suits your present level of knowledge, gradually advance your skill set, and open up exciting opportunities both this year and in the future.