7 Resources to Master the AWS Professional Certification Exam

Paddy lock
5 min readJul 28, 2016

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AWS, Amazon Web Services, is a major player when it comes to Cloud Computing and virtual servers. When Amazon entered the cloud computing segment, there were no certifications or standards for creating virtual servers and deploying apps to the cloud.

For this particular reason, Amazon created a set of Certifications with AWS that help developers back their technical skills and expertise as a cloud architect. According to the AWS website, these certifications “validate advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.”

There are three major paths that are covered within the AWS Amazon Cloud certifications: Solutions Architects, Developers and SysOps Administrators. Few of the certifications offer two different levels, Associate (Novice) and Professional (Advanced). This article attempts to help developers who have already successfully passed their Certified Solutions Associates certification exam and are now looking to crack the Professional level exam.

Earning these certifications can be valuable in terms of having companies recognize your skills and experience in the cloud sector. So, if you want to earn the Professional level certification, here are a few good resources to help you master the AWS solutions architect exam.

  1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional

The best place to get started with studying for the AWS certification exam is definitely the AWS website. The website itself is equipped with valuable information including the syllabus, the guide and even practice exams. In order to ace the exam, you must first understand what is on it. A must for anyone who is even thinking about taking the exam in the first place.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Professional Level

In addition to the AWS Exam Guide, this Linux Academy certification course should definitely be on your study list. This AWS Course has over 37 hours of material covering everything you need to learn about the certification exam. Additionally, it also offers study methods for preparing for the exam as well as test taking practices. It also comes with Practice exams and a quiz that tells you if you are ready for taking the original certification exam. That’s not all, it also has a Note Cards section at the top of the page, which are basically short flash cards to help you study.

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Exam Guide

This one is also a great AWS tutorial to help you get started studying for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam. It helps break down the concepts that you need to know for the exam, giving you an in-depth understanding of the important technology that is a part of the exam syllabus. Additionally, you will also get a hands-on experience by actually working with the instructor.

4. Amazon Web Services Playlist

The Amazon Web Services YouTube Channel is a great way to keep up with the changes that is happening within the AWS world. Learn directly from the great minds behind the AWS system who actually get into the nitty gritty of it everyday. It also includes videos from summits and talks where you can learn about how AWS is changing the world. It’s a good way to stay on top of the changing technology and also prepare for the AWS certification exam.

5. Certified Solutions Architect — Professional

This ‘A Cloud Guru’ Solutions Architect Professional Course is designed by Ryan Kroonenburg, who has been working with cloud since the very beginning and also has popular courses related to AWS on Udemy. His experience shows in the manner with which he teaches, making the subject simple and easy to grasp. This tutorial is divided into the 8 domains that are covered within the exam. Slightly on the expensive side at $79, it does extensively cover a lot of the components that are going to be on the exam.

6. Solutions Architect Professional Level Certification for AWS (1 of 3)

Cloud Academy has a complete website dedicated to learning everything about cloud and even passing Amazon’s certification exams. It has a 3-part course for learning about the major concepts that are a part of the exam. Additionally, it also has numerous other video tutorials for learning about cloud and becoming an expert. The best part is the other benefits that you get with this course, including quizzes, laps and a large community to help you when you are stuck. A must for anyone who is trying to ace the AWS solutions architect exam in the first sitting!

7. Solutions Architect — Professional

This resource focuses more on the hands-on aspect of learning rather than the theory of it. This lab allows you to practice key services that you need to understand before giving the exam. It uses a learn by doing approach, allowing you to keep working with the system as well as understanding the ins and outs of it.

AWS and cloud computing have been steadily growing in the last decade and are slated to grow further in the coming few ones. This is what makes having these certifications so important — it shows off your skills and notifies employers that you are currently at the top of your game! These are only a few of the many different tutorials available online, but these ones are definitely the most helpful. In case you come across any other good resources, please drop us a message in the comments section below and let us know.

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