🚀 Introduction: “I Thought I Was Ready—Until I Wasn’t…”
When I first decided to pursue the AWS Solution Architect certification, I thought I had it all figured out. I had some experience in IT, binge-watched a couple of courses, and felt pretty confident. But as the exam date got closer, I realized I had no idea what actually mattered most.
That’s when I took a step back and restructured my entire approach.
Whether you're new to cloud or transitioning from another tech role, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam isn’t just about memorizing service names. It's about thinking like an AWS cloud architect—understanding the "why" behind the services, and designing real-world solutions.
If you're considering this certification, here are 7 things I wish someone had told me before I jumped in.
1. It’s Not Just Technical—It’s Strategic
Sure, you’ll need to understand the ins and outs of services like EC2, S3, IAM, RDS, and VPCs. But the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam goes beyond the tech. It tests how you design solutions that are secure, cost-effective, fault-tolerant, and scalable.
You’ll face questions like:
“A company needs a low-latency solution to serve users across regions. What should they use?”
You’re not just recalling definitions—you’re solving real architectural challenges. This mindset shift is the heart of becoming an AWS solutions certified architect.
2. Hands-On Practice Beats Endless Videos
It’s tempting to stick with your favorite instructor or blow through a playlist of lectures—but watching is not doing.
What really helped me was:
- Spinning up EC2 instances
- Creating S3 lifecycle rules
- Building VPCs with public/private subnets
- Testing IAM roles with real access policies
There’s something magical about seeing your AWS dashboard in action. If you’re taking an AWS solution architect course, make sure it includes hands-on labs or sandbox environments.
3. You Don’t Need to Be a Developer—But You Can’t Be a Stranger to Code
Here’s a myth: “Only developers can pass the AWS Architect Certification.”
Wrong.
While coding isn’t a primary skill for the AWS certified solutions architect, basic familiarity with:
- JSON for IAM policies
- CloudFormation templates
- Linux commands
- Bash scripting
…will absolutely give you an edge. Even a little bit goes a long way.
Think of it this way: You don’t need to write apps—but you should understand how to architect the environment where apps live.
4. Read Every Question Twice—AWS Loves Tricky Wording
AWS certification exams are infamous for their wording. The options often all seem correct at first glance. But the trick lies in:
- Cost optimization
- High availability
- Specific constraints mentioned (e.g., “no internet access”)
For example:
“A company wants to store archival data that is rarely accessed but needs quick retrieval within minutes.”
The wrong choice? S3 Glacier Deep Archive (retrieval takes hours).
The right choice? S3 Glacier or S3 Standard-IA, depending on budget.
It’s these nuances that separate AWS associate certification passers from re-takers.
5. Mock Tests Are Game-Changers—Use Them Early
Don’t save practice tests for the last week.
Use them to:
- Identify weak topics early (e.g., VPC peering, IAM roles)
- Get used to AWS question styles
- Improve time management under pressure
I personally recommend:
- Tutorials Dojo (Jon Bonso’s questions are gold)
- Whizlabs (for repetition)
- The official AWS solution architect practice test
Make sure you understand why an answer is correct—not just which option is right.
6. Know the Exam Format Like the Back of Your Hand
Let’s demystify the structure:
- Exam type: Multiple choice + multiple responses
- Duration: 130 minutes
- Questions: ~65
- Passing score: ~720 out of 1000
- Cost: $150 USD
- Mode: Online or at a testing center
It’s all scenario-based. Even the multiple-choice ones often describe real-world use cases.
Pro tip: You can flag questions and come back to them. Don’t get stuck—move on and return later with a fresh mind.
7. This Certification Is a Launchpad—Not the Finish Line
Becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect opens doors, especially in roles like:
- AWS Cloud Architect
- Cloud Engineer
- DevOps Associate
- Solution Design Consultant
But here’s what people miss: Certification is the beginning. The real growth happens when you start applying your skills in cloud projects—whether it’s freelance work, labs, or internal company tasks.
If you’re feeling ambitious, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional is the next big step—but don’t rush it. Master the fundamentals first.
👋 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
The AWS Solution Architect certification might seem intimidating, especially with all the hype around cloud careers. But trust me—if you approach it with curiosity, consistency, and hands-on learning, you’ll surprise yourself.
Start small. Take it one topic at a time. Play around in the AWS console. And don’t worry if you don’t understand everything right away—nobody does.
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being ready.
When you pass, that certification won’t just be a badge. It’ll be proof that you’ve officially joined the cloud generation.
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