AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification
I’m thrilled to share that I recently earned my AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA) certification! It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’m excited to reflect on how I prepared for the exam and what I learned along the way.
Exam Preparation
Lecture
I started with Neal Davis’s AWS Certified Solutions Architect course on Udemy. One of the standout features of his course is the use of detailed architecture diagrams, which made abstract AWS concepts much clearer. While I know Maarek’s videos are more popular among AWS learners, I found Davis’s visual approach more helpful in grasping the big picture of AWS services and how they interact. His architecture designs helped me bridge gaps in my understanding and see how different services fit into real-world solutions.
Paid Mock Test
Practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true for the SAA exam. I used Steven Maarek’s mock tests, and I can’t recommend them enough. The detailed explanations provided for each question helped me not only understand the correct answers but also why other options were wrong, which deepened my understanding of AWS services.
I was fortunate to have a free Udemy subscription, but if you don’t, these mock tests are definitely worth the investment. They provide accurate answers and detailed reasoning, making them a fantastic tool for learning. While I also tried Neal Davis’s practice tests, they weren’t as detailed as Maarek’s, so I would recommend Maarek’s tests for more thorough preparation.
Free Mock Test
I also used ExamTopics, a free platform that offers mock tests contributed by the user community. To avoid distractions, I installed an AdBlock extension to block ads on the side of the screen while studying.
However, keep in mind that the explanations on ExamTopics are often based on user guesses and can be less accurate than the Udemy tests. That said, it’s still a great way to practice, especially after completing the more detailed Udemy mock tests. I recommend reading through the Udemy explanations first and then using ExamTopics for additional practice and to save time.
Result
Studying for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam was more than just an opportunity to earn a certification. It was a deep dive into backend system design and cloud architecture. Compared to the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP) exam I took earlier, the SAA exam was significantly more detailed and complex.
The process of preparing for this certification taught me how to think about designing backend systems and architecting solutions using AWS services. Concepts like high availability, scalability, fault tolerance, and cost optimization are not just theory. They’re essential for building robust cloud solutions.
If you’re interested in backend development or cloud computing, I highly recommend pursuing this certification. Along the way, try to connect the concepts to real-world scenarios. Think about how you can apply what you learn to your own projects, and pay special attention to architecture designs as they are invaluable for understanding AWS at a deeper level.
I plan to continue deepening my knowledge of system design and AWS services, as earning the certification is just the beginning of the learning journey.