The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) examination offers a comprehensive set of questions, drawing from a wide spectrum of topics. During my multiple attempts at the examination, I discerned that the questions presented weren’t merely repetitive or overly familiar. Instead, they challenged candidates with multi-faceted scenarios, often demanding the selection of multiple correct responses from a diverse set of options. These scenarios were intricately detailed, paired with answer choices that went beyond mere service names. The answers were often elaborate statements, interweaving various AWS features or services.
A web application hosted on AWS uses an EC2 instance to serve content and an RDS MySQL instance for database needs. During a performance audit, you notice frequent read operations are causing performance bottlenecks. To optimize the read performance, which of the following strategies should you implement? (Select TWO.)
A. Deploy an ElastiCache cluster to cache common queries and reduce the load on the RDS instance.
B. Convert the RDS instance to a Multi-AZ deployment for improved read performance.
C. Use RDS Read Replicas to offload read requests from the primary RDS instance.
D. Increase the instance size of the RDS database to a larger instance type with more CPU and RAM.
E. Implement Amazon Redshift to replace RDS for improved read and write operation performance.
Correct Answer:
A. Deploy an ElastiCache cluster to cache common queries and reduce the load on the RDS instance.
C. Use RDS Read Replicas to offload read requests from the primary RDS instance.
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A. Deploy an ElastiCache cluster to cache common queries and reduce the load on the RDS instance.
Using Amazon ElastiCache is a common strategy to enhance the performance of a database-driven application by caching the results of frequent queries. When your application queries the database, it first checks the cache to see if the result is available, which reduces the number of direct read requests to the database and improves response times for your end-users.
C. Use RDS Read Replicas to offload read requests from the primary RDS instance.
Amazon RDS Read Replicas provide a way to scale out beyond the capacity of a single database deployment for read-heavy database workloads. You can create one or more replicas of a source DB Instance and serve high-volume application read traffic from multiple copies of your data, thereby increasing aggregate read throughput.
B. Convert the RDS instance to a Multi-AZ deployment for improved read performance.
Multi-AZ deployments for Amazon RDS are designed to provide enhanced availability and durability for Database (DB) Instances, making them well-suited for production workloads. However, they do not inherently improve read performance, as the standby instance in a Multi-AZ deployment is not used to serve read traffic.
D. Increase the instance size of the RDS database to a larger instance type with more CPU and RAM.
While increasing the size of the RDS instance can improve overall performance, it is not the most cost-effective strategy for optimizing read performance specifically. This approach increases the capacity of the database to handle a larger load, but it does not address the read load issue as efficiently as caching or using read replicas.
E. Implement Amazon Redshift to replace RDS for improved read and write operation performance.
Amazon Redshift is a data warehousing service and is used for complex queries on large sets of data. It’s not a direct replacement for a transactional database like MySQL and is typically used for different types of workloads that involve analytics and data warehousing operations. Redshift is optimized for high-performance analysis and reporting on large datasets, not for transactional web application data patterns.
In a landscape where adherence to regulatory standards is paramount, a business ventures to confirm that their AWS services are compliant. A Solutions Architect is tasked with provisioning the audit team an arsenal of compliance documents to assess the services’ conformity to industry standards.
Which tool should the Architect leverage to provide comprehensive access to these vital documents?
A. Engage with AWS Artifact for immediate access to AWS compliance documents.
B. Retrieve compliance documents directly from the AWS Security Hub.
C. Deploy Amazon Inspector to collect compliance data.
D. Operate Amazon Macie for a detailed compliance report review.
Correct Answer: A. Engage with AWS Artifact for immediate access to AWS compliance documents.
Here’s the detailed explanation and reference link for the answer provided:
Enable IAM Database Authentication for the RDS instance.
IAM database authentication is used to control who can connect to your Amazon RDS database instances. When IAM database authentication is enabled, you don’t need to use a password to connect to a DB instance. Instead, you use an authentication token issued by AWS Security Token Service (STS). IAM database authentication works with MySQL and PostgreSQL. It provides enhanced security because the authentication tokens are time-bound and encrypted. Moreover, this method integrates the database access with the centralized IAM service, simplifying user management and access control.
By using IAM Database Authentication, you satisfy the security requirements by ensuring that only authenticated EC2 instances (or more precisely, the applications running on them that assume an IAM role with the necessary permissions) can access the RDS database. This method also preserves the confidentiality of customer data by leveraging AWS’s robust identity and access management system.
A corporation endeavors to migrate their web application, undergirded by IIS for Windows Server, alongside a network-attached file share, to AWS. The goal is to achieve a resilient and accessible system post-migration. The Architect is charged with the migration of the file share to a cloud service that supports Windows file storage conventions.
Which service should the Architect employ to migrate and integrate the file share seamlessly?
A. Migrate the network file share to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
B. Transfer the file storage to Amazon EBS.
C. Implement AWS Storage Gateway for the file share transition.
D. Opt for Amazon EFS for file storage solutions.
Correct Answer: A. Migrate the network file share to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Here’s the detailed explanation and reference link for the answer provided:
Migrate the network file share to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Amazon FSx for Windows File Server provides fully managed Microsoft Windows file storage and is built on Windows Server. It’s designed to be compatible with the SMB protocol and Windows NTFS, and it supports features like Active Directory integration and DFS namespaces. FSx for Windows File Server is a cloud-compatible service that makes it easy for enterprises to migrate and integrate existing Windows-based applications that require file storage.
Using FSx for Windows File Server, the company can lift and shift their existing file shares to AWS without needing to modify their applications or file management tools, maintaining the same file storage conventions they currently use.
A tech firm’s CRM application, hosted on a fleet of on-demand EC2 instances, suffers from initial performance dips as work commences. The Architect must devise a solution to bolster application readiness and maintain peak performance from the onset of business hours.
What scaling policy should the Architect enforce to anticipate and address the morning performance surge?
A. Initiate a CPU utilization-based dynamic scaling policy.
B. Implement a timed scaling policy to augment instances prior to peak usage hours.
C. Base scaling on memory usage metrics.
D. Predictive scaling to forecast and scale for expected traffic increases.
Correct Answer: B. Implement a timed scaling policy to augment instances prior to peak usage hours.
Here’s the detailed explanation and reference link for the answer provided:
Implement a timed scaling policy to augment instances prior to peak usage hours.
Scheduled scaling allows you to set up scaling actions to start at specific times, which is useful when you can predict changes in load. For the tech firm’s CRM application, which experiences known performance dips at the beginning of the business day, implementing a scheduled scaling policy enables the system to prepare for the influx of users by increasing the number of EC2 instances before they log in. This preemptive approach ensures that the CRM application is scaled up and ready to handle requests, maintaining consistent performance levels during peak operating times.
A software development entity utilizes AWS Lambda for serverless application deployment. They employ Lambda functions that integrate with MongoDB Atlas and utilize third-party APIs, necessitating the storage of sensitive credentials across development, staging, and production environments. These credentials must be obfuscated to avert unauthorized access by team members or external entities.
How should the environment variables be safeguarded to ensure maximum confidentiality and security?
A. Assume default AWS Lambda encryption is sufficient for the task.
B. Implement SSL encryption through AWS CloudHSM for enhanced security measures.
C. Resort to EC2 instance deployment for storing environment variables.
D. Encrypt the sensitive data using AWS KMS with environment variable encryption helpers.
Correct Answer: D. Encrypt the sensitive data using AWS KMS with environment variable encryption helpers.
Here’s the detailed explanation and reference link for the answer provided:
Encrypt the sensitive data using AWS KMS with environment variable encryption helpers.
AWS Lambda supports environment variables for storing configuration settings that control the behavior of your Lambda function. For sensitive information such as database credentials or API keys, AWS recommends encrypting the environment variables using AWS Key Management Service (KMS). The Lambda service integrates with KMS to automatically encrypt and decrypt these environment variables. When you create or update a Lambda function and its environment variables, you can specify a KMS key and use the Lambda encryption helpers to handle the encryption and decryption of this data.
While the official SAA-C03 exam guide does provide substantial coverage, it’s crucial to recognize its limitations. There were myriad topics, technologies, and services beyond its scope, underscoring the necessity for holistic preparation. To give potential candidates a glimpse, here are some focal areas from my exam experience:
Apache Technologies: The exam delved deep into Apache’s suite, covering technologies like Apache Spark, Apache Parquet, Apache Kafka, and more.
Disaster Recovery: There was a pronounced focus on disaster recovery, encompassing key concepts such as RTO (Recovery Time Objective), RPO (Recovery Point Objective), and the relevant AWS tools to address them.
Kubernetes: The test touched upon various Kubernetes-centric technologies, notably the Kubernetes Metrics Server and Kubernetes Cluster Autoscaler.
Amazon S3 Features: Questions around Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3) and its nuanced features like S3 Access Point and S3 Lifecycle Policy were prevalent.
Machine Learning: The exam presented scenarios centered on machine learning, spotlighting AWS offerings like Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Transcribe.
Emerging AWS Offerings: The test also introduced queries on newer AWS services, such as the Lambda function URL feature and the AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery service.
These insights emphasize the significance of adopting an expansive and detailed preparation methodology for the SAA-C03 exam, ensuring a firm grasp on both mainstream and niche topics for a triumphant outcome.
As I initially ventured into the SAA-C03 online exam through Pearson Vue in early 2023, my feelings oscillated between sheer enthusiasm and palpable apprehension. Weeks of meticulous preparation had gone into mastering the extensive AWS services, architectures, and best practices. Yet, the intricacy of the SAA-C03 exam surpassed my expectations, confronting me with nuanced questions that demanded a profound grasp of AWS functionalities and discernment amidst closely related choices.
The swift progression of time during the exam was a testament to its rigorousness; it wasn’t just about technical acumen but also about making swift, informed decisions. Much to my chagrin, my initial attempt didn’t culminate in a passing score. While the initial sting of disappointment was potent, I chose resilience over resignation, using this setback as a catalyst for deeper introspection and redoubled effort.
Having previously navigated the simpler waters of the CLF-C01 exam, the SAA-C03 felt like uncharted territory with its heightened complexity. While I had immersed myself in the SAA-C03 video course lessons, I acknowledged the oversight in not dedicating adequate time to practice tests, which likely played a role in my initial stumble. Undeterred, I fortified my resolve for the subsequent attempt.
My Nuggets of Wisdom for the SAA-C03 Exam:
Thorough Preparation: The bedrock of SAA-C03 success lies in an in-depth understanding of AWS services in their myriad applications. A multifaceted approach to preparation, embracing official documentation, practice exams, and real-world application, is non-negotiable. Take the time to deconstruct and revisit practice exam explanations to ensure a comprehensive grasp of all exam facets.
Mastering Time: The exam’s temporal constraints necessitate strategic agility. Cultivate techniques to swiftly discern question types, prune out incorrect alternatives, and optimize the accuracy-speed equilibrium.
Hands-on Exploration: Theoretical knowledge finds its true potency when applied. Engaging directly with AWS services crystallizes understanding and anchors memory. Incorporating hands-on exercises, such as those from the PlayCloud labs in the SAA-C03 course, is a prudent strategy.
Growth in Adversity: An unsuccessful exam attempt is not a cul-de-sac but a detour signpost, guiding towards areas needing more attention. Embrace this feedback, solicit expert counsel, and perhaps consider amplifying your repository of study resources.
Relentless Tenacity: Triumph often lies just beyond adversity. Foster a mindset of unyielding persistence, viewing challenges as milestones en route to the pinnacles of certification success.
Welcome to the “Djamgatech Education” podcast– your ultimate educational hub where we dive deep into an ocean of knowledge, covering a wide range of topics from cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to fundamental subjects like Mathematics, History, and Science. But that’s not all – our platform is tailored for learners of all ages and stages, from child education to continuing education across a multitude of subjects. So join us on this enlightening journey as we break down complex topics into digestible, engaging conversations. Stay curious, stay informed, and stay tuned with Djamgatech Education! In today’s episode, we’ll cover the importance of the SAA-C03 certification for IT professionals, the wide range of topics covered in the SAA-C03 exam, the challenges and insights gained from the initial exam attempt, the keys to success in the SAA-C03 exam, and the availability of Etienne Noumen’s book for comprehensive study material and practice tests.
Becoming certified is a big deal for IT professionals nowadays. It’s a key milestone that opens doors for career growth in the highly competitive industry. One certification that stands out is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, also known as SAA-C03. In this article, I’ll take you through my personal journey with the SAA-C03 exam.
Let’s talk about the challenges I faced. First off, the exam is no walk in the park. It tests your ability to design cost-effective, scalable, high-performing, and resilient cloud solutions within the AWS platform. So you need to be well-prepared and have a solid understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
Overcoming setbacks was tough, but perseverance pays off. When I encountered difficulties, I sought out additional resources, such as online forums and practice exams. These helped me fill any knowledge gaps and gain more confidence in my abilities.
Throughout this process, I learned some valuable lessons. One important insight was that the SAA-C03 exam covers a range of topics, including architecture, security, and deployment strategies. So, brushing up on these areas is essential for success.
Being AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate not only boosts your career prospects but also enhances your credibility. It demonstrates your expertise in AWS services and shows that you can design robust cloud solutions. This certification gives you confidence when interacting with stakeholders and customers, as they know you have the skills to meet their needs.
So, if you’re an IT professional looking to take your career to the next level, consider becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. The SAA-C03 exam may be challenging, but with dedication and the right resources, you can achieve success. Good luck on your certification journey!
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) exam is no walk in the park. It covers a wide range of topics and poses challenging questions that demand in-depth knowledge and critical thinking. Having attempted the exam multiple times, I can testify to the complexity and depth of the questions.
What sets this exam apart is the way it challenges candidates with multi-faceted scenarios. It’s not just about regurgitating information or selecting the obvious answers. Instead, you are presented with intricately detailed scenarios and asked to choose multiple correct responses from a diverse set of options. This requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios.
The official SAA-C03 exam guide does provide a solid foundation, but it is important to recognize its limitations. The scope of the exam is vast, and there are many topics, technologies, and services that go beyond what is covered in the guide. To succeed in the exam, you need to take a holistic approach to your preparation.
Based on my own exam experience, there are several focal areas that you should pay special attention to. One such area is Apache technologies. The exam delves deep into Apache’s suite of technologies, including Apache Spark, Apache Parquet, and Apache Kafka. Make sure you have a good understanding of these technologies and how they are used in AWS environments.
Disaster recovery is another important topic that you should be well-versed in. The exam places a lot of emphasis on concepts such as Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO), as well as the AWS tools and services that can help you achieve these objectives.
Kubernetes is also a key area that you should focus on. The exam touches upon various Kubernetes-centric technologies, such as the Kubernetes Metrics Server and Kubernetes Cluster Autoscaler. Understanding how these technologies work and how they integrate with AWS services is crucial.
Amazon S3 features are another recurring theme in the exam. You can expect questions on features like S3 Access Point and S3 Lifecycle Policy. Familiarize yourself with these features and know how to use them effectively in different scenarios.
Machine learning is a hot topic in today’s technology landscape, and the SAA-C03 exam reflects that. You can expect scenarios that center around machine learning and AWS offerings like Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Transcribe. Make sure you understand the core concepts of machine learning and how these AWS services fit into the big picture.
Lastly, be prepared for questions on emerging AWS offerings. The exam may introduce queries on newer services that are not covered in traditional study materials. Examples of these could be the Lambda function URL feature or the AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery service. Stay up to date with the latest AWS announcements and familiarize yourself with these new offerings.
In conclusion, the SAA-C03 exam demands a comprehensive and detailed preparation methodology. You need to have a solid grasp on both mainstream and niche topics to succeed. Study the official exam guide but go beyond it. Explore additional resources, practice with hands-on labs, and stay updated with the latest AWS developments. By adopting this approach, you will be well-prepared for the challenges that await you in the exam room. Good luck!
So, let’s talk about my SAA-C03 exam journey. It was quite a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. When I first signed up for the online exam through Pearson Vue, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. I had spent weeks preparing for this moment, diving deep into the world of AWS services, architectures, and best practices. But little did I know what I was getting myself into.
The SAA-C03 exam proved to be more challenging than I had anticipated. The questions were not just about regurgitating information, but rather required a profound understanding of AWS functionalities and the ability to make informed decisions. Time seemed to fly by during the exam, a clear indication of its rigour. It was not just about technical know-how, but also about being able to think on your feet and make quick choices.
Unfortunately, my first attempt did not end in the passing score I had hoped for. It was a tough pill to swallow, the disappointment was real. However, I made a conscious decision not to let this setback define me. Instead, I chose to channel my disappointment into introspection and double down on my efforts.
I realized that one of my mistakes was not dedicating enough time to practice tests. I had focused primarily on the SAA-C03 video course lessons, neglecting the importance of practicing with sample questions. In hindsight, it was a crucial oversight. But I refused to let it discourage me. I took it as a lesson learned and a motivation to do better in my next attempt.
The SAA-C03 exam felt like uncharted territory. It was a significant step up from the CLF-C01 exam that I had previously conquered. The complexity was on a whole new level. But I was determined to rise to the challenge. I knew that I had to be better prepared this time around.
So, armed with renewed determination, I dove back into my studies. I made sure to not only review the course material but also to dedicate ample time to practice tests. I wanted to familiarize myself with the types of questions I might encounter and train my mind to think critically.
And guess what? The second time was the charm! I walked into the exam room with more confidence, armed with the lessons I had learned from my previous attempt. I felt better equipped to tackle the challenges the SAA-C03 exam threw at me. And it paid off. When I saw that passing score on the screen, it was pure elation.
Looking back on my SAA-C03 exam journey, I can’t help but feel proud of how far I’ve come. Yes, there were setbacks and moments of doubt, but I didn’t let them define me. Instead, I used them as stepping stones towards my success. The SAA-C03 exam was a true test of my knowledge and resilience, and I emerged stronger because of it. Now, I can confidently say that I am an AWS Certified Solutions Architect and ready to take on new challenges in the world of cloud computing.
When it comes to preparing for the SAA-C03 exam, I’ve got some valuable nuggets of wisdom to share with you. The key to success lies in thoroughly understanding the various AWS services and how they can be applied in different scenarios. So, make sure you take a multifaceted approach to your preparation. Dive into the official documentation, take practice exams, and don’t forget to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations. It’s important to deconstruct and revisit the explanations for practice exam questions to ensure you have a comprehensive grasp of all the exam facets.
Another essential aspect of exam success is mastering your time. The SAA-C03 exam has time constraints, so you’ll need to develop techniques to quickly identify question types, eliminate incorrect options, and strike the right balance between accuracy and speed. It may take some practice, but with strategic agility, you can optimize your performance.
Theory alone won’t cut it. To truly solidify your understanding and enhance your memory, you need to get hands-on with AWS services. This means engaging directly with the tools and applications. There are plenty of hands-on exercises available, such as those offered in the SAA-C03 course, like the PlayCloud labs. By incorporating these exercises into your study routine, you’ll gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of how things work.
Remember, even if you experience setbacks along the way, they shouldn’t be viewed as dead ends. An unsuccessful attempt at the exam is more like a detour signpost, guiding you towards areas that need more attention. Embrace the feedback, seek advice from experts, and consider expanding your study resources. Sometimes, a fresh perspective and additional resources can make all the difference.
Lastly, keep in mind that success often lies just beyond adversity. Cultivate a mindset of relentless tenacity, where challenges are seen as stepping stones to your certification goals. With persistence and determination, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
So, to summarize, thorough preparation, mastering your time, hands-on exploration, growth through adversity, and relentless tenacity are the key elements that will help you succeed in the SAA-C03 exam. Good luck on your journey to certification success!
Hey there, tech enthusiasts and future solution architects! We’ve got something exciting just for you. If you’re gearing up to take on the AWS Solutions Architect Associates SAA Certification, then you absolutely need to check out Etienne Noumen’s fantastic book called “Latest AWS Solutions Architect Associates SAA Certification Practice Tests and Quizzes Illustrated“. This book is seriously packed with amazing resources that’ll give you an edge on the SAA-C03 exam.
Inside, you’ll find over 250 quizzes, flashcards, practice exams, and cheat sheets specifically tailored for this certification. It’s the ultimate guide to help you master AWS, boost your confidence, and ace the exam. But that’s not all! The book also includes uplifting testimonials from people who have successfully used it to pass their exams with flying colors.
On this episode, we discussed the importance of the SAA-C03 certification for IT professionals, covering topics such as Apache technologies, disaster recovery, Kubernetes, Amazon S3 features, machine learning, and emerging AWS offerings, and shared insights on the initial challenging exam experience, emphasizing the value of thorough preparation, time management, hands-on exploration, growth in adversity, tenacity, and highlighted Etienne Noumen’s comprehensive study material and practice tests for the SAA-C03 certification exam. Thank you for joining us on the “Djamgatech Education” podcast, where we strive to ignite curiosity, foster lifelong learning, and keep you at the forefront of educational trends – so stay curious, stay informed, and stay tuned with Djamgatech Education!
I took the AWS SAA-C03 exam this morning and received an email notification from Creedly just two hours after the end of the exam: badge received, exam passed. Phew.
Started the Adrian Cantrill course almost exactly two months ago. Created a lot of notes with video screenshots and my custom notes. Went through all 6 TD exams in review mode… that was a shocker, so many details and services that I’m pretty sure weren’t mentioned in the course video. Only about half were just above 70%, the other half just below. In any case, the test exams were extremely helpful and probably essential for passing the exam.
I felt confident before the exam as I had memorized the notes quite well. Nevertheless, I found the exam pretty hard and often wasn’t really sure about my choices. Nevertheless, it was enough for 793 points…
A few questions/topics that came up in the exam:
– Aurora Auto Scaling
– MySQL how to do encryption in transit
– EKS, a lot of questions!
– Windows Server File Share
– EFS read only implementation (POSIX)
– MongoDB
– EventBridge / Scheduled
– SQS Cross-Account access
– AuditTrail in combination with AWS Org
Read more Testimonials and Practice Tutorial Dojo’s style Exams in the eBook below:
AWS uses this to trial questions to my knowledge. They aren’t scored, but you don’t know which 15 they are.
if we do those questions and get wrong then do we loose the marks ? “Unscored” means they don’t count at all. Makes no difference if they are all right or wrong.
So basically we get the marks out of 50, not 65 is that correct ? That is correct. Your score will based of 50 graded questions.
Treat the test as 50 questions but really there is 65 just hope the questions you get wrong are only the 15 and you smash the scores 50 questions.
The 15 are new questions Amazon is trialing to asses the level of difficulty based on the percentage of people who get it right. Therefore, questions with a relative low percentage may be classified as difficult or conversely rated as easy. Or they may eventually decide to discard and not include it in their bank of graded questions.
AWS Azure Google Cloud Certifications Testimonials and Dumps
Do you want to become a Professional DevOps Engineer, a cloud Solutions Architect, a Cloud Engineer or a modern Developer or IT Professional, a versatile Product Manager, a hip Project Manager? Therefore Cloud skills and certifications can be just the thing you need to make the move into cloud or to level up and advance your career.
85% of hiring managers say cloud certifications make a candidate more attractive.
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In this blog, we are going to feed you with AWS Azure and GCP Cloud Certification testimonials and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Dumps.
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Went through the entire CloudAcademy course. Most of the info went out the other ear. Got a 67% on their final exam. Took the ExamPro free exam, got 69%.
Was going to take it last Saturday, but I bought TutorialDojo’s exams on Udemy. Did one Friday night, got a 50% and rescheduled it a week later to today Sunday.
Took 4 total TD exams. Got a 50%, 54%, 67%, and 64%. Even up until last night I hated the TD exams with a passion, I thought they were covering way too much stuff that didn’t even pop up in study guides I read. Their wording for some problems were also atrocious. But looking back, the bulk of my “studying” was going through their pretty well written explanations, and their links to the white papers allowed me to know what and where to read.
Not sure what score I got yet on the exam. As someone who always hated testing, I’m pretty proud of myself. I also had to take a dump really bad starting at around question 25. Thanks to TutorialsDojo Jon Bonso for completely destroying my confidence before the exam, forcing me to up my game. It’s better to walk in way over prepared than underprepared.
Just Passed My CCP exam today (within 2 weeks)
I would like to thank this community for recommendations about exam preparation. It was wayyyy easier than I expected (also way easier than TD practice exams scenario-based questions-a lot less wordy on real exam). I felt so unready before the exam that I rescheduled the exam twice. Quick tip: if you have limited time to prepare for this exam, I would recommend scheduling the exam beforehand so that you don’t procrastinate fully.
-Stephane’s course on Udemy (I have seen people saying to skip hands-on videos but I found them extremely helpful to understand most of the concepts-so try to not skip those hands-on)
-Tutorials Dojo practice exams (I did only 3.5 practice tests out of 5 and already got 8-10 EXACTLY worded questions on my real exam)
-Very little to no experience (deployed my group’s app to cloud via Elastic beanstalk in college-had 0 clue at the time about what I was doing-had clear guidelines)
Preparation duration: -2 weeks (honestly watched videos for 12 days and then went over summary and practice tests on the last two days)
I used Stephane Maarek on Udemy. Purchased his course and the 6 Practice Exams. Also got Neal Davis’ 500 practice questions on Udemy. I took Stephane’s class over 2 days, then spent the next 2 weeks going over the tests (3~4 per day) till I was constantly getting over 80% – passed my exam with a 882.
What an adventure, I’ve never really gieven though to getting a cert until one day it just dawned on me that it’s one of the few resources that are globally accepted. So you can approach any company and basically prove you know what’s up on AWS 😀
Passed with two weeks of prep (after work and weekends)
This was just a nice structured presentation that also gives you the powerpoint slides plus cheatsheets and a nice overview of what is said in each video lecture.
Udemy – AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Practice Exams, created by Jon Bonso**, Tutorials Dojo**
These are some good prep exams, they ask the questions in a way that actually make you think about the related AWS Service. With only a few “Bullshit! That was asked in a confusing way” questions that popped up.
Pass AWS CCP. The score is beyond expected
I took CCP 2 days ago and got the pass notification right after submitting the answers. In about the next 3 hours I got an email from Credly for the badge. This morning I got an official email from AWS congratulating me on passing, the score is much higher than I expected. I took Stephane Maarek’s CCP course and his 6 demo exams, then Neal Davis’ 500 questions also. On all the demo exams, I took 1 fail and all passes with about 700-800. But in the real exam, I got 860. The questions in the real exam are kind of less verbose IMO, but I don’t truly agree with some people I see on this sub saying that they are easier. Just a little bit of sharing, now I’ll find something to continue ^^
Passed the exam! Spent 25 minutes answering all the questions. Another 10 to review. I might come back and update this post with my actual score.
Background
– A year of experience working with AWS (e.g., EC2, Elastic Beanstalk, Route 53, and Amplify).
– Cloud development on AWS is not my strong suit. I just Google everything, so my knowledge is very spotty. Less so now since I studied for this exam.
Study stats
– Spent three weeks studying for the exam.
– Studied an hour to two every day.
– Solved 800-1000 practice questions.
– Took 450 screenshots of practice questions and technology/service descriptions as reference notes to quickly swift through on my phone and computer for review. Screenshots were of questions that I either didn’t know, knew but was iffy on, or those I believed I’d easily forget.
– Made 15-20 pages of notes. Chill. Nothing crazy. This is on A4 paper. Free-form note taking. With big diagrams. Around 60-80 words per page.
– I was getting low-to-mid 70%s on Neal Davis’s and Stephane Maarek’s practice exams. Highest score I got was an 80%.
– I got a 67(?)% on one of Stephane Maarek’s exams. The only sub-70% I ever got on any practice test. I got slightly anxious. But given how much harder Maarek’s exams are compared to the actual exam, the anxiety was undue.
– Finishing the practice exams on time was never a problem for me. I would finish all of them comfortably within 35 minutes.
Resources used
– AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials on the AWS Training and Certification Portal
– AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Practice Tests (Book) by Neal Davis
– 6 Practice Exams | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01 by Stephane Maarek*
– Certified Cloud Practitioner Course by Exam Pro (Paid Version)**
– One or two free practice exams found by a quick Google search
*Regarding Exam Pro: I went through about 40% of the video lectures. I went through all the videos in the first few sections but felt that watching the lectures was too slow and laborious even at 1.5-2x speed. (The creator, for the most part, reads off of the slides, adding brief comments here and there.) So, I decided to only watch the video lectures for sections I didn’t have a good grasp on. (I believe the video lectures provided in the course are just split versions of the full length course available for free on YouTube under the freeCodeCamp channel, here.) The online course provides five practice exams. I did not take any of them.
**Regarding Stephane Maarek: I only took his practice exams. I did not take his study guide course.
– My study regimen (i.e., an hour to two every day for three weeks) was overkill.
– The questions on the practice exams created by Neal Davis and Stephane Maarek were significantly harder than those on the actual exam. I believe I could’ve passed without touching any of these resources.
– I retook one or two practice exams out of the 10+ I’ve taken. I don’t think there’s a need to retake the exams as long as you are diligent about studying the questions and underlying concepts you got wrong. I reviewed all the questions I missed on every practice exam the day before.
What would I do differently?
– Focus on practice tests only. No video lectures.
– Focus on the technologies domain. You can intuit your way through questions in the other domains.
Lots of the comments here about networking / VPC questions being prevalent are true. Also so many damn Aurora questions, it was like a presales chat.
The questions are actually quite detailed; as some had already mentioned. So pay close attention to the minute details Some questions you definitely have to flag for re-review.
It is by far harder than the Developer Associate exam, despite it having a broader scope. The DVA-C02 exam was like doing a speedrun but this felt like finishing off Sigrun on GoW. Ya gotta take your time.
I took the TJ practice exams. It somewhat helped, but having intimate knowledge of VPC and DB concepts would help more.
Passed SAA-C03 – Feedback
Just passed the SAA-C03 exam (864) and wanted to provide some feedback since that was helpful for me when I was browsing here before the exam.
I come from an IT background and have a strong knowledge in the VPC portion so that section was a breeze for me in the preparation process (I had never used AWS before this so everything else was new, but the concepts were somewhat familiar considering my background). I started my preparation about a month ago, and used the Mareek class on Udemy. Once I finished the class and reviewed my notes I moved to Mareek’s 6 practice exams (on Udemy). I wasn’t doing extremely well on the PEs (I passed on 4/6 of the exams with 70s grades) I reviewed the exam questions after each exam and moved on to the next. I also purchased Tutorial Dojo’s 6 exams set but only ended up taking one out of 6 (which I passed).
Overall the practice exams ended up being a lot harder than the real exam which had mostly the regular/base topics: a LOT of S3 stuff and storage in general, a decent amount of migration questions, only a couple questions on VPCs and no ML/AI stuff.
Sharing the study guide that I followed when I prepared for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03 exam. I passed this test and thought of sharing a real exam experience in taking this challenging test.
First off: my background – I have 8 years of development.experience and been doing AWS for several project, both personally and at work. Studied for a total of 2 months. Focused on the official Exam Guide, and carefully studied the Task Statements and related AWS services.
SAA-C03 Exam Prep
For my exam prep, I bought the adrian cantrill video course, tutorialsdojo (TD) video course and practice exams. Adrian’s course is just right and highly educational but like others has said, the content is long and cover more than just the exam. Did all of the hands-on labs too and played around some machine learning services in my AWS account.
TD video course is short and a good overall summary of the topics items you’ve just learned. One TD lesson covers multiple topics so the content is highly concise. After I completed doing Adrian’s video course, I used TD’s video course as a refresher, did a couple of their hands-on labs then head on to their practice exams.
For the TD practice exams, I took the exam in chronologically and didn’t jumped back and forth until I completed all tests. I first tried all of the 7 timed-mode tests, and review every wrong ones I got on every attempt., then the 6 review-mode tests and the section/topic-based tests. I took the final-test mode roughly 3 times and this is by far one of the helpful feature of the website IMO. The final-test mode generates a unique set from all TD question bank, so every attempt is challenging for me. I also noticed that the course progress doesn’t move if I failed a specific test, so I used to retake the test that I failed.
The Actual SAA-C03 Exam
The actual AWS exam is almost the same with the ones in the TD tests where:
All of the questions are scenario-based
There are two (or more) valid solutions in the question, e.g:
Need SSL: options are ACM and self-signed URL
Need to store DB credentials: options are SSM Parameter Store and Secrets Manager
The scenarios are long-winded and asks for:
MOST Operationally efficient solution
MOST cost-effective
LEAST amount overhead
Overall, I enjoyed the exam and felt fully prepared while taking the test, thanks to Adrian and TD, but it doesn’t mean the whole darn thing is easy. You really need to put some elbow grease and keep your head lights on when preparing for this exam. Good luck to all and I hope my study guide helped out anyone who is struggling.
Another Passed SAA-C03?
Just another thread about passing the general exam? I passed SAA-C03 yesterday, would like to share my experience on how I earned the examination.
Background:
– graduate with networking background
– working experience on on-premise infrastructure automation, mainly using ansible, python, zabbix and etc.
– cloud experience, short period like 3-6 months with practice
– provisioned cloud application using terraform in azure and aws
cantrill course is depth and lot of practical knowledge, like email alias and etc.. check in to know more
tutorialdojo practice exam help me filter the answer and guide me on correct answer. If I am wrong in specific topic, I rewatch cantrill video. However, there is some topics that not covered by cantrill but the guideline/review in practice exam will provide pretty much detail. I did all the other mode before the timed-based, after that get average 850 in timed-based exam, while scoring the final practice exam with 63/65. However, real examination is harder compared to practice exam in my opinion.
udemy course and practice exam, I go through some of them but I think the practice exam is quite hard compared to tutorialdojo.
lab – just get hand dirty and they will make your knowledge deep dive in your brain, my advice is try not only to do copy and paste lab but really read the description for each parameter in aws portal
Advice:
you need to know some general exam topics like how to:
– s3 private access
– ec2 availability
– kinesis product including firehose, data stream, blabla
– iam
My next target will be AWS SAP and CKA, still searching suitable material for AWS SAP but proposed mainly using acloudguru sandbox and homelab to learn the subject, practice with acantrill lab in github.
Good luck anyone!
Passed SAA
I wanted to give my personal experience. I have a background in IT, but I have never worked in AWS previous to 5 weeks ago. I got my Cloud Practitioner in a week and SAA after another 4 weeks of studying (2-4 hours a day). I used Cantril’s Course and Tutorials Dojo Practice Exams. I highly, highly recommend this combo. I don’t think I would have passed without the practice exams, as they are quite difficult. In my opinion, they are much more difficult than the actual exam. They really hit the mark on what kind of content you will see. I got a 777, and that’s with getting 70-80%’s on the practice exams. I probably could have done better, but I had a really rough night of sleep and I came down with a cold. I was really on the struggle bus halfway through the test.
I only had a couple of questions on ML / AI, so make sure you know the differences between them all. Lot’s of S3 and EC2. You really need to know these in and out.
My company is offering stipend’s for each certification, so I’m going straight to developer next.
Recently passed SAA-C03
Just passed my SAA-C03 yesterday with 961 points. My first time doing AWS certification. I used Cantrill’s course. Went through the course materials twice, and took around 6 months to study, but that’s mostly due to my busy schedule. I found his materials very detailed and probably go beyond what you’d need for the actual exam.
I also used Stephane’s practice exams on Udemy. I’d say it’s instrumental in my passing doing these to get used to the type of questions in the actual exams and review missing knowledge. Would not have passed otherwise.
Just a heads-up, there are a few things popped up that I did not see in the course materials or practice exams:
* Lake Formation: question about pooling data from RDS and S3, as well as controlling access.
* S3 Requester Pays: question about minimizing S3 data cost when sharing with a partner.
* Pinpoint journey: question about customer replying to SMS sent-out and then storing their feedback.
Not sure if they are graded or Amazon testing out new parts.
Cheers.
Another SAP-C01-Pass
Received my notification this morning that I passed 811.
Prep Time: 10 weeks 2hrs a day
Materials: Neil Davis videos/practice exam Jon Bonso practice exams White papers Misc YouTube videos Some hands on
Prof Experience: 4 years AWS using main services as architect
AWS Certs: CCP-SSA-DVA-SAP(now)
Thoughts: Exam was way more familiar to me than the Developer Exam. I use very little AWS developer tools but mainly use core AWS services. Neil’s videos were very straightforward, easy to digest, and on point. I was able to watch most of the videos on a plane flight to Vegas.
After video series I started to hit his section based exams, main exam, notes, and followed up with some hands on. I was getting destroyed on some of the exams early on and had to rewatch and research the topics, writing notes. There is a lot of nuance and fine details on the topics, you’ll see this when you take the practice exam. These little details matter.
Bonso’s exam were nothing less than awesome as per usual. Same difficulty and quality as Neil Davis. Followed the same routine with section based followed by final exam. I believe Neil said to aim for 80’s on his final exams to sit for the exam. I’d agree because that’s where I was hitting a week before the exam (mid 80’s). Both Neil and Jon exams were on par with exam difficulty if not a shade more difficult.
The exam itself was very straightforward. My experience is the questions were not overly verbose and were straight to the point as compared to the practice exams I took. I was able to quickly narrow down the questions and make a selection. Flagged 8 questions along the way and had 30min to review all my answers. Unlike some people, I didn’t feel like it was a brain melter and actually enjoyed the challenge. Maybe I’m a sadist who knows.
Advice: Follow Neil’s plan, bone up on weak areas and be confident. These questions have a pattern based upon the domain. Doing the practice exams enough will allow you to see the pattern and then research will confirm your suspicions. You can pass this exam!
Passed the certified developer associate this week.
Primary study was Stephane Maarek’s course on Udemy.
I also used the Practice Exams by Stephane Maarek and Abhishek Singh.
I used Stephane’s course and practice exams for the Solutions Architect Associate as well, and find his course does a good job preparing you to pass the exams.
The practice exams were more challenging than the actual exam, so they are a good gauge to see if you are ready for the exam.
Haven’t decided if I’ll do another associate level certification next or try for the solutions architect professional.
I cleared Developer associate exam yesterday. I scored 873. Actual Exam Exp: More questions were focused on mainly on Lambda, API, Dynamodb, cloudfront, cognito(must know proper difference between user pool and identity pool) 3 questions I found were just for redis vs memecached (so maybe you can focus more here also to know exact use case& difference.) other topic were cloudformation, beanstalk, sts, ec2. Exam was mix of too easy and too tough for me. some questions were one liner and somewhere too long.
Resources: The main resources I used was udemy. Course of Stéphane Maarek and practice exams of Neal Davis and Stéphane Maarek. These exams proved really good and they even helped me in focusing the area which I lacked. And they are up to the level to actual exam, I found 3-4 exact same questions in actual exam(This might be just luck ! ). so I feel, the course of stephane is more than sufficient and you can trust it. I have achieved solution architect associate previously so I knew basic things, so I took around 2 weeks for preparation and revised the Stephen’s course as much as possible. Parallelly I gave the mentioned exams as well, which guided me where to focus more.
Thanks to all of you and feel free to comment/DM me, if you think I can help you in anyway for achieving the same.
Another Passed Associate Developer Exam (DVA-C01)
Already had passed the Associate Architect Exam (SA-C03) 3 months ago, so I got much more relaxed to the exam, I did the exam with Pearson Vue at home with no problems. Used Adrian Cantrill for the course together with the TD exams.
Studied 2 weeks a 1-2 hours since there is a big overlap with the associate architect couse, even tho the exam has a different approach, more focused on the Serverless side of AWS. Lots of DynamoDB, Lambda, API Gateway, KMS, CloudFormation, SAM, SSO, Cognito (User Pool and Identity Pool), and IAM role/credentials best practices.
I do think in terms of difficulty it was a bit easier than the Associate Architect, maybe it is made up on my mind as it was my second exam so I went in a bit more relaxed.
Next step is going for the Associate Sys-Ops, I will use Adrian Cantrill and Stephane Mareek courses as it is been said that its the most difficult associate exam.
Passed the SCS-C01 Security Specialty
Mixture of Tutorial Dojo practice exams, A Cloud Guru course, Neal Davis course & exams helped a lot. Some unexpected questions caught me off guard but with educated guessing, due to the material I studied I was able to overcome them. It’s important to understand:
KMS Keys
AWS Owned Keys
AWS Managed KMS keys
Customer Managed Keys
asymmetrical
symmetrical
Imported key material
What services can use AWS Managed Keys
KMS Rotation Policies
Depending on the key matters the rotation that can be applied (if possible)
Key Policies
Grants (temporary access)
Cross-account grants
Permanent Policys
How permissions are distributed depending on the assigned principle
IAM Policy format
Principles (supported principles)
Conditions
Actions
Allow to a service (ARN or public AWS URL)
Roles
Secrets Management
Credential Rotation
Secure String types
Parameter Store
AWS Secrets Manager
Route 53
DNSSEC
DNS Logging
Network
AWS Network Firewall
AWS WAF (some questions try to trick you into thinking AWS Shield is needed instead)
AWS Shield
Security Groups (Stateful)
NACL (Stateless)
Ephemeral Ports
VPC FlowLogs
AWS Config
Rules
Remediation (custom or AWS managed)
AWS CloudTrail
AWS Organization Trails
Multi-Region Trails
Centralized S3 Bucket for multi-account log aggregation
AWS GuardDuty vs AWS Macie vs AWS Inspector vs AWS Detective vs AWS Security Hub
It gets more in depth, I’m willing to help anyone out that has questions. If you don’t mind joining my Discord to discuss amongst others to help each other out will be great. A study group community. Thanks. I had to repost because of a typo 🙁
Exam guide book by Kam Agahian and group of authors – this just got released and has all you need in a concise manual, it also included 3 practice exams, this is a must buy for future reference and covers ALL current exam topics including container networking, SD-WAN etc.
Stephane Maarek’s Udemy course – it is mostly up-to-date with the main exam topics including TGW, network firewall etc. To the point lectures with lots of hands-on demos which gives you just what you need, highly recommended as well!
Tutorial Dojos practice tests to drive it home – this helped me get an idea of the question wording, so I could train myself to read fast, pick out key words, compare similar answers and build confidence in my knowledge.
Crammed daily for 4 weeks (after work, I have a full time job + family) and went in and nailed it. I do have networking background (15+ years) and I am currently working as a cloud security engineer and I’m working with AWS daily, especially EKS, TGW, GWLB etc.
For those not from a networking background – it would definitely take longer to prep.
What an exciting journey. I think AZ-900 is the hardest probably because it is my first Microsoft certification. Afterwards, the others are fair enough. AI-900 is the easiest.
I generally used Microsoft Virtual Training Day, Cloud Ready Skills, Measureup and John Savill’s videos. Having built a fundamental knowledge of the Cloud, I am planning to do AWS CCP next. Wish me luck!
Passed Azure Fundamentals
Learning Material
Hi all,
I passed my Azure fundamentals exam a couple of days ago, with a score of 900/1000. Been meaning to take the exam for a few months but I kept putting it off for various reasons. The exam was a lot easier than I thought and easier than the official Microsoft practice exams.
Study materials;
A Cloud Guru AZ-900 fundamentals course with practice exams
I am pretty proud of this one. Databases are an area of IT where I haven’t spent a lot of time, and what time I have spent has been with SQL or MySQL with old school relational databases. NoSQL was kinda breaking my brain for a while.
Study Materials:
Microsoft Virtual Training Day, got the voucher for the free exam. I know several people on here said that was enough for them to pass the test, but that most certainly was not enough for me.
Exampro.co DP-900 course and practice test. They include virtual flashcards which I really liked.
Whizlabs.com practice tests. I also used the course to fill in gaps in my testing.
Passed AI-900! Tips & Resources Included!!
Achievement Celebration
Huge thanks to this subreddit for helping me kick start my Azure journey. I have over 2 decades of experience in IT and this is my 3rd Azure certification as I already have AZ-900 and DP-900.
Here’s the order in which I passed my AWS and Azure certifications:
SAA>DVA>SOA>DOP>SAP>CLF|AZ-900>DP-900>AI-900
I have no plans to take this certification now but had to as the free voucher is expiring in a couple of days. So I started preparing on Friday and took the exam on Sunday. But give it more time if you can.
Here’s my study plan for AZ-900 and DP-900 exams:
finish a popular video course aimed at the cert
watch John Savill’s study/exam cram
take multiple practice exams scoring in 90s
This is what I used for AI-900:
Alan Rodrigues’ video course (includes 2 practice exams) 👌
John Savill’s study cram 💪
practice exams by Scott Duffy and in 28Minutes Official 👍
knowledge checks in AI modules from MS learn docs 🙌
I also found the below notes to be extremely useful as a refresher. It can be played multiple times throughout your preparation as the exam cram part is just around 20 minutes.
Just be clear on the topics explained by the above video and you’ll pass AI-900. I advise you to watch this video at the start, middle and end of your preparation. All the best in your exam
Just passed AZ-104
Achievement Celebration
I recommend to study networking as almost all of the questions are related to this topic. Also, AAD is a big one. Lots of load balancers, VNET, NSGs.
Received very little of this:
Containers
Storage
Monitoring
I passed with a 710 but a pass is a pass haha.
Used tutorial dojos but the closest questions I found where in the Udemy testing exams.
Regards,
Passed GCP Professional Cloud Architect
First of all, I would like to start with the fact that I already have around 1 year of experience with GCP in depth, where I was working on GKE, IAM, storage and so on. I also obtained GCP Associate Cloud Engineer certification back in June as well, which helps with the preparation.
I started with Dan Sullivan’s Udemy course for Professional Cloud Architect and did some refresher on the topics I was not familiar with such as BigTable, BigQuery, DataFlow and all that. His videos on the case studies helps a lot to understand what each case study scenario requires for designing the best cost-effective architecture.
In order to understand the services in depth, I also went through the GCP documentation for each service at least once. It’s quite useful for knowing the syntax of the GCP commands and some miscellaneous information.
As for practice exam, I definitely recommend Whizlabs. It helped me prepare for the areas I was weak at and helped me grasp the topics a lot faster than reading through the documentation. It will also help you understand what kind of questions will appear for the exam.
I used TutorialsDojo (Jon Bonso) for preparation for Associate Cloud Engineer before and I can attest that Whizlabs is not that good. However, Whizlabs still helps a lot in tackling the tough questions that you will come across during the examination.
One thing to note is that, there wasn’t even a single question that was similar to the ones from Whizlabs practice tests. I am saying this from the perspective of the content of the questions. I got totally different scenarios for both case study and non case study questions. Many questions focused on App Engine, Data analytics and networking. There were some Kubernetes questions based on Anthos, and cluster networking. I got a tough question regarding storage as well.
I initially thought I would fail, but I pushed on and started tackling the multiple-choices based on process of elimination using the keywords in the questions. 50 questions in 2 hours is a tough one, especially due to the lengthy questions and multiple choices. I do not know how this compares to AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam in toughness. But some people do say GCP professional is tougher than AWS.
All in all, I still recommend this certification to people who are working with GCP. It’s a tough one to crack and could be useful for future prospects. It’s a bummer that it’s only valid for 2 years.
Passed GCP: Cloud Digital Leader
Hi everyone,
First, thanks for all the posts people share. It helps me prep for my own exam. I passed the GCP: Cloud Digital Leader exam today and wanted to share a few things about my experience.
Preparation
I have access to ACloudGuru (AGU)and Udemy through work. I started one of the Udemy courses first, but it was clear the course was going beyond the scope of the Cloud Digital Leader certification. I switched over AGU and enjoyed the content a lot more. The videos were short and the instructor hit all the topics on the Google exam requirements sheet.
AGU also has three – 50 question practices test. The practice tests are harder than the actual exam (and the practice tests aren’t that hard).
I don’t know if someone could pass the test if they just watched the videos on Google Cloud’s certification site, especially if you had no experience with GCP.
Overall, I would say I spent 20 hrs preparing for the exam. I have my CISSP and I’m working on my CCSP. After taking the test, I realized I way over prepared.
Exam Center
It was my first time at this testing center and I wasn’t happy with the experience. A few of the issues I had are:
– My personal items (phone, keys) were placed in an unlocked filing cabinet
– My desk are was dirty. There were eraser shreds (or something similar) and I had to move the keyboard and mouse and brush all the debris out of my work space
– The laminated sheet they gave me looked like someone had spilled Kool-Aid on it
– They only offered earplugs, instead of noise cancelling headphones
Exam
My recommendation for the exam is to know the Digital Transformation piece as well as you know all the GCP services and what they do.
I wish you all luck on your future exams. Onto GCP: Associate Cloud Engineer.
Passed the Google Cloud: Associate Cloud Engineer
Hey all, I was able to pass the Google Cloud: Associate Cloud Engineer exam in 27 days.
I studied about 3-5 hours every single day.
I created this note to share with the resources I used to pass the exam.
Happy studying!
GCP ACE Exam Aced
Hi folks,
I am glad to share with you that I have cleared by GCP ACE exam today and would like to share my preparation with you:
1)I completed these courses from Coursera:
1.1 Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals – Core Infrastructure
1.2 Essential Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation
1.3 Essential Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services
1.4 Elastic Google Cloud Infrastructure: Scaling and Automation
Post these courses, I did couple of QwikLab courses as listed in orderly manner:
2 Getting Started: Create and Manage Cloud Resources (Qwiklabs Quest)
2.1 A Tour of Qwiklabs and Google Cloud
2.2 Creating a Virtual Machine
2.2 Compute Engine: Qwik Start – Windows
2.3 Getting Started with Cloud Shell and gcloud
2.4 Kubernetes Engine: Qwik Start
2.5 Set Up Network and HTTP Load Balancers
2.6 Create and Manage Cloud Resources: Challenge Lab
3 Set up and Configure a Cloud Environment in Google Cloud (Qwiklabs Quest)
3.1 Cloud IAM: Qwik Start
3.2 Introduction to SQL for BigQuery and Cloud SQL
3.3 Multiple VPC Networks
3.4 Cloud Monitoring: Qwik Start
3.5 Deployment Manager – Full Production [ACE]
3.6 Managing Deployments Using Kubernetes Engine
3.7 Set Up and Configure a Cloud Environment in Google Cloud: Challenge Lab
4 Kubernetes in Google Cloud (Qwiklabs Quest)
4.1 Introduction to Docker
4.2 Kubernetes Engine: Qwik Start
4.3 Orchestrating the Cloud with Kubernetes
4.4 Managing Deployments Using Kubernetes Engine
4.5 Continuous Delivery with Jenkins in Kubernetes Engine
Post these courses I did the following for mock exam preparation:
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way companies develop applications. Most of the modern applications are now cloud native. Undoubtedly, the cloud offers immense benefits like reduced infrastructure maintenance, increased availability, cost reduction, and many others.
However, which cloud vendor to choose, is a challenge in itself. If we look at the horizon of cloud computing, the three main providers that come to mind are AWS, Azure, and Google cloud. Today, we will compare the top three cloud giants and see how they differ. We will compare their services, specialty, and pros and cons. After reading this article, you will be able to decide which cloud vendor is best suited to your needs and why.
History and establishment
AWS
AWS is the oldest player in the market, operating since 2006. Here’s a brief history of AWS and how computing has changed. Being the first in the cloud industry, it has gained a particular advantage over its competitors. It offers more than 200+ services to its users. Some of its notable clients include:
Netflix
Expedia
Airbnb
Coursera
FDA
Coca Cola
Azure
Azure by Microsoft started in 2010. Although it started four years later than AWS, it is catching up quite fast. Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud platform which is why many companies prefer to use Azure for their Microsoft-based applications. It also offers more than 200 services and products. Some of its prominent clients include:
HP
Asus
Mitsubishi
3M
Starbucks
CDC (Center of Disease Control) USA
National health service (NHS) UK
Google
Google Cloud also started in 2010. Its arsenal of cloud services is relatively smaller compared to AWS or Azure. It offers around 100+ services. However, its services are robust, and many companies embrace Google cloud for its specialty services. Some of its noteworthy clients include:
PayPal
UPS
Toyota
Twitter
Spotify
Unilever
Market share & growth rate
If you look at the market share and growth chart below, you will notice that AWS has been leading for more than four years. Azure is also expanding fast, but it is still has a long way to go to catch up with AWS.
However, in terms of revenue, Azure is ahead of AWS. In Q1 2022, AWS revenue was $18.44 billion; Azure earned $23.4 billion, while Google cloud earned $5.8 billion.
Availability Zones (Data Centers)
When comparing cloud vendors, it is essential to see how many regions and availability zones are offered. Here is a quick comparison between all three cloud vendors in terms of regions and data centers:
AWS
AWS operates in 25 regions and 81 availability zones. It offers 218+ edge locations and 12 regional edge caches as well. You can utilize the edge location and edge caches in services like AWS Cloudfront and global accelerator, etc.
Azure
Azure has 66 regions worldwide and a minimum of three availability zones in each region. It also offers more than 116 edge locations.
Google
Google has a presence in 27 regions and 82 availability zones. It also offers 146 edge locations.
Although all three cloud giants are continuously expanding. Both AWS and Azure offer data centers in China to specifically cater for Chinese consumers. At the same time, Azure seems to have broader coverage than its competitors.
Comparison of common cloud services
Let’s look at the standard cloud services offered by these vendors.
Compute
Amazon’s primary compute offering is EC2 instances, which are very easy to operate. Amazon also provides a low-cost option called “Amazon lightsail” which is a perfect fit for those who are new to computing and have a limited budget. AWS charges for EC2 instances only when you are using them. Azure’s compute offering is also based on virtual machines. Google is no different and offers virtual machines in Google’s data centers. Here’s a brief comparison of compute offerings of all three vendors:
Storage
All three vendors offer various forms of storage, including object-based storage, cold storage, file-based storage, and block-based storage. Here’s a brief comparison of all three:
Database
All three vendors support managed services for databases. They also offer NoSQL as well as document-based databases. AWS also provides a proprietary RDBMS named “Aurora”, a highly scalable and fast database offering for both MySQL and PostGreSQL. Here’s a brief comparison of all three vendors:
Comparison of Specialized services
All three major cloud providers are competing with each other in the latest technologies. Some notable areas of competition include ML/AI, robotics, DevOps, IoT, VR/Gaming, etc. Here are some of the key specialties of all three vendors.
AWS
Being the first and only one in the cloud market has many benefits, and Amazon has certainly taken advantage of that. Amazon has advanced specifically in AI and machine learning related tools. AWS DeepLens is an AI-powered camera that you can use to develop and deploy machine learning algorithms. It helps you with OCR and image recognition. Similarly, Amazon has launched an open source library called “Gluon” which helps with deep learning and neural networks. You can use this library to learn how neural networks work, even if you lack any technical background. Another service that Amazon offers is SageMaker. You can use SageMaker to train and deploy your machine learning models. It contains the Lex conversational interface, which is the backbone of Alexa, Lambda, and Greengrass IoT messaging services.
Another unique (and recent) offering from AWS is IoT twinmaker. This service can create digital twins of real-world systems like factories, buildings, production lines, etc.
AWS is even providing a service for Quantum computing called AWS Braket.
Azure
Azure excels where you are already using some Microsoft products, especially on-premises Microsoft products. Organizations already using Microsoft products prefer to use Azure instead of other cloud vendors because Azure offers a better and more robust integration with Microsoft products.
Azure has excellent services related to ML/AI and cognitive services. Some notable services include Bing web search API, Face API, Computer vision API, text analytics API, etc.
Google
Google is the current leader of all cloud providers regarding AI. This is because of their open-source Google library TensorFlow, the most popular library for developing machine learning applications. Vertex AI and BigQueryOmni are also beneficial services offered lately. Similarly, Google offers rich services for NLP, translation, speech, etc.
Pros and Cons
Let’s summarize the pros and cons for all three cloud vendors:
AWS
Pros:
An extensive list of services
Huge market share
Support for large businesses
Global reach
Cons:
Pricing model. Many companies struggle to understand the cost structure. Although AWS has improved the UX of its cost-related reporting in the AWS console, many companies still hesitate to use AWS because of a perceived lack of cost transparency
Azure
Pros:
Excellent integration with Microsoft tools and software
Broader feature set
Support for open source
Cons:
Geared towards enterprise customers
Google
Pros:
Strong integration with open source tools
Flexible contracts
Good DevOps services
The most cost-efficient
The preferred choice for startups
Good ML/AI-based services
Cons:
A limited number of services as compared to AWS and Azure
As mentioned earlier, AWS has the largest market share compared to other cloud vendors. That means more companies are using AWS, and there are more vacancies in the market for AWS-certified professionals. Here are main reasons why you would choose to learn AWS:
Azure is the second largest cloud service provider. It is ideal for companies that are already using Microsoft products. Here are the top reasons why you would choose to learn Azure:
Ideal for experienced user of Microsoft services
Azure certifications rank among the top paying IT certifications
If you’re applying for a company that primarily uses Microsoft Services
Google
Although Google is considered an underdog in the cloud market, it is slowly catching up. Here’s why you may choose to learn GCP.
While there are fewer job postings, there is also less competition in the market
GCP certifications rank among the top paying IT certifications
Most valuable IT Certifications
Keen to learn about the top paying cloud certifications and jobs? If you look at the annual salary figures below, you can see the average salary for different cloud vendors and IT companies, no wonder AWS is on top. A GCP cloud architect is also one of the top five. The Azure architect comes at #9.
Which cloud certification to choose depends mainly on your career goals and what type of organization you want to work for. No cloud certification path is better than the other. What matters most is getting started and making progress towards your career goals. Even if you decide at a later point in time to switch to a different cloud provider, you’ll still benefit from what you previously learned.
Over time, you may decide to get certified in all three – so you can provide solutions that vary from one cloud service provider to the next.
Don’t get stuck in analysis-paralysis! If in doubt, simply get started with AWS certifications that are the most sought-after in the market – especially if you are at the very beginning of your cloud journey. The good news is that you can become an AWS expert when enrolling in our value-packed training.
Further Reading
You may also be interested in the following articles:
Used this course from Adam Marczak - Azure for Everyone and answered all of the test questions from his website after each episode. Used WhizLabs practice tests and passed all of them with 80%+ score. Lastly, watched this 2 and a half hour exam cram by Pete Zerger and wrote notes on paper throughout the video, also took his 100 question test in his video description (This one helped a lot!). Just wanted to share if someone is preparing for the exam atm, wish you guys all the luck! submitted by /u/lidord1999 [link] [comments]
So a year two back a did a software testing course with an online protector doing exam had to install there software. Is it same process for the azure exams or is their some require u to go to examination centre? submitted by /u/evdriverni [link] [comments]
when preparing for certification on measure up, how many times can I take the certification mode for a given certification exam also if I wan to get the annual subscription, if I finish it, can I come back to to it later or I only have 1 chance to do it. also how does it compare to skillcertPro? I didn't take either fyi. submitted by /u/Quduwi [link] [comments]
I will be taking the SC-900 exam at the end of this week, I have gone through the MS resource and a few YouTube vids, and I however can't help feeling like I didn't find many resources to prepare with as compared to when I was getting ready for the AZ-900. Is there anyone who recently passed the SC-900 that can provide me with some pointers to look out for or resources that were handy in preparation? so far everything seems pretty similar to the things I studied while preparing for AZ-900. submitted by /u/FearIsStrongerDanluv [link] [comments]
If you're looking to get an Azure certification because you want to increase your chances of being promoted, looking for a new job, or just looking to improve your career options in general, which certificates should you get? Which Azure certificates have you seen show up the most in job listings? submitted by /u/techsavvynerd91 [link] [comments]
I passed AZ-801 yesterday to Complete Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate Certification, completed 800 last month . A couple days ago I asked about labs being on this test. I can confirm my version of the test did NOT have any labs. For others that may be curious. My test had 44 questions and 1 case study of 8 questions. The Case Study was at the beginning. submitted by /u/AArcher21 [link] [comments]
so I'm right in the middle of studying for the az104 certification and the modules somehow changed It went from being structured into 6 parts into just a whole sequence of individual modules did they just update the curriculum for az104? or is it still supposed to be the same? submitted by /u/jpoptarts [link] [comments]
Hi guys, I am a cloud engineer with a year experience. Last year I got my AZ-104 done and just passed AZ-305 today (there were lot of infrastructure questions about AKS, Front door vs Applicate gateway vs Traffic Manager appeared in my exam today). Anyway, I would like to get some suggestions from you about my next goal. I was thinking to become a DevOps Engineer as a graduate, but as many of you spoke and heard, DevOps is more of a mid/senior level of system engineers, that matches my understanding too. So I feel there’s still a big gap for myself to become a strong candidate for that role. I got a few options to go next but dunno which is the most needed. 1) facilitate my developer skills, my company mainly use c# for building the apps for clients, I know a little about the language but barely any of .Net. Maybe the end goal of the path is to get an AZ-204 🙂 . The reason why I think to pick up this is due to I have a feel that development skill is also important as a DevOps engineer, e.g. troubleshooting, monitoring and, etc. 2) aiming for AZ-400, my daily job highly depends on Azure DevOps so I should already know the theory and most of the Azure tools. I think following the learning path of the cert can help me get it. But my concern for going straight to it is, I still have some missing pieces of knowledge I should but I didn’t grasp? I just couldn’t tell what are them… 3) refine my networking skills by following AZ-700 learning path. Any suggestions from you would be highly appreciated. Many thanks in advance. submitted by /u/Jolly_Set7716 [link] [comments]
Is there a strict requirement to know which compute series VMs are for different workloads. Just got rejected from a job interview saying that i should know about it although i got 890 on Az 104. Matter of fact is i knew but i forgot about it as i thought its not something important to remember as it can be easily looked up. what do you guys think? submitted by /u/e-cig1234 [link] [comments]
Hey y’all, I just passed my SC-900 a few days ago and scheduled SC-300 for about a month out. I use azure daily so I’m constantly exposed to it, but not so much to do with what’s on the SC-300 (conditional access, ToU etc) As of now, I’m using the following learning materials: MS Learn John Savill What else should I work in? submitted by /u/spicyraddishonreddit [link] [comments]
I'd just like to know what level of azure certification is necessary and how many certified employees have to be hired for a company to be certified as an azure solutions partner. submitted by /u/noa_karn [link] [comments]
I'm coming from a networking background; we have GNS3, Packet Tracer and EVE-NG to setup virtual routers, switches, servers, etc. Does the same exist for Azure? Can I setup a VM with Azure on it? submitted by /u/bsoliman2005 [link] [comments]
I'm debating whether or not I'm ready to take the AZ-900 exam. I took the practice assessment for the exam on the Microsoft Learn site and I got an 86%. I also recently got the IT Specialist Certification for Cloud Computing from Certiport and got an 850/1000. Is it a good idea for me to take the exam, or wait and study more? submitted by /u/Game_Hub101 [link] [comments]
I did the Microsoft Learn and practice test. Make sure you know the ins and outs of all the different databases, data warehouses, data lakes, etc. I had no problem with the relational database questions as I'm most familiar with those, but I was weak on the non-relational questions. You'll need to know a little about Power BI, too. submitted by /u/Plissken47 [link] [comments]
A score of 852 is something I will readily take. After reading and following the MS Learn course, I went online and followed Pete Zerger's AZ-900 Exam Prep course on YouTube. ---> https://youtu.be/8n-kWJetQRk?si=XZzdljMVttHeMM3M . Pete Zerger not only has an online course but he has a practice exam for you to also test your knowledge on. I chose his exam prep over John Savill's AZ-900 prep because in February when I started reading, Pete Zerger had already put out an update to the online course given Microsoft updates materials and the exam in January 2024. I started out with the MS Learn courseware. For practice exams, I used the WhizLabs AZ-900 exam prep. I wrote a series of practice exams until I got 90% and over on those courses. submitted by /u/T-cona204 [link] [comments]
So I just passed AZ-104 last week by the skin of my teeth. I’m a visual learner so I used Scott Duffy’s course on Udemy. I paralleled it with a lot of work from practice exams online and MS Learn Knowledge Checks. I really felt like Scott did a good job explaining the topics but the exams always need a bit of extra studying. So now I’m ready to take on AZ-305. I’m looking for some courses that will prepare me thoroughly. Was thinking about going the Duffy route again but wanted to open it up if anyone had any other recommendations? submitted by /u/tha_one_n_only [link] [comments]
Hi, I have few years of experience as AWS Cloud Engineer, but not with Azure. looking for study resources recommendations to pass the AZ-104 test. thank you. submitted by /u/Expert_Ticket_7586 [link] [comments]
Top-paying Cloud certifications:
Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect — $175,761/year AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate — $149,446/year Azure/Microsoft Cloud Solution Architect – $141,748/yr Google Cloud Associate Engineer – $145,769/yr AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner — $131,465/year Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals — $126,653/year Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate — $125,993/year A Twitter List by enoumen A Twitter List by enoumen
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submitted by /u/raisinghellwithtrees [link] [comments]
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