Overview
Becoming an AWS Cloud Practitioner can significantly boost your career in cloud computing. This certification validates your understanding of AWS Cloud’s fundamental concepts and services. This guide is designed to help you master the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam in just 15 days, providing a structured plan, essential background information, and the best study resources.
Essential Background Information
Before diving into the study plan, it’s crucial to understand what the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification entails. This entry-level certification is ideal for individuals seeking to demonstrate their AWS Cloud knowledge. It covers essential AWS services, architecture, pricing, and support models. No AWS experience is required, making it accessible to anyone interested in cloud computing.
Day 0: Planning and Preparation
Define Your Goals
Set clear objectives for why you want to achieve this certification. This will keep you motivated throughout the study period.
Gather Study Materials
Collect all necessary study materials, including:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam Guide
- AWS Whitepapers
- Online courses (e.g., A Cloud Guru, Udemy, Coursera)
- AWS Free Tier account for hands-on practice
Create a Study Schedule
Draft a detailed 15-day study schedule, allocating specific topics and practice exams to each day.
Study Resources and Tools
Online Courses
- A Cloud Guru: Known for comprehensive and up-to-date AWS courses.
- Udemy: Offers affordable courses with a variety of teaching styles.
- Coursera: Provides structured courses with university partnerships.
Books
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide by Ben Piper: An excellent resource for detailed explanations and practice questions.
AWS Free Tier
Use AWS Free Tier to gain practical experience with the services.
Practice Exams
- Whizlabs
- Tutorials Dojo
- AWS Training
Time Management Strategies
- Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
- Set Milestones: Break down your study plan into smaller milestones.
- Track Progress: Use a study journal to track what you’ve learned and what needs more review.
Day 1–8: Learning Fundamental Concepts
Day 1–2: Introduction to AWS Cloud
- Understanding cloud computing concepts
- Overview of AWS global infrastructure
- AWS pricing and support models
Day 3–4: Core AWS Services
- Compute (EC2, Lambda)
- Storage (S3, EBS)
- Databases (RDS, DynamoDB)
Day 5–6: Security and Compliance
- AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Shared responsibility model
- AWS compliance programs
Day 7–8: AWS Well-Architected Framework
- Five Pillars of the Well-Architected Framework
- Best practices for designing and operating reliable, secure, efficient, and cost-effective systems
Day 9–13: Scheduling the Exam and Taking Practice Tests
Day 9–10: Schedule Your Exam
- Choose a date and time that suits your availability and comfort.
- Ensure you have a quiet and distraction-free environment for the exam.
Day 11–13: Practice Tests
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
- Review the results to identify weak areas.
- Revisit those areas in your study materials.
Day 14: Rest and Review
Take this day to relax and lightly review critical concepts. Avoid heavy studying to ensure you’re well-rested for the exam day. Engage in light activities that keep your mind sharp but not stressed.
Day 15: Test Day
- Arrive at the exam center early or ensure your remote setup is ready if you are taking the exam online.
- Stay calm and confident.
- Read each question carefully and manage your time effectively during the exam.
Final Thoughts
Passing the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam is a significant milestone in your cloud computing journey. This 15-day study guide can help you efficiently prepare for the exam while balancing other commitments. Remember, consistency and a clear study plan are critical to your success.