How I Obtained All 12 AWS Certifications in Less Than 2 Years

In 2024, cloud computing is no longer a luxury skill; it’s a necessity. With businesses migrating to the cloud and AWS leading the charge, I decided to set a personal goal: earning all 12 AWS certifications within two years. This journey transformed my career and gave me a deep understanding of cloud technologies. Here’s how I achieved this ambitious goal.

Step 1: Define a Clear Purpose

When I set this goal, it wasn’t just for the bragging rights. As a DevOps and Cloud Engineer, my focus was on gaining mastery over AWS tools to:

1. Stay ahead in a competitive field.

2. Demonstrate my expertise to potential employers and clients.

3. Build a strong foundation for creating impactful content and courses.

Having a clear purpose kept me motivated, especially during challenging times.

Step 2: Create a Strategic Learning Plan

AWS certifications range from foundational to specialty levels. To stay organized, I divided my journey into three phases:

Phase 1: Foundational and Associate Certifications

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

• AWS Certified Developer – Associate

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

These certifications laid the groundwork for my understanding of AWS core services.

Phase 2: Professional Certifications

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

Professional-level certifications demand a comprehensive understanding of AWS services and architecture, so I allocated more time for these.

Phase 3: Specialty Certifications

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

• AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

• AWS Certified Database – Specialty

• AWS Certified Security – Specialty

• AWS Certified SAP on AWS – Specialty

Specialty certifications allowed me to dive deep into specific areas of AWS, aligning with my career interests and goals.

Step 3: Use the Right Resources

AWS offers a wealth of learning materials, but I supplemented these with additional resources to ensure a thorough understanding:

1. AWS Training and Certification: The official training materials are well-structured and aligned with exam objectives.

2. Udemy Courses: I found instructors like Adrian Cantrill and Stephane Maarek invaluable for their detailed explanations and practical labs.

3. Practice Exams: Platforms like Whizlabs and Tutorials Dojo provided exam simulations that mirrored the real test environment.

4. AWS Documentation: Reading the official documentation for key services gave me a deeper understanding of their functionalities and limitations.

5. Hands-On Labs: I used AWS Free Tier and Cloud Academy’s labs to build, break, and fix environments in real-time.

Step 4: Allocate Time Wisely

Balancing work, study, and personal life was challenging. Here’s how I managed my time effectively:

1. Daily Study Blocks: I dedicated 2-3 hours every day to study AWS concepts, watch tutorials, or complete practice exams.

2. Weekend Labs: Saturdays were for hands-on practice. I recreated architectures and implemented solutions based on real-world scenarios.

3. Exam Scheduling: I scheduled exams every 6-8 weeks. This allowed me to focus on one certification at a time while keeping the momentum.

Step 5: Apply What You Learn

Theory alone isn’t enough. I integrated AWS concepts into my daily work, from automating infrastructure with Terraform to optimizing Kubernetes clusters on EKS. This hands-on experience solidified my knowledge and prepared me for scenario-based questions in exams.

Step 6: Stay Resilient

The journey wasn’t without setbacks. I you fail an exam on your first attempt. Instead of giving up, check your weak areas, sought mentorship, and try again. Persistence is the key.

Key Takeaways

1. Learning is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Consistent effort over time yields better results than cramming.

2. Hands-On Practice is Crucial: AWS exams test real-world application of concepts. Practice what you learn.

3. Leverage the Community: AWS has a vibrant community of learners and professionals. Engage in forums and study groups.

Conclusion

Earning all 12 AWS certifications in less than two years was a transformative experience. It enhanced my technical expertise, opened up new career opportunities, and positioned me as a thought leader in cloud computing. If you’re considering this journey, remember: with a clear plan, the right resources, and consistent effort, you can achieve it too.

Good luck, and see you in the cloud!