AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam
Today I passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam. I found it to be very straightforward (no trick or "sneaky" questions) and it was exactly as billed. Multiple choice with single answer or multiple answer. Perhaps it's all the other exams I've taken recently, but it was refreshing to have an exam that just wanted you to answer questions. No drag and drop, questions within questions or long scenarios. I felt it gave you ample time to read and answer the questions. The questions and answers were short and to the point (no long, wordy answers) and either you knew the material or did not. Much what you'd expect from a foundational exam.
I studied for two weeks for the exam. Your study time may be different depending on how many hours you put in per day. Some experience and familiarity with the platform helps but again, it's a foundational level exam. I took mine in the same testing location that I normally take my exams. You also have the option to take this from home/work 24/7 with a proctor watching your webcam. I was glad I didn't use that option. The proctors enforce the same rules at your home as in the testing center - no food or beverage (and no smoking) - so you might as well go to a nearby center.
The materials I used were the AWS free online course, the INE course, a Live Lessons course (in Safari Books Online) and Anthony Sequeira's book (read cover to cover). I also read some (not all) of the whitepapers listed in the Exam Guide. I did not take the in-person classes. My experience with AWS was helpful, but not enough. You'll find that your experience is limited to the areas and services that your company uses - and the exam requires familiarity with a much larger group of offerings.
Signing up for the exam was a little kludgy, but a few choice words later, I was able to get it scheduled. You have to create a free account at the AWS certification site (similar to other vendors) and schedule the exam through that interface. The test cost $100 USD. There's a $20 practice test available. I did not use it, although I did use the short Amazon practice quiz.
