Intro: A Realistic Journey to Certification: What They Don't Tell You! 

A Realistic Path to Certification
A Realistic Path to Certification

There are several reasons to pursue a certification exam. It may be:  to give you a competitive edge in a job interview, help you land your next promotion, validate your skills,  or even as a personal accomplishment. 

Let's be honest, these certification exams are no joke. They require commitment, guidance and focus to pass.

So, how do you go from the moment you consider sitting for the exam… to proudly sharing your 'I passed!' post with your network?
I asked myself the same question when I decided to write my AWS Certified Developer - Associate exam.

I had to learn most of my lessons the hard way, but you do not have to. Read on to unravel the real, and unpublished mysteries of your certification journey- from start to finish.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This is a 9-part guide. You’re welcome to skip to the part that interests you the most, though I will recommend you read it in full for the complete picture

PART 1: YOUR WHY, WHEN, AND HUMILITY TEST

PART 2: WHAT THE EXAM EXPECTS OF YOU

PART 3: CHOOSING YOUR STUDY GUIDE, AND COMMITTING TO IT

PART 4: TESTING YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND EXAM READINESS

BONUS SECTION: AWS DVA-C02 Question and Answer Structure

PART 5: TIPS FOR ANSWERING CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS

PART 6: EXAM SCHEDULING

PART 7: MAKING PAYMENTS

PART 8: ON THE EXAM DAY: In person

PART 9: AFTER YOUR EXAM