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

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 Read on to unravel the real, and unpublished mysteries of your certification journey- from start to finish.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