What is Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
Amazon Web Services or AWS as it’s commonly known in the tech industry is the world’s most reliable cloud computing platform. It provides hundreds of unique services which are all cloud-based, ranging from databases to virtual servers.
What is the Cloud Certified Practitioner exam?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam is the first cloud exam that you should take if you are getting into cloud computing, as it provides you with a good and solid foundation on the AWS cloud.
1. Learn to understand and not to memorize
Although this is a general study approach and not a more technical tip to the benefit of passing your exam, it is essential that you start off with the correct mindset when studying for your exam.
The problem with memorizing is that your focus is only to remember certain pieces of information, hence you will not be able to apply it to a given scenario or to rationalize it efficiently since you don’t understand it. Instead aim to understand concepts and key terms/definitions.
Yes, sometimes you need to remember facts, such as the steps and order of events, but for the most part, you need to focus on understanding key concepts instead of memorizing them.
2. Download the official exam guide
Whenever you take an exam, it is important to know what is expected of you. So, be sure to download the exam guide for the CCP on the AWS website. It will outline the sections that you need to know, as well as the percentage of questions per section.
You can obtain the exam guide from the following link:
3. Be positive and confident
Another non-technical tip, but one that I feel is important nevertheless. When studying for the exam, don’t feel intimidated if there are certain topics that you struggle to understand. Take your time and tackle all the topics until you understand them and remember that it is not a race, whether you take 2 weeks or 2 months, the end result is what counts not the time that it takes.
If you are honest with yourself and take the time that you need and not what you want, then you will have the confidence to ace the exam when the time comes.
4. Udemy course
I strongly recommend taking Stephane Mareek’s course (Ultimate AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner-2021) on how to pass the CCP exam. Everything that you need to know is outlined in his course. His structure and teaching style of the cloud is exceptional. Included in his course is a free practice paper that will give you a taste of what to expect in your final exam.
Although you will have to pay for this course, I promise that you won’t regret it. I can say from personal experience as a CCP and CSA-A (Certified Solutions Architect-Associate) that Stephane’s course is the way to go.
Please see the link below to Stephane’s course:
(UPDATED* for 2022) --> AWS Ultimate Certified Cloud Practitioner-2021
5. Do more research
During your exam preparation be sure to surf the web and be on the lookout for other articles which highlight other people's experiences and perspectives. It is important to read about other people’s thoughts so that you are as prepared as you can be and have more insight when studying for your exam.
Extra information for the exam
Before you take the CCP exam, it is important to know some exam-specific information:
- You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
- There are 65 questions.
- You will need 70% to pass the exam.
- The exam costs $100.
- The format of the exam is multiple-choice and multiple answers.
- You can take the exam from the comfort of your home, online via PearsonVue or PSI.
- You will know immediately after the exam, whether you passed or failed (definitely, the most important part)
Final thoughts
The important thing when taking the CCP exam or any exam for that matter is to take your time and work hard throughout your study preparations. Don’t ever get despondent or lose hope if you feel that you are struggling. Just believe in yourself and know that you do in fact have the ability.
For better peace of mind, just remember that you only need 70% to pass your exam, this doesn’t mean that you should aim for 70%, but it’s best to aim high and miss than to aim low and miss. I always find it helpful to think about this when things get tough.
I hope that this article was of some value to you and that you pass your certification exam the first time.
Good luck with your studies and all the best!
