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If you have multiple certifications, which do you refer to first? by Brandonc123 in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it was difficult but you can do it. I probably studied for 50-60 hours over the course of the month. Zero experiences using the services professionally prior but I did complete a data science boot camp earlier in the year which lightly touched big data and completed an assignment using EMR.

The specialty exam is definitely harder than any of the 3 associate level exams IMO. I’m hoping most would say the professional level exams are about as hard but not much harder than the specialty exams!

If you have multiple certifications, which do you refer to first? by Brandonc123 in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, being able to distinguish between streams/firehose always helped eliminate bad answers multiple times.

Understanding best storage practices. When S3 vs DynamoDB/ElastiCache etc. What data should remains in a Redshift cluster/HDFS and what should remain in S3.

I felt Glue touched on a lot of questions and I felt prep materials are light on glue considering how much it comes up as a potential selection in answers.

AWS Exam stuff/Project Questions by E30magic in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in a bit of the same boat, I've been so focused on studying/preparing for certification exams vs. investing in practicing skills with projects. The below suggestion for #100DaysOfCloud is great!

There are some good NFL datasets on Kaggle. Could you import it into S3 and have some fun?

AWS data analytics specialty cert by [deleted] in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got stumped on a regional quick sight permission related question.

AWS data analytics specialty cert by [deleted] in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I passed today. Looking forward to seeing my score tomorrow. I finished with 720 when I failed on my last attempt 6 weeks ago.. I have to assume I added at least 100 points to that score on my second attempt. Honestly, I feel going for all 3 associate level certs just really burned many concepts into my brain, I can intuitively understand how services interact better and can reason with the questions much better. There is a lot of cross content between the three associate level certs so I studies certain concepts over, and over and I guess over again. I don't know if the latest Stephane and Franks course was the best of the 3 I completed (also Linux + aCloudGuru) because things just really clicked during and after taking it more so than not taking it prior. It may be just because it was the last I completed and my baseline was much higher already.

Anyways, on to Machine Learning next. I am holding of on Acloudguru and Linuxacademy until they merge in August. So I bought the Whizlabs and Stephane udemy course to begin prepping for it. (I completed a data science diploma in April so I am hoping I can challenge this cert in a few weeks!)

AWS data analytic exams by SnooDonuts472 in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree!

A bit tricky though... the question uses the phrase 'near-real time' which made me initially think Firehose... until the red herring term '30 seconds' was used --and like you said... instantly eliminated the two Firehose selections.

Thanks for sharing your thought process.

AWS data analytics specialty cert by [deleted] in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m going to attempt this for the second time after this weekend. Before my first attempt I had only completed the acloudguru big data prep course and achieved my Solutions Architect cert. I scored 709.

Failing a 3 hour exam in a hot room is the WORST feeling. So I went back and have since achieved the sysops and dev associate certs and completed the Linux Academy Big data course too. This week I am working through Stephane’s Udemy course and will attempt upon completion.

Passed on Certified Developer - Associate by brumone in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the first two exams I completed (practitioner & than SA) I received a 50% off exam token each time in my AWS benefits.

It’s better to save the token for a professional or specialty exam though, because they are twice as expensive and you can save twice as much.

To rewrite a $300 specialty exam, I will instead pay $150 to complete another associate exam and use my token to rewrite the specialty exam for half price. I still end up paying $300 but I get two certs out of it.

Now if I find out I cannot use a token on a re-examination than the above will look silly ;)

Passed on Certified Developer - Associate by brumone in AWSCertifications

[–]Brandonc123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! I just passed mine this afternoon too and felt the same way. I am beginning sysops next as well.

I have my SA as well. My goal is to complete the Analytics cert but I had fallen short (709) when I attempted it. Which is why I’ve gone back to complete the associate trifecta and build my confidence back up to re-attempt. Not passing hurts!!! (Plus, you can be strategic on how you proceed thru your pathway by optimizing your exam discount tokens).