To schedule your AWS certification exam for 2024, follow these simple steps:
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Create an AWS Account: Go to the AWS website and create an account to access the certification portal.
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Choose the Right Exam: Select the appropriate AWS certification exam based on your experience level and career goals:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundational | Entry-level, no prior experience needed |
| Associate | Mid-level, prior cloud/IT experience recommended |
| Professional | Advanced, 2+ years of AWS experience recommended |
| Specialty | Specialized, refer to exam guides for prerequisites |
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Schedule Your Exam: Log in to your AWS account and schedule your exam date, time, and testing option (online proctoring or testing center).
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Prepare for the Exam: Utilize AWS training resources, create a study plan, and practice with sample questions.
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Review the Final Checklist: Double-check your exam details, identification documents, and plan your exam day accordingly.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to schedule and take your AWS certification exam in 2024.
Quick Comparison: Testing Options
| Option | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Online Proctoring | Flexibility, convenience, quiet environment |
| Testing Center | Structured setting, on-site support, convenient locations |
Creating Your AWS Account
To schedule an AWS certification exam, you need to create an AWS account. This account will serve as your gateway to the AWS certification portal, where you can register for exams, access study resources, and track your progress.
Register on the AWS Website
To create an AWS account, follow these steps:
1. Go to the AWS website (https://portal.aws.amazon.com/billing/signup) and click on "Create an AWS account." 2. Enter your account information, including your email address, password, and phone number. 3. Choose a secure and unique password for your root user account. 4. Verify your email address by entering the verification code sent to your email. 5. Provide additional information, such as your name, address, and company details (if applicable).
Important: Use a secure corporate distribution list (e.g., it.admins@example.com) as your email address if this account is for a business. This ensures that your company can retain access to the AWS account even when an employee changes positions or leaves the company.
Review Program Agreement
Before proceeding, review the AWS Certification Program Agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the program. The agreement covers essential aspects such as:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam policies and procedures | Rules and guidelines for taking the exam |
| Certification requirements and maintenance | Requirements to obtain and maintain certification |
| Intellectual property and confidentiality | Protection of AWS intellectual property and confidential information |
| Candidate conduct and ethics | Expected behavior and ethical standards for candidates |
By creating an AWS account and agreeing to the program agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted the terms and conditions of the AWS Certification Program.
In the next section, we'll explore the process of choosing the right AWS exam for your skills and experience.
Choosing the Right AWS Exam
In this section, we'll explore how to select the appropriate AWS certification exam that aligns with your career goals and proficiency level.
Certification Levels
AWS offers four certification levels, each catering to different levels of expertise and job roles.
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundational | Entry-level certification for those new to AWS cloud, ideal for non-technical professionals. |
| Associate | Role-based certifications for solutions architects, developers, and sysops administrators, requiring medium-level technical expertise. |
| Professional | Advanced certifications for experienced solutions architects and devops engineers, requiring high-level technical expertise. |
| Specialty | Specialized certifications for specific technical areas, such as advanced networking, security, and machine learning. |
Exam Prerequisites
Before choosing an exam, ensure you meet the recommended experience and knowledge requirements. AWS provides guidelines for each exam:
| Level | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Foundational | No prior experience needed |
| Associate | Prior cloud and/or strong on-premises IT experience recommended |
| Professional | 2 years of prior AWS Cloud experience recommended |
| Specialty | Refer to the exam guides for recommended experience |
Understanding the certification levels and prerequisites will help you select the right exam for your skills and career goals. In the next section, we'll discuss scheduling your exam.
Scheduling Your Exam
Online vs. Testing Center
When scheduling your AWS certification exam, you need to decide between taking the exam online or at a testing center. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, which are essential to consider before making a decision.
Online Proctoring:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Take the exam from the comfort of your own home or office |
| Convenience | No need to travel to a testing center |
| Quiet Environment | Ensure a distraction-free environment |
Testing Center:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Structured Environment | Take the exam in a supervised setting |
| Additional Support | Get help from testing center staff if needed |
| Convenient Location | Testing centers are usually located in easily accessible areas |
Using the AWS Portal
To schedule your exam, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your AWS certification account using your credentials. 2. Click on the "Schedule New Exam" button and select the exam you want to take. 3. Choose your preferred testing option: online proctoring or testing center. 4. Select your preferred date and time for the exam. 5. Review and agree to the exam policies and procedures. 6. Pay for the exam registration fee using a valid payment method.
Exam Fees and Payment
The exam registration fee for AWS certification exams varies depending on the level and type of exam.
| Level | Fee |
|---|---|
| Foundational | $100 |
| Associate | $150 |
| Professional | $300 |
| Specialty | $300 |
You can pay for the exam registration fee using a valid credit or debit card. AWS also offers a 50% discount voucher for certain exams, which can be redeemed during the payment process.
Remember to carefully review the exam fees and payment options before scheduling your exam. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact AWS Training and Certification Customer Support for assistance.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparing for the AWS certification exam requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and strategy. Here are some tips to help you prepare and increase your chances of success.
AWS Training Resources
AWS offers various training resources to help you prepare for the exam:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Study Guide | A comprehensive guide covering all exam topics |
| Online Courses | Interactive courses providing hands-on experience |
| Practice Exams | Official practice exams simulating the actual exam experience |
| Whitepapers | In-depth guides providing detailed information on specific AWS services and features |
Creating a Study Plan
To create an effective study plan, follow these steps:
1. Review the Exam Domains: Familiarize yourself with the exam domains and topics, and identify areas where you need improvement. 2. Set a Study Schedule: Create a study schedule allowing sufficient time for each topic and domain. 3. Use a Variety of Study Resources: Use a combination of AWS training resources, online courses, and practice exams to reinforce your learning. 4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice what you've learned by working on hands-on projects and exercises. 5. Review and Refine: Regularly review what you've learned and refine your knowledge and skills.
By following these tips and creating a structured study plan, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your AWS certification goals.
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Additional Considerations
Cookie and Privacy Settings
When scheduling your AWS certification exam, it's essential to manage your cookie preferences on the AWS certification website. You can customize your cookie settings by clicking on "Customize cookies" and selecting your preferences. This will ensure a smooth registration experience and help you navigate the website efficiently.
Time Extensions for Non-Native Speakers
If you're a non-native English speaker, you may be eligible for an additional 30 minutes to complete your exam. To request a time extension, contact AWS Training and Certification Customer Service and provide your exam registration details.
Discount Vouchers
AWS offers a 50% discount voucher for your next exam after passing an AWS certification exam. To redeem your voucher, simply log in to your AWS Certification Account, select the exam you want to register for, and apply the voucher at checkout.
Here are some key points to remember:
| Discount Voucher | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Available after passing an AWS certification exam |
| Discount | 50% off your next exam |
| Redemption | Log in to your AWS Certification Account, select the exam, and apply the voucher at checkout |
Troubleshooting Registration Issues
When scheduling your AWS certification exam, you may encounter some issues that can hinder your registration process. This section provides guidance on how to handle these problems and get back on track.
Cookie Preference Issues
If you're having trouble saving your cookie preferences on the AWS certification website, try the following steps:
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Clear your browser cache and cookies
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Ensure that your browser is set to accept cookies
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Try registering from a different browser or device
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact AWS Training and Certification Customer Service for assistance.
Technical Issues with Scheduling
Technical issues can arise when scheduling your exam online, such as problems with the Pearson VUE website or issues with your AWS certification account. If you encounter any technical difficulties, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check the AWS certification website for any known issues or maintenance notifications |
| 2 | Try scheduling your exam from a different browser or device |
| 3 | Contact AWS Training and Certification Customer Service for assistance, providing them with details of the issue you're experiencing |
Additionally, if your preferred test center is closed or unavailable, you can try searching for alternative test centers in your area or consider taking an online proctored exam.
Remember to stay calm and patient when troubleshooting registration issues. With these steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and successfully schedule your AWS certification exam.
Final Checklist Before Exam Day
Before taking your AWS certification exam, review this final checklist to ensure you're fully prepared:
Confirmation and ID Checks
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Double-check your confirmation email from AWS with your exam details, including date, time, and location.
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Verify that you have the required identification documents, such as a government-issued ID, passport, or driver's license.
Final Preparations
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Review your study materials one last time, focusing on areas you're still unsure about.
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Practice with sample questions or take a mock exam to simulate the actual test experience.
Exam Day Essentials
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Confirmation email or exam appointment letter | Bring a printed or digital copy |
| Valid identification documents | Government-issued ID, passport, or driver's license |
| Calculator (if permitted) | Check with AWS if a calculator is allowed |
| Watch or timer (if permitted) | Check with AWS if a watch or timer is allowed |
| Other materials specified by AWS | Review your confirmation email for specific requirements |
Plan Your Exam Day
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Plan to arrive at the test center early, allowing time for check-in and security procedures.
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Familiarize yourself with the test center's location, parking options, and accessibility features.
By following this final checklist, you'll be well-prepared and confident on exam day. Stay focused, and you'll be on your way to achieving your AWS certification!
FAQs
Can I take the AWS certification exam from home?
Yes, you can take the AWS certification exam from home or any private space using online proctoring. This option allows you to take the exam on your own computer, and you will communicate with a proctor who remotely monitors your exam via both a screen-sharing application and your webcam.
How do I pass the AWS test?
To pass the AWS test, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the certification exam guide |
| 2 | Gain practical knowledge by building projects |
| 3 | Opt for AWS practice exams |
How difficult is the AWS exam?
The AWS certification exams are scenario-based and will thoroughly test your knowledge and expertise in this field. They require more than just reading books, watching videos, and taking a few practice exams. Professional help is recommended to pass AWS certification tests.
How do I schedule my exam?
You can schedule your exam at aws.training. Select to schedule with Pearson VUE and then choose the “At my home or office” option. Due to high demand, you may experience longer wait times for an appointment than usual.
Can I get a discount on my exam fee?
Yes, you can get a discount on your exam fee if you have already had the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certificate or have passed any AWS exam. Follow these steps to avail this benefit: https://medium.com/@jonbonso/save-50-off-in-your-aws-solutions-architect-associate-saa-c02-exam-e7e02078df02
