INTRO: Welcome to Your AWS Journey!
Hey there! I’m super excited you’re here. I’ve been working with AWS for over 8 years, helping businesses build apps, manage infrastructure, and solve big tech problems.
But guess what? I started with this exact certification. So if you’re new to cloud, or even tech in general, this is the perfect place to begin.
Let me take you through a simple, interactive roadmap to get you certified as an AWS Cloud Practitioner. You don’t need coding skills. Just curiosity, consistency, and a bit of cloud logic!
Chapter 1: What’s This Certification All About?
Alright, let’s decode what this exam is and why it matters.
It’s called the “AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner” exam. Think of it as a general knowledge test about cloud computing and AWS. Not too technical, not too easy — just the right mix for beginners.
You get 90 minutes to answer 65 questions. Most are multiple choice. Your goal? Score at least 700 out of 1000.
And don’t worry — it doesn’t expect deep technical knowledge. It just checks if you understand how AWS works, its basic services, and cloud concepts.
Chapter 2: Cloud Basics Made Easy
Let’s start simple. What is cloud computing?
Imagine you’re running a chai shop. Normally, you need land, staff, and money. But in the cloud world, AWS rents you everything you need digitally.
You pay only when you use it. No need to own anything. This is what we call Pay-as-you-go.
And AWS? It’s like the Amazon of cloud services — the largest provider, used by Netflix, NASA, even startups in your city.
Understand the difference between public cloud (like AWS), private, and hybrid cloud. Public cloud is what this exam focuses on.
Chapter 3: Know These Core Services
AWS has over 200 services. But you need to know just the top ones:
- EC2: Your virtual computer.
- S3: Online storage, like Google Drive.
- RDS: Managed database.
- Lambda: Run code without managing servers.
- VPC: Private network in AWS.
Here’s a tip: Learn one service per day. Draw diagrams. Use analogies.
Chapter 4: Mastering Pricing and Billing
AWS is like a prepaid SIM card. You only pay for what you use.
There’s a Free Tier too — where you can run EC2, S3, and Lambda for free for 12 months.
Understand the pricing model: On-demand, Reserved, Spot instances.
Use the AWS Pricing Calculator to try estimating real costs. It’s fun and feels like a budgeting game.
Chapter 5: Security & IAM Basics
Security is big in AWS. But you’re not securing everything.
AWS has a model called Shared Responsibility. They handle security of the cloud (hardware, network), you handle security in the cloud (data, access).
IAM or Identity and Access Management helps you control who can do what. Set strong passwords. Use MFA. Understand roles and policies.
Chapter 6: Cloud Architecture & Support Plans
Now, how do we build things that don’t break?
AWS has something called the Well-Architected Framework with 6 pillars: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, Cost Optimization, and Sustainability.
Also, AWS offers different support plans. Free tier includes basic support. Business plans include tech help and 24/7 access.
Chapter 7: Smart Study Resources
Want to make studying easy?
Use:
- AWS Skill Builder (free)
- Stephane Maarek’s course on Udemy
- AWS whitepapers (just skim them)
- Practice exams on Tutorials Dojo or Whizlabs
Make flashcards. Create a Notion doc. Study for 1 hour a day for 2 weeks, and you’re good.
Chapter 8: Final Prep & Exam Day Tips
Ready to book your exam?
You can take it online or at a test center. Just make sure you have:
- A quiet room
- Good internet
- Government ID
Before the test, revise:
- Core services
- Billing models
- Security concepts
- Shared responsibility model
Get a good night’s sleep. Stay calm. You got this!
Final Words
This certification is your first step into the cloud world. Whether you want a tech job, boost your resume, or just learn something new — this is your launchpad.
Let’s get certified, together. One step at a time. See you in the cloud!
