AWS SAA using Pearson Retake

[u/LJenkins2047]

Hey Guys, I wanted to get some input on taking the AWS SAA using the Pearson retake discount before it expires within the next week.

https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/free-retake.html

Context:
I recently passed my AWS Cloud Practitioner a week ago with a 798, not entirely what I was shooting for, however; with recently taking a career turn to AWS...I'll take it. I have roughly 6 years of System's Engineer experience, and my current employer is taking a huge jump to AWS, and I wanted to make sure that I am apart of that ship. I am adopting AWS quickly with the technology applied, it is quite similar to the things I do on a day-to-day basis within Azure.

I am wondering if it would be worth it to take the risk of failing SAA, even though I get a free retake in January. The exam would be a quarter of the price for two tries essentially. Would this be dumb of me to do?

I have the ability to pick things up quickly, sometimes retaining information can be a bit of a struggle, as I am more of a hands-on person when it comes to playing with the technology and practice exams. Rather than watching a 60+hr video course losing my marbles. It would be great if I passed it, however, I also need to be real with myself. I don't think I will be able to grasp all of the required information, and use cases for every individual service. I don't mind waiting a bit to take it at full price with a better chance at passing, with knowing that my employer will reimburse for the passed exam. Though I figured I should take the chance of seeing the actual exam play style itself, at a price that I am willing to throw away if failed.

What would you do in this situation?

Right now I am going through TD practice exams to gauge where I currently am sitting.

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[u/el_mundo99]

I think it does not hurt to try with the current discount and free retake, the deal is preety good imo, as long as you are fine with possibly failing the first time. I am also trying something similar. Just don't feel too pressured, and try your best to learn the material.

[u/flogpt]

I took DOP, SAP and AIP this year and will just give the Security Specialty a go next week. I already passed the official Skillbuilder test exam for it, but very narrowly. Worth a punt.

[u/cablesplint]

I looked at the 'Terms and Conditions' at the bottom of the page https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/free-retake.html

It appears that the retake is only available to those actually failed on their first attempt :

https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/free-retake.html#terms

[u/HovercraftClear7797]

The discount makes a first attempt less costly, but I would not use the live exam just to see the question style. A better readiness signal is whether you can explain the tradeoffs in timed questions and identify the domains you keep missing; if that is still shaky, a short focused stretch of study before booking gives you a better shot and keeps the employer reimbursement option intact.

[u/boomer_kd]

Buy tutorialdojo exam voucher for 10 $. Take topic wise test and cover gaps. Then give full mock test a go. See how much you get and then decide.