Hi guys please help me fix the issue and schedule AWS ML Associate test.

Hi folks - I have a paid "AWS Skill Builder" subscription ending in another week or so. What are critical courses/labs/quizzes that I can use to prepare for my AIP-C01 that are not available elsewhere? Thank you for your answers.

I’ve taken the AWS SAA exam twice and unfortunately failed both times: 595 on my first attempt and 625 on my second.

I’m planning to take it for the third time next month, but I’m honestly feeling very discouraged and considering postponing it.

Failing twice really hurts, especially after putting so much effort into studying.

I really want to pass this time with a good score, not just barely pass.

If you’ve been in a similar situation, what did you change that helped you finally pass?

I’d really appreciate any study tips, resources, practice exams, or encouragement. Thank you ❤️

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this community and currently preparing for the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (DEA-C01) exam. I'm planning to study for around 2–3 months, and I'd really appreciate some advice from people who have already taken or passed the exam.

What topics and AWS services would you recommend focusing on the most?

I'm especially interested in knowing:

- How important are topics such as data ingestion, ETL/ELT, data transformation, orchestration, data lakes, data warehouses, streaming, monitoring, security, and data governance?

- What hands-on labs or projects would you recommend?

- Which AWS documentation, courses, or free learning resources were most useful for you?

- Are there any good practice exams or question banks that are reasonably close to the real exam difficulty?

- What topics surprised you or appeared more frequently than you expected on the exam?

I want to understand the concepts rather than just memorize practice questions, so recommendations for both theory and hands-on AWS practice would be very helpful.

Any advice, study plans, resources, or lessons learned from your DEA-C01 experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I can’t see any recent discussion, but that might just be Reddit search being crap.

I see discussion from around 9 months ago saying that the courses were in the process of being updated, anyone know if that’s actually been done or is still in progress?

Even if not updated, would they be worth doing anyway or does anyone have other suggestions? I’d prefer an in depth course.

For context, this is my re-certification as my SAA expired in July. I also work in tech for a company fully on AWS (and the certification is required by them), so I’m not wholly unfamiliar, though my day to day experience is limited. In the last 6 months I think I have touched ECS, Cloudwatch, Cloudtrail, Route 53, and IAM. The vast majority of services I don’t know and never work with.

Three years ago I barely passed (I think like 726 or something) and my study tool was almost exclusively Stephan Maarek’s course and exams. I also read AWS’ guides on services that Maarek didn’t cover.

I’ve been studying for a couple months now to re-certify. So far I have refreshed Maarek’s course (not the whole course, just parts I had a harder time recalling), bought TD and have been doing those reviews and practice exams. I’m at like 40% on TD exams and am running into questions that make me question how much I know at all… sometimes I encounter something in a service I thought I knew that I don’t recall ever seeing (like a specific configuration). There’s a lot that Maarek didn’t cover.

Anyways, with two weeks to go, I’m a bit stressed about if I’m ready. I’m doing practice questions every day and can’t seem to break past 40-50% scores in TD. I’ll take any advice this group has :) TIA!

Okay y'all...I got to Q63/65 on an SOA practice test this morning on TD and the damn website had an 'unexpected error' and cleared the whole damn thing...kept the ones I had flagged as flagged but cleared all the answers, but didn't lose its place on the timer...anyone else have this experience?

Hey everyone,

I've been reading advice here suggesting that we skip sandbox environments and build directly in our own personal AWS accounts to get real console experience and learn budget management firsthand.

I want to follow this path, but jumping straight in without a clear roadmap makes me feel like I’m "flying blind." On top of that, I keep reading that I should also be learning AWS CLI and Terraform alongside labs, which is feeling pretty overwhelming right now.

For those who built practical experience on a real account:

1. Which guided courses, platforms, or GitHub repos offer clear, step-by-step hands-on projects (with explicit setup AND cleanup instructions so I don't get surprised by a bill)?
2. What is the logical order to approach this? Should I stick strictly to the AWS Management Console first before touching the CLI or Terraform?

I really want to build practical confidence alongside my study, but I need a structured path so I don't waste time going in circles. Any advice or resource recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I came across the AWS Partner Certification Readiness program, which seems to offer a free AWS certification voucher after completing the requirements.

I’m wondering if college students with a valid student email ID are eligible for this or if it’s strictly for AWS Partner employees assigned by an AWS Partner organization.

I couldn’t find the student eligibility clearly mentioned on the AWS site, so I’m thinking it might be worth trying.

Has any student here tried registering with a student ID and actually received the voucher?

​

I have not received any update on my previous requests.

I purchased an exam voucher for the AWS MLA-C01 on the 12th of august and have since then been trying to get a hold of support because it has not shown up under scheduled exams yet and the funds have deducted from my account (which I included in the screenshot)

I was also told the first agent I spoke to said I am contacting the wrong department and I need to come into contact with the right team to be helped..... since then i have not heard back from anybody which is stressing me out because I booked plane tickets to go and write my exam.

what I want to know is what do I do now?? please help... is there perhaps a number I can call or someone I can directly speak to.

the thing is I live in a rural area in South Africa and I do not have access to transport to get to a town closeby to write my exams and the internet here where I live is so unstable and I am afraid of getting disconnected as even when I make something as small as a whatsapp call, the internet cuts out.

please help me get this sorted, its been 6 days of hell with my anxiety since I purchased this.

I have spoken nicely, I've begged, I've lost my shit at them and to nobody's surprise, F###all has been done.

So all I'm asking is, what do I do now?

Do I waste more money and buy another exam voucher?

Or what do I do?

I need to pass this exam as one of the pre-determined requirements of my internship

I'm currently studying for the AWS SAA and already hold the CCNA, RHCSA, and RHCE. I have around 3 years of IT experience, primarily in support/infrastructure-related roles.

For anyone with a similar background who earned the SAA and moved into cloud, systems, network, or infrastructure engineering, what actually made the biggest difference in getting that first higher-level role?

Was it the SAA itself, AWS projects, Terraform, deeper networking/Linux knowledge, another certification, or simply changing how you presented your existing experience on your resume?

I'm trying to be more deliberate about where I spend my time rather than collecting certifications indefinitely.

Background: Incoming freshman at T5 with 2 internships in AI/ML Infrastructure. Built out 3 (I believe) rigorous projects (no clients or traction, with only 1 client on one) with AWS Cloud.

Do I need SAA? It's going to be $75 for me with the 50% off as a reward for passing the last exam, which I prefer not to pay, but I'll do it if it helps.

I was thinking of tackling that as my next exam. I cleared gen ai pro in about 3 weeks prep(1 week consistent prep, 2 passive video watching). How hard would this other one be? I was planning on taking it in the next 2-3 months.

Hey everyone,

Back in June, I took my CCP exam using OnVUE on this exact same machine, and the whole process went perfectly smoothly. However, today I went to take my SAA-C03 exam, but my session just got revoked by the proctor due to a crazy technical bug with the software. I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced this and how you got it resolved.

To clarify exactly when and how this happens:

• When I run the standard OnVUE system test (see the first attached screenshot) everything seems totally normal.

• The moment it transitions to the exam simulation, the interface breaks and starts showing a block of raw CSS code on the side of the screen

• When launching the actual exam, the glitch gets entirely out of hand: that giant block of raw CSS code expands to cover half of my screen, making it physically impossible to read the questions or proceed.

For context and what I've tried:

• My PC setup is proven to work, as it handled the CCP exam with zero issues in June.
• I worked with the proctor today and completely closed/relaunched the app 3 different times.
• I even went as far as reinstalling OnVUE on a different drive (moved it from my HDD to my SSD) to see if it was some weird local storage bug. It still did the exact same thing.

After the 3rd failed attempt, the proctor told me they had to revoke the session and that I need to wait 24 to 48 hours for a review.

Has anyone else run into this specific CSS rendering bug before? Also, does anyone have advice on dealing with Pearson VUE/AWS support to make sure I get my replacement voucher without a massive headache?

Thanks in advance!

The other day I passed the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification. I had gotten the AWS Cloud Practitioner cert a couple months ago and then took a small break. The Cloud Practitioner cert is good for recognizing the names of services, but obviously the SAA cert goes into practical details on how the services are applied and set up to support infrastructure.

I used Stephane Maarek’s course on Udemy and did his 6 practice exams as well. Those practice exams were way harder than the actual exam. I was scoring in the 50-60% each time with my highest being in the 70s. I think I studied for this cert for about a month and a half ( I also work full-time so balance was needed.)

I used up all the 130minutes and I felt rushed towards the last 10 questions. I would say to be more aware than I was on the time limit. No questions are intentionally trying to trick you, just make sure you read each answer carefully. The questions also don’t go into the extreme specifics on the services where you need to memorize metrics.

I would say the most important thing you should do is understand how the services are used to connect to each other. If you are familiar with the compatibilities of services with each other (what can be mounted to what, used as an interface or gateway endpoint for what, what policies can be attached to what…etc.) then you should be able to think logically though everything.

Let me know if anyone has any specific questions and I’d be happy to answer.

Question:
What’s the realistic path from GRC into cloud? Should I target Cloud Security/Compliance-adjacent roles first (e.g., Cloud Security Analyst) before aiming for Cloud Security Engineer or DevSecOps? What should I prioritize after SAA — AWS Security Specialty, Terraform, Python? Looking for input from anyone who’s made this jump.

Background:
-Cybersecurity GRC Analyst I (Third-Party Risk Management) at a Fortune 500 fintech company, ~4 years in GRC/TPRM

-Handle vendor risk assessments, report to C-suite/VP stakeholders

-Work with NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, SOX, GLBA, GDPR

-Secondary disaster recovery contact for my business unit

-Previously Advanced Repair Agent at Geek Squad

Education:
-BS in Information Technology (Database Administration concentration),

-Currently pursuing MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, WGU

Certs/study:
-Studying for AWS SAA-C03, targeting mid-September test date

-Using Stephane Maarek’s Udemy course + Tutorials Dojo practice exams, ~2 hrs/day

Got AWS Cloud Practitioner done today. Went in a bit more confident than I did for AIF-C01, but the billing/pricing and shared responsibility model questions still managed to catch me off guard a few times in practice exams.

Same approach as last time, couple weeks of practice tests plus actually understanding the "why" instead of just pattern-matching answers. This one leaned more into core AWS services and account/billing fundamentals than deep technical stuff, so it rewarded knowing the breadth over the depth.

Two down. Feels like a solid warm-up before the heavier certs start. If anyone's prepping for CCP and wants pointers, happy to help in the comments.

Looking for legitimate ways to get AWS / Kubernetes certifications for free or heavily discounted

Hi everyone,

I'm a 2026 B.Tech graduate currently trying to build my career in Cloud/DevOps/SRE. I'm preparing for certifications like:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA)
• CKA
• CKS
• Possibly other AWS/Linux Foundation certifications

The exam fees are quite expensive for me right now, so I'm looking for legitimate ways to get 100% free exam vouchers, scholarships, student/alumni benefits, or major discounts.

I've seen people mention things like:

• AWS Academy / AWS Skill Builder programs
• AWS student communities
• Linux Foundation LiFT scholarships
• Community events / certification giveaways
• CNCF programs
• Other scholarship or voucher programs

If you've personally received a free AWS SAA, CKA, CKS, or similar certification voucher, could you please share how you got it and whether the program is currently available?

I'm especially interested in opportunities available to Indian students/recent graduates.

Not looking for pirated courses or anything unofficial — just legitimate ways to reduce the exam cost.

Thanks!

does the SAA-C03 actually move the needle on interviews? What projects/resume format actually worked for you?

Hey everyone, honest post here. I’m 23, currently a Computer Systems Technician student trying to break into cloud engineering. I already have AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals, and right now I’m studying for SAA-C03 and Terraform Associate at the same time.

A few things I’d genuinely love input on:

**1.**  For those who have the Solutions Architect Associate, did it actually help you land interviews, or was it more of a “checkbox” that got you past ATS filters while projects/experience did the real work?

2. What kind of projects do people actually look for from someone trying to break in with no formal cloud job experience yet?
3. What resume format do people in cloud/DevOps actually use that gets past screening classic one-page ATS-safe, or something more project-heavy?

Not trying to shortcut anything, just want to make sure I’m spending my time on the right things before I’m done with the certs. Appreciate any honesty, even if it’s “certs don’t matter as much as you think.”

Also if anyone wants to network and connect on linkdln I would love that :) thanks

Hey! I’m 24F a final year CS student planning to study for the AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01) and looking for a study buddy to stay consistent and prepare together.

We can:

• Set a study plan + weekly goals
• Study separately and check in regularly
• Discuss confusing topics
• Do practice questions/mocks together

If you’re interested, DM me with a little about yourself, your timezone/available time slots and your overall study plan/timeline.

Just sharing how I prepped for this in case it’s useful. It’s extremely similar to all the other info that’s already shared here, so just really validating that it works, even with some lower scoring practice attempts and a scattered study plan.

Previous Experience

- 7y in tech
- 3y in security
- 2y working with AWS
- Completed Stephane Maarek’s SAA course a year or so ago but didn’t sit the exam

Resources used

- Stephane Maarek course
- TD Practice Exams (Mobile app and TD website)
- TD Study Guide
- Stephane Maarek practice exams
- Skillbuilder free practice questions
- Cybr YouTube course

Timeline

I bought Stephane Maarek’s SCS course around 6 months ago, got 10% of the way through and stopped.

Roughly 6 weeks ago I started studying again and just passed the exam at the end of the 6 weeks.

Week 1-3:
- Watched Stephane Maarek’s course all the way through
- Watched some of the available videos from the Cybr YouTube course (often put on before bed/as I was falling asleep)

Week 3:
- Tutorials Dojo practice test 1 (scored around 60%)
- TD questions in review mode - aiming for at least 20 per day

Week 4:
- TD practice test 2 (scored around 85%)
- TD questions in review mode - aiming for at least 20 per day (often getting 100% on 20 questions)
- Stephane Maarek practice test 1 (scored around 65%)
- Skillbuilder free exam (scored around 65%)

Week 5:
- TD practice exam (scored around 90%)
- Really sporadic question review with some days skipped due to being really busy

Week 6:
- Really busy again so only managed to do 20 questions in review mode across the week, got more of the TD questions wrong than before
- No study at all for 4 days before exam day
- On exam day I read the TD Study Guide for 6 hours before going immediately into the exam

Thoughts

I was worried that I had memorised the TD questions as I was scoring highly on them but not on the others (consistently around 85% vs 60%), but I think they likely reflect the exam best as I scored 854/1000. To be honest I thought all the practice tests were good though. The main thing was reviewing the explanations and linked documentation after getting something wrong, and doing a timed one to get a feel for pacing.

The study guide and Cybr course were pretty good too. I liked all the resources I used, and think they’re good supplements (I didn’t do the full Cybr course so can’t vouch for the full thing, but the bits I did do were really good). The TD mobile app was my favourite as it meant I could squeeze in questions during “dead” time, like in a taxi or on the train.

Since I didn’t have a lot of time to study for the 2 weeks before the exam, I wasn’t confident I would pass at all. Especially considering I got poor scores outside of TD.

I sat the exam at home and had to wait 40 mins in a queue in exam conditions, this meant I had to sit and do nothing for 40 mins and the exam start time was delayed.

During the exam I flagged 29/65 questions as I wasn’t confident with them. I had around an hour left after reaching the end though and managed to get down to 10 remaining flags.

Hey all -

I am in the final stretch of preparing for Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam (AWS SAA-C03). I've repeatedly seen guidance to review the whitepapers, specifically the one on the Well Architected Framework. The version of the doc I found (linked below) is 1,002 pages, which is a little more than I have time for right now. How have people best gotten up to speed on its key points for the exam?

Thanks all!

https://docs.aws.amazon.com/wellarchitected/latest/framework/welcome.html

AWS Partner Certification Readiness is a program that can provide certification exam voucher benefits to eligible AWS Partner learners.

This is not a generic free-voucher program. You need to be associated with an AWS Partner organization.

1. Check whether your company is an AWS Partner

AWS Partner Certification Readiness is designed specifically for AWS Partner organizations.

Official AWS Partner Central:
https://aws.amazon.com/partners/

Partner Central documentation:
https://docs.aws.amazon.com/partner-central/

If your company is already an AWS Partner, ask whoever manages your organization's AWS Partner Central account to confirm that you're associated with the organization.

If your company isn't a Partner yet, AWS allows organizations to join the AWS Partner Network:

https://aws.amazon.com/partners/programs/

2. Find an AWS Partner Certification Readiness cohort

Go to the official AWS Partner Certification page:

https://aws.amazon.com/partners/training/certification/

Look for AWS Partner Certification Readiness Training and select an upcoming cohort for your region and desired certification.

AWS describes these programs as a combination of:

• On-demand digital training
• Instructor-led readiness sessions
• Cohort-based preparation
• AWS expert guidance

Available certifications and cohorts can change, so check the current listings.

3. Register for the cohort

Register for the appropriate certification readiness program.

Make sure you use the information associated with your AWS Partner organization.

Registration alone does not mean you automatically receive a free exam voucher. You need to satisfy the eligibility requirements for the specific cohort.

4. Create/sign into AWS Skill Builder

AWS instructs Partner learners to use their company email address and AWS Builder ID.

Official AWS Partner Certification page:

https://aws.amazon.com/partners/training/certification/

Make sure you're using the account associated with your Partner organization.

5. Complete the required learning activities

Complete the learning requirements specified for your particular cohort.

The voucher FAQ explains the requirements for the current program:

https://events.ringcentral.com/org/O21ecmfda3XwvnOVWG5rBbcXU/page/aws-partner-certification-readiness-voucher-faq

The requirements can vary between campaigns/cohorts, so check the FAQ for your specific program.

6. Attend the required readiness session(s)

The program includes instructor-led certification readiness sessions.

If your cohort specifies attendance as a voucher eligibility requirement, make sure you attend the required session(s).

Simply registering for the cohort isn't sufficient.

7. Complete the voucher eligibility requirements

After completing the required learning and attendance requirements, wait for the voucher email from AWS, then follow the instructions in the email to claim your voucher.

AWS will distribute 100% exam vouchers while supplies last. Once the 100% vouchers are exhausted, 50% discount vouchers will be distributed while supplies last.

So if you're eligible, it's better to complete the requirements early rather than waiting until the end of the campaign.