The Day I Failed My AWS Certification and What It Taught Me

When I first started exploring cloud computing, AWS quickly became my platform of choice. Like many people, I knew certifications were a great way to stand out and validate my skills. But oddly enough, I never took the leap… until now.

In 2022, I decided to get serious about cloud computing, and AWS was the obvious choice. It offers a rich ecosystem with powerful solutions, widely adopted by companies across the globe. Despite being convinced by the platform, I hesitated when it came to certifications. AWS certifications are a smart career investment, but they come with a price tag. Like many others, I was always on the lookout for a good deal, a voucher, or some discount to avoid paying full price.

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On top of that, I felt pretty confident with the basics of cloud computing. I had taken several courses and worked on various personal and professional projects using AWS. So, instead of starting with the Cloud Practitioner certification (AWS's foundational level), I aimed straight for the Solutions Architect Associate. It felt like a smart move — validating my skills while saving time and money.

I spent months preparing for the certification. From video tutorials to practice quizzes and hands-on labs, I was fully immersed. I set December 2023 as my target to take the exam, and as the date approached, I felt confident. Maybe even a little too confident.

The day of the exam arrived, and I felt ready. But, in my overconfidence, I overlooked some key details — like the check-in time. You know those moments when you're so sure of yourself that you let your guard down? That's exactly what happened. I missed the check-in window, which, to put it simply, meant I couldn’t even start the exam. Imagine my frustration!

This failure — not even getting the chance to take the test — completely demotivated me. After all the hard work and time I had invested, I felt defeated. I started doubting whether certifications were worth it, and I shelved the idea for a while.

But after a few months of reflection, I realized something important. Why had this failure affected me so much? It wasn’t a lack of skills or preparation — it was a simple timing mistake.

With this new perspective, I understood that this wasn’t a failure, but rather a lesson. The key isn’t to avoid failure altogether, but to learn from it and come back stronger. And that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do.

Today, I’m back, and I’m more motivated than ever! 💪 I’ve decided to change my approach: instead of skipping steps, I’m going to start with the AWS Cloud Practitioner to solidify my foundation, and then move on to the Solutions Architect Associate. This time, I’ll take my time, thoroughly prepare for each stage, and most importantly, avoid rookie mistakes like missing the check-in window.

My goal is simple: finish this year with two AWS certifications.

And if everything goes well, I might even try for a third certification, perhaps in AI or Data Engineering (like the AI/ML Specialist or Data Engineering Associate). These areas are becoming increasingly interesting to me, and they’re growing fast in the industry.

If you’re in a similar situation, or if you’re also preparing for an AWS certification, I’d love for you to join me on this journey. I’ve put together a study plan to structure my revisions, and I’d be happy to share it with you or even study together!

I firmly believe that passing certifications isn’t just about acing exams; it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and working methodically. Studying with others is a great way to stay motivated, share tips and resources, and hold each other accountable.

If you’re interested, feel free to reach out! Whether it’s to exchange ideas, study together, or simply share our experiences, let’s make this journey more rewarding and fun together. 🚀

My AWS journey hasn’t been without its bumps in the road. I’ve had moments of confidence, followed by moments of discouragement. But what I’ve learned is that perseverance is key. It’s not about never failing; it’s about getting back up and pushing forward.

I’m convinced that these certifications are just a milestone, and what matters most is the journey we take to achieve them. So, if you’re also on the path to AWS certifications or just want to chat about the process, I’m here to share and learn with you.

Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and end the year with those certifications in hand!

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