From 0 to 12 AWS Certifications: My Journey and Key Insights

It’s been an incredible journey from starting my AWS certification path in 2023 to earning all 12 AWS certifications in less than two years. This milestone didn’t just mark a personal achievement but also reshaped how I approach cloud technologies and problem-solving. Here’s how it unfolded.

The Starting Point: AWS Workflows in 2020

Although I began working on AWS workflows in 2020, I didn’t immediately dive into certifications. At the time, I was focused on practical, hands-on experience—re-architecting business logic, optimizing costs, and leading cloud-native projects. However, in 2023, I made a decision: it was time to back my skills with certifications to gain public recognition and solidify my expertise.

The Journey: My Certification Pathway 🎯

I started my certification journey with the AWS Solutions Architect Associate, which I recommend for anyone new to AWS certifications. It provides a solid foundation before tackling higher-level exams.

Badges URL - https://www.credly.com/users/prabhakaran-ravichandran

From there, the journey accelerated:

Solutions Architect Associate
Developer Associate
Data Engineer Associate (Beta)
SysOps Administrator Associate
DevOps Professional
Solutions Architect Professional
AI Practitioner (Beta)
Security Specialty
Cloud Practitioner
Machine Learning Associate (Beta)
Machine Learning Specialty
Advanced Networking Specialty

Initially, my goal was to clear one certification per quarter, balancing work and personal commitments. However, momentum built as I progressed, leading to a record pace:
🔥 5 certifications in one month
🔥 2 certifications in a single day

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Certification Roadmap

The Why: Purpose Behind the Certifications

Certifications offered me more than a badge—they broadened my knowledge of AWS services, enhanced my ability to optimize costs, and demonstrated my expertise to peers, teams, and clients in a public, verifiable way.

Lessons Learned: What I’d Do Differently 💡

If I were to restart my certification journey, here’s how I’d better prepare:
✔️ AWS Skill Builder Premium Subscription: A must-have for hands-on labs, SimuLearn, and Cloud Quest, all within a secure AWS lab environment. AWS Skill Builder Subscription URL
✔️ Enhanced Exam Prep Courses: AWS Skill Builder’s video lessons and practice exams are invaluable.
✔️ Stephane Maarek’s Udemy Courses: No matter the certification, his courses provide excellent insights and practice. Courses URL
✔️ Practical Hands-On Practice: Certifications test not just theoretical knowledge but how you apply it. Use labs and real-world scenarios to build confidence.

Next Steps for You 🌟

If you’re starting your AWS journey or looking to grow, here’s what you can do:
🌐 Get Your AWStronaut Certificate: This free Kubernetes community certificate is a great way to complement your AWS skills. Check out here
🧥 AWS Golden Jacket: If you work in an AWS Partner Network (APN) company, apply for this recognition to showcase your achievements.
🤝 Join AWS User Groups: Engage with the community to exchange ideas, tips, and best practices.

Personalized Guidance🤝

For a personalized plan tailored to your AWS certification goals, check out my Topmate page and book a session. I’d be thrilled to guide you! 😊

Book your session here: https://topmate.io/pbkn/1140847

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