Becoming an AWS certified SysOps administrator is a rewarding achievement that validates your expertise in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS. However, preparing for the exam requires a strategic approach to ensure success. This guide provides essential tips and strategies to help you pass the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam with confidence.
1. Understand the Exam Structure
Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to understand the structure of the exam. The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam consists of:
65 questions (multiple-choice and multiple-response format)
Exam duration: 130 minutes
Passing score: 720 out of 1000
Domains covered:
Monitoring, Logging, and Remediation (20%)
Reliability and Business Continuity (16%)
Deployment, Provisioning, and Automation (18%)
Security and Compliance (16%)
Networking and Content Delivery (18%)
Cost and Performance Optimization (12%)
Familiarizing yourself with these domains will help you focus your study efforts.
2. Create a Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is essential for success. Follow these steps:
Set a Timeline: Allocate 6-8 weeks for preparation, depending on your experience.
Break Down the Domains: Study each domain separately and allocate time based on its weight in the exam.
Use Multiple Resources: Leverage official AWS training, online courses, practice exams, and hands-on labs.
Schedule Mock Tests: Regularly take practice exams to assess your knowledge and improve weak areas.
Engage in Active Learning: Join study groups, participate in forums, and discuss concepts with peers.
3. Leverage AWS Training and Documentation
AWS Official Training Courses
AWS offers several training courses to help you prepare:
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Training Course
System Operations on AWS
AWS Technical Essentials
These courses cover key topics like automation, monitoring, security, and networking.
AWS Documentation and Whitepapers
AWS provides extensive documentation and whitepapers that serve as excellent study materials. Some recommended resources include:
AWS Well-Architected Framework
AWS Security Best Practices
AWS Billing and Cost Management
AWS Operational Excellence Whitepaper
Reading these materials will help you understand AWS best practices and operational guidelines.
4. Gain Hands-on Experience
Practical experience is crucial for this exam. Use the AWS Free Tier to practice and experiment with AWS services. Focus on:
Deploying and managing EC2 instances
Configuring and optimizing S3 storage
Setting up VPCs and security groups
Monitoring using CloudWatch and AWS Systems Manager
Automating tasks with AWS Lambda
Hands-on labs from AWS Skill Builder and A Cloud Guru can also help reinforce your knowledge.
5. Take Practice Exams
Practice exams help you assess your readiness and identify weak areas. Some top resources for mock tests include:
AWS Official Practice Exams
Whizlabs AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Practice Tests
Tutorials Dojo by Jon Bonso
When taking practice exams:
Simulate the actual test environment.
Review explanations for incorrect answers.
Track progress and focus on weak topics.
6. Join AWS Communities and Study Groups
Engaging with the AWS community can provide valuable insights and support. Consider joining:
AWS Discussion Forums
Reddit (r/aws, r/AWSCertifications)
LinkedIn Groups
Slack and Discord AWS communities
Discussing topics and exchanging study tips with others can help reinforce your learning.
7. Focus on Key Exam Topics
Monitoring and Logging
Understand how Amazon CloudWatch is used for monitoring and alerts.
Learn how to troubleshoot using AWS CloudTrail logs.
Know how to configure logging for different AWS services.
Security and Compliance
Master IAM policies, roles, and permissions.
Understand AWS Shield, WAF, and GuardDuty.
Learn about AWS encryption methods and compliance requirements.
Networking and Connectivity
Understand VPC, subnets, and security groups.
Know how to troubleshoot network latency and connectivity issues.
Learn about Route 53, Direct Connect, and AWS Global Accelerator.
Cost and Performance Optimization
Understand AWS Cost Explorer and Budgets.
Learn how to optimize EC2 instance types and auto-scaling.
Know the benefits of using AWS Trusted Advisor.
8. Manage Exam Day Effectively
On exam day, follow these best practices:
Get Enough Rest: A well-rested mind performs better.
Review Key Concepts: Go over notes and flashcards before the exam.
Read Questions Carefully: AWS exams often include tricky wording, so read each question thoroughly.
Use the Process of Elimination: Narrow down choices by eliminating incorrect answers.
Manage Your Time: Allocate time for each question and avoid spending too long on difficult ones.
Mark for Review: If unsure about a question, mark it for review and revisit it later.
9. Post-Exam Steps
After completing the exam:
Check Your Score: AWS provides immediate pass/fail results.
Review Feedback: Identify areas where you can improve.
Claim Your Certification Badge: AWS provides a digital badge that you can showcase on LinkedIn and your resume.
Continue Learning: Consider advancing to AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional or AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional to further enhance your skills.
Conclusion
Passing the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator exam requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and strategic preparation. By following these tips and strategies—understanding the exam structure, using official AWS resources, practicing regularly, and managing exam day effectively—you can increase your chances of success. Stay committed, stay focused, and you’ll achieve your certification goals!
