On September 29, 2025, I cleared my AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) exam with the score of 863/1000. This milestone is special for me, because just a few months ago I knew very little about AWS like the full form Amazon web services and what is s3.
To my knowledge at that time I though S3 is just like google drive.
From that point with consistent effort, the right resources, and a structured approach, I was able to crack Solutions Architect Associate exam. In this blog, I’ll share my journey, preparation strategy, and key takeaways.
Courses you need
First of all you must need a basic knowledge to on AWS to start preparing for this exam.
I started preparing for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner at the start of July 1st week 2025.
For that I took [NEW] Ultimate AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C02 2025 course from Udemy by Stephane Maarek. The best course to build your foundations it also includes a full length practice test you can use it to test your knowledge.
It took me about 10 days to complete it.
Note – If you already have good foundational knowledge then skip this part.
Then its time to prepare for the SSA-CO3 exam with Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate 2025 course on Udemy by Stephane Maarek.
This one course will give you enough knowledge to take practice tests the course it self has a practice use it to test your knowledge.
This course also includes a study material which he uses to teach. Go through the pdf 2 to 3 times. Take notes and understand the concepts deeply.
Identify your weak areas and do research on it.
Use Chatgpt, AWS whitepapers, Youtube etc… resources.
After you again some confidence get a Udemy personal subscription plan which give you access to all the courses in it.
Practice test
Now comes the hard part you must start taking practice test from
Stephane Maarek
Jon Bonso and
Neal Davis
each one has a practice test of 6 which means total 18.
Plus each of them has their own course which also have one practice test So, total of 21 test.
Try to take them all.
I took them all because this is my first AWS exam and it is Associate level which made me bit nervous about the actual exam.
First take Stephane Maarek practice test which will make you recall all the concepts but it does not resemble actual exam but good to have it.
After taking carefully review the answers and mistake.
If you are good enough to get above 80% in first attempt in all the 6 test.
_If you didn’t make it no problem reviews the answer and retake one more time from the oldest test you took. _
Note- Don’t take more than two attempts.
Then go for Jon Bonso and Neal Davis practice test take alternatively both highly resemble actual exam.
Might be harder for some if you feel that way review the answers and for more details you can use study material from Neal Davis course he provides two study material.
- Full length Notes
- Exam Cramp Notes
Both are highly useful Exam Cramp is a shorter version of notes high recommended for revision purpose only not for studying.
Now also try to take 80% or above. Most of the actual exam questions will be like Neal Davis and some will be like Jon Bonso practice test.
Try to complete under 1:30 hr time
But don’t memorize the questions try to understand because AWS has over 1 million question sets.
So, understanding is the crucial thing here.
Take it Slowly it took me more than 1 and a half months.
Before the Exam Day
A couple of days before the exam don’t take any practice test if you want there is a official practice test from AWS which has around 20 question that is enough don’t take too much.
Just go through the mistakes you made in the practice test figure out your weak point try to gain knowledge on it go through the study material take it easy, sleep well.
Clean your room and table for the exam. And be prepared.
On the exam day
You might feel nervous it is normal I also felt that way.
So, take a Walk, meditate and relax.
The exam will be easier than the practice test but you should take the practice test seriously.
Get a chewing gum you can use those in exam but no food, beverages or breaks for restroom.
Take a government Id with you in the exam.
Spend a good amount of time to read each question take 1 to 2 mins per question if you can find the answer flag it and review it later. Don’t sit on single question for long time.
> Go by elimination method eliminate the options that are your are sure incorrect and choose the option which makes more sense to you.
If you finish the exam early review the questions again.
_After finishing you will receive the email about passing mostly with in 24hr to 5days.
But I received in 8hrs.
_
ALL the Best for you exams it is not impossible but need some hard work. That’s it, once again ALL the best.
