How hard is the AWS Developer Associate certification?

The difficulty of the AWS Developer Associate certification can be assessed from several perspectives, but here are some key points to consider:

General Difficulty Level

The AWS Developer Associate certification is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. It is part of the Associate level certifications, which are positioned between the foundational and professional levels in terms of complexity5.

Experience and Familiarity

The difficulty of the exam can vary significantly depending on the individual's experience and familiarity with the AWS platform. Those with extensive experience in developing and maintaining applications on AWS tend to find the exam less challenging, while those new to the platform may find it more difficult34.

Exam Structure and Content

The exam consists of 65 questions, including multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, and must be completed within 130 minutes. The exam is divided into four domains:

• Development with AWS Services (32% of the exam)
• Security (26% of the exam)
• Deployment (24% of the exam)
• Troubleshooting and Optimization (18% of the exam)15.

Preparation Time

Preparation for the exam typically takes 2-3 months, depending on the individual's existing skills and knowledge. It is recommended to take official training courses, review AWS documentation and whitepapers, and practice with sample questions and practice exams to increase the chances of passing23.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience with AWS services is crucial. The exam is highly practical and tests the ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot cloud-based applications on the AWS platform. Candidates who have practical experience in these areas tend to perform better4.

Study Tips

Successful candidates often emphasize the importance of thorough preparation, including taking full-length practice tests, reviewing incorrect questions, and staying active in communities like the AWS Certifications subreddit for additional guidance and resources4.

In summary, while the AWS Developer Associate certification is moderately difficult, it is achievable with the right preparation, hands-on experience, and familiarity with AWS services.