Applied to the GitHub Technology Partner Program today.

I'm building a suite of tools for modern cloud engineers - from GitHub Actions that simplify AWS CDK & Terraform workflows, to a new GitHub App launching soon.

This is just the beginning.

Here are 5 tips to help you succeed your next AWS Exam!

 I'll break down practical exam techniques that'll boost your decision-making and test-taking skills. Let's dive in!

Tip 1: Answer the question first, then look at the choices. Use your knowledge to answer the question before diving into the multiple-choice options.

This will help you avoid confusion and save time during the exam.

Tip 2: Eliminate the answers that don’t fit your primary thought. Pick the choice that comes closest to your initial answer.

If you're hesitating, trust your gut feeling. Most of the time, it's right!

Tip 3: Don't spend too much time on each question. Keep track of time and skip questions that take too long. You can always revisit them later if you have time left.

Tip 4: In doubt? Flag your answer! If you're unsure about an answer, flag it and come back later.

This strategy helps as you become more focused throughout the exam. Most of the time, you'll suddenly have the answer when you revisit the question.

Tip 5: Request exam accommodations if you're a non-native English speaker.

You can request a permanent +30 minutes extra to complete the exam.


5 Tips to Succeed in Your Next AWS Exam

As an AWS Cloud Consultant, I've seen many clients struggle to get a clear picture of what's needed to optimize their infrastructure for efficiency and reliability.

Therefore I'm working on a new side project. 🧵

It's an operational checklist for AWS that'll help engineers and developers verify if their infrastructure is reliable and efficient.

This is based on the AWS Well-Architected framework but...

instead of having to dive deep into the docs to find the solutions on how to optimize your infrastructure, this checklist is more condensed and practical.

I've categorized the checklist on the most common AWS services (EC2, ECS, RDS, S3, Lambda, etc), and for each service, it will show you how you can check and implement the improvements using practical instructions and the official AWS documentation.

What are your thoughts on it and would you be interested in such a checklist?

Let me know if you would like to see a preview and provide some feedback.

Operational Checklist for AWS Infrastructure Optimization

I've passed another AWS exam 🎉🎉🎉

This time it's the SysOps Administrator Associate.

I've published another guide that'll help you get prepared for this exam!

https://towardsthecloud.com/aws-sysops-administrator-associate-exam-guide

Last week I passed the AWS Developer Associate exam!

I promised to deliver a guide to help you successfully pass the exam as well.

I'm happy to say it's published now:
https://towardsthecloud.com/aws-developer-associate-exam-guide

I just passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam 🎉

If you're looking to get certified, then read my guide on how I prepared for the exam 👇

https://towardsthecloud.com/aws-cloud-practitioner-exam-guide

Today I managed to pass the AWS Certified Security Specialty exam!

I published a guide on my blog to help you do the same!

Check out my preparation tips here 👇

https://towardsthecloud.com/aws-security-specialty-exam-guide


In the past year, I've shared a lot of knowledge on AWS and Cloud.

For the people that recently started following me, I've revisited my timeline and cherry-picked 4 threads for you so you can start your journey in the Cloud.

Enjoy and good luck 🧵

1. Advice for beginners who start in the Cloud
https://twitter.com/dannysteenman/status/1357329463730720772

2. Python tips for compact code
https://twitter.com/dannysteenman/status/1314930561220313088

3. Why you should pursue AWS Certifications
https://twitter.com/dannysteenman/status/1366632613310582785

4. More learning resources for Cloud Engineers with a focus on AWS.
https://twitter.com/dannysteenman/status/1333661017549778944

This is the end! I'll share another collection of threads next week. 

If you don't want to miss out, then follow me (if you haven't done so already)

I write in more detail on my blog, so check it out and subscribe to the newsletter while you're at it 👇

https://dannys.cloud

How to start your AWS Cloud journey

I opened an open-source repository on GitHub back in March that contains useful Bash & Python scripts that automate repetitive tasks in AWS.

Since then over 290 people starred it 🌟

If you want to use it or share your scripts, check the link in the next tweet 👇

Here it is!

https://github.com/dannysteenman/aws-toolbox

AWS Toolbox

Kickstart your journey in the Cloud with these 6 Free AWS learning resources!

Start here:

1. What is Cloud computing?

https://aws.amazon.com/what-is-cloud-computing

2. Course: Core concepts of the Cloud

https://aws.amazon.com/getting-started/fundamentals-core-concepts/?e=gs2020&p=gsrc

3. Getting Started with the AWS Cloud Essentials

https://www.aws.training/Details/Video?id=49639

4. AWS Well-Architected Framework whitepaper

https://wa.aws.amazon.com/index.en.html

5. Course: Securing your AWS cloud

https://www.aws.training/learningobject/video?id=49712

6. Hands-on lab: introduction to IAM

https://amazon.qwiklabs.com/catalog_lab/3667

This thread is based on the following blog post that I wrote down below, read it if you want to get the full details:

https://dannys.cloud/10-best-free-aws-learning-resources-for-beginners

If you liked this thread, then retweet the first tweet to share and inspire others!