The path to earning the prestigious AWS Golden Jacket wasn’t a straight line, but a journey of persistence, learning, and balancing priorities. I now hold all 12 active AWS certifications.
I started learning AWS in April 2018 while working on a small project that required deploying a simple Node.js backend in AWS. That experience piqued my interest in the platform, and I decided to take the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification later that year. My motivation was to secure a good salary increment or to have better leverage for a salary negotiation after joining Gofore and it worked out well for me. Achieving that certification was the beginning of my AWS certification journey.
A short break and then a long break
I decided to take a break for almost a year since I wanted to focus more on work, as it required more time from me. Got back on track in 2019 after almost a year. Acquired AWS Certified Developer – Associate and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate in the same month.
Then, I took another break for two years to focus on my Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
Back on track
Once the Masters was finished I wanted to focus on AWS Certifications and decided to prepare for the exam and I studied intensively, I spend my weekends and evenings after work and used Udemy to prepare for the exam while transiting to work, or taking a walk outside.
I was able to take 4 certifications in a matter of 3 weeks.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2022-09-21)
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate (2022-09-29)
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (2022-10-06)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (2022-10-11)
Some quick tips to stay focused:
- Avoid distractions: Steer clear of watching TV during study sessions.
- Keep your phone out of reach: Once you start studying, keeping your phone away will help you concentrate better.
- Small sacrifices matter: To achieve something great, sometimes you need to make small sacrifices in your daily habits.
Now, my count was 4 out of 12, as the previous certifications from 2018 and 2019 had already expired due to the 3-year validity period.
Overcoming challenges in the professional certification path
Since I had completed the associate certifications, it was time to shift focus to professional certifications. However, I was scared and lacked the confidence to even attempt them. But things changed when Gofore decided to offer a certification bonus for earning professional certifications. The possibility of getting that bonus kept me motivated.
When I started preparing, I found the practice exams incredibly challenging. The scenario-based questions were difficult to understand, and I failed with scores around 40–50%. It was disheartening, but instead of giving up, I took the time to thoroughly read the detailed explanations for the questions I missed. Slowly, I began to understand the concepts better, and within the next two months, I successfully passed two professional certifications.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (2022-11-13)
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (2022-12-04)
Some quick tips to stay focused:
- Establish a reward: Having a specific reward in mind can significantly enhance your motivation. For me, the potential bonus was a major driving force at the time.
- Promise yourself a treat: Consider promising yourself a special item you’ve always wanted. This can serve as a great incentive to stay focused.
Now the count was 6 out of 12, almost half way.
Time for another break
I took another long break to concentrate on learning the Finnish language and successfully passed the National Finnish language test (YKI) in March 2024. This achievement freed up my schedule once again, allowing me to focus on preparing for the AWS Certifications again.
Back on track
Now, I only needed to take four more certifications since AWS decided to discontinue a couple of them, including the SAP and Database Specialist. This change made my path much easier. My biggest motivation this time was the desire to be the first at Gofore to receive the Golden Jacket, which helped accelerate my schedule and keep me motivated.
Instead of binge-watching TV series, I binge-watched Udemy courses from Stephane Maarek, and I consider that one of the best decisions I’ve made. In a matter of 4 weeks I was able to get all 4 certifications.
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty (2024-05-12)
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (2024-05-17)
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (2024-05-21 – FAILED)
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty (2024-05-26)
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate (2024-06-04)
Since I was in a hurry and a bit overconfident, I took the AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate exam without adequate preparation, just 4 days after passing the Advanced Networking – Specialty exam. I became overconfident after successfully completing both specialty exams within a matter of 5 days. That was my first failure. I learned that some failures are necessary to remind us that true confidence comes from thorough preparation, not merely from past successes. Past achievements do not guarantee future success without proper preparation.
Now the count was 10/10, and it was time for Golden Jacket, YAY!!
Golden Jacket process
To receive the Golden Jacket, you need to work for a company that is an AWS Partner. Gofore has been a long-term AWS Partner, which significantly sped up the process. A meeting was arranged within a matter of weeks, and my jacket size was shared with the AWS representative. I was invited to the AWS office in Helsinki for the handover, and it was an exciting day. I received some cool swag from the office, and there was chocolate cake – it was truly a special occasion. I felt incredibly happy wearing the Golden Jacket, as I had never received any extracurricular awards before in my life, making this achievement particularly meaningful for me.
Additional AI certifications
AWS decided to release two additional AI-focused certifications in August 2024. This felt like an opportunity I had to seize to justify being a Golden Jacket holder, so I was determined to take the additional two exams. With a well-structured study plan already in place, I was excited to continue my journey. I was still in a hurry, though, as I wanted to earn the Early Adopter digital badges, which are awarded for taking beta exams. I got both of them finally. Making the count now 12 out of 12.
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner (2024-09-24)
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate (2024-10-20)
I really loved these two certifications because they are closely related to my Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. The topics felt familiar and were easier to understand.
Here are a few additional tips that helped me:
- Read questions carefully: Sometimes, a single word can change the meaning of a question or the options, so read carefully.
- Flag and return: If you’re unsure about a question, flag it and move on. Don’t waste too much time. You can always come back later.
- Focus on hands-on experience: For the Professional/Specialist ones, benefit greatly from hands-on labs. Make sure you understand not only the concepts but how they’re applied.
- English as a Second Language (ESL): Enable accommodation under your certification if English is your second language and get an additional 30 minutes for your exam.
Balancing work, family, and studies
I started studying during the weekends and at night at home, which meant I often avoided going outside with family and skipped family movie nights. My son frequently asked, “Why are you still studying? Didn’t you already finish school? Don’t you have a job now? Why do you have to study?” It was difficult to help him understand that learning never ends and that there’s value in continuing education even after starting a career.
Eventually, he agreed to let me study if I promised to buy him a LEGO set of his choice, regardless of the cost, once I got the Golden Jacket. He became so excited that he began motivating me to study whenever he saw me sitting idle, constantly asking, “When are you going to get the Golden Jacket?” This encouragement pushed me to prepare for the exams one by one. Each time I passed an exam, his excitement fueled my determination to achieve all the AWS certifications.
One of the proudest moments for me was hearing my son tell my wife that “Papa is a learning machine”.
I believe that parents can try this approach to gain their children’s support for their professional endeavours.
Recommended study resources
When it comes to learning and practice materials, I always prefer the AWS courses and practice tests on Udemy by Stephane Maarek. His teaching style and detailed explanations have been a key part of my success, and I highly recommend his courses.
For additional practice and to build even more confidence before your exams, I suggest taking practice exams from Frank Kane, Neal Davis, and Abhishek Singh. All of these can be found on Udemy and provide a wide variety of questions to prepare you thoroughly.
This isn’t a paid promotion of Udemy. I’m just used to using the platform. If you find these resources on another platform, feel free to use them.
