That was my first thought when I looked into getting AWS certified. I was working full-time in IT support, juggling tickets, meetings, and the occasional after-hours emergency. Trying to fit in AWS certification training felt impossible. I imagined long nights, endless documentation, and burnout looming in the distance.
But here’s the thing—I did it. And I’m not some productivity ninja or cloud genius. I’m just someone who figured out how to study smart, not just hard.
If you’re in the same boat—working full-time but eager to level up your cloud career—this guide is for you. Let’s talk real strategies, not empty “just make time” advice. Here’s how to make AWS certification a reality, even with a busy schedule.
1. Choose the Right AWS Certification for Your Career Goals
Before you even open a training video, figure out which certification aligns with your path. AWS offers a range—from the foundational Cloud Practitioner to the more advanced Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, and specialty certs.
If you’re newer to cloud, start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. Already in a tech role? The Solutions Architect – Associate is one of the most sought-after.
💡 Tip: Don’t choose based on what’s “popular.” Choose based on what will genuinely help you in your current or next role.
2. Pick a Flexible AWS Certification Training Program
Not all training programs are created equal—especially when your time is limited. Look for on-demand, self-paced courses that allow you to pause, rewind, and learn when it works for you.
Personally, I leaned heavily on A Cloud Guru and Udemy—both are beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and packed with practical content. Combine these with AWS’s own free training resources, and you’ve got a solid foundation.
🎧 Bonus Tip: Use your commute or gym time for podcast-style AWS review—yes, that counts as studying!
3. Create a Realistic Weekly Study Plan
Notice I said realistic. If you’re working 40+ hours a week, don’t set yourself up to study three hours every night. That’s a fast track to burnout.
Here’s what worked for me:
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Weeknights: 30–45 minutes (max) after dinner
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Weekends: 1.5–2 hours, usually Sunday mornings
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Break Days: I gave myself Fridays off—no guilt, no exceptions
Consistency beats cramming, especially when your brain is already taxed from work. Use tools like Notion, Trello, or even a simple Google Calendar to block off “study dates” with yourself.
4. Make It Stick with Hands-On Practice
Here’s where a lot of people trip up: they watch the videos but don’t do the work. Watching someone create an S3 bucket isn’t the same as doing it yourself.
AWS’s free tier lets you experiment without paying a dime. Set up a mini project. Launch an EC2 instance. Break something on purpose (and fix it). The hands-on work will cement the concepts like nothing else.
📌 Relatable example: I once spun up an EC2 instance and forgot to open the port in the security group. Took me 45 minutes to figure out why I couldn’t connect. I’ll never forget that mistake—and that’s the point.
5. Use Your Work Environment as a Learning Lab
You don’t need to separate work and study completely. In fact, your current job is full of learning opportunities—you just need to see them.
Start asking questions like:
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Are we using any AWS services?
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Could this project benefit from cloud architecture?
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Can I shadow a colleague working with cloud infrastructure?
Even if you’re not in a cloud role yet, getting involved in small ways builds both your skills and your credibility.
6. Join a Community for Accountability and Support
Studying solo can feel isolating. That’s why joining a community is a game-changer. Whether it’s a Reddit thread, LinkedIn group, or Discord server, surround yourself with others on the same journey.
You’ll find:
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Study buddies
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Career advice
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Motivation on tough days
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Real-world tips from those who’ve passed
And don’t forget to celebrate your milestones—your first practice test pass, your first AWS CLI command, your exam date set. It all counts.
7. Practice Exams Are Your Secret Weapon
I underestimated practice exams until I took my first one—and scored a dismal 52%. But that wake-up call helped me adjust my focus. I realized which areas I needed to drill down on, and I saw how AWS structures its questions.
Sites like Tutorials Dojo, Whizlabs, and ExamPro offer realistic practice exams that will toughen you up for the real thing.
🧠 Pro tip: Don’t just take the exams—review every question you missed and understand why you missed it.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This—One Hour at a Time
Getting AWS certified while working full-time isn’t easy—but it’s 100% doable.
The key isn’t grinding yourself into the ground. It’s building small, consistent habits. Choose the right certification. Find flexible AWS certification training. Carve out pockets of time. Practice with intention. And don’t go it alone.
Remember, you’re not just studying for an exam—you’re investing in your future. And whether it takes two months or six, your effort will pay off in confidence, opportunities, and a stronger resume.
So take that first step. Open that training video. Spin up your first instance. The cloud is calling.
