AWS FAQs - Everything you need to know!

Why Choose SureSkills for AWS training

SureSkills is Ireland and Northern Ireland’s only AWS Approved Training provider. We provide training when and where you want it. All our courses are taught by AWS Accredited Instructors (AAIs) and use authorised AWS content. Whether you are a Solutions Architect, Systems Operator or Developer, our training will teach you to design, develop and operate efficient and secure applications on the AWS cloud.

Key Benefits of AWS

  • AWS platform powers hundreds of thousands of businesses 
  • Market leader in cloud infrastructure 
  • One of the most respected qualifications 
  • Growing exponentially year-on-year
  • Led by highly qualified AWS instructors
  • Validate your technical expertise and prepare for AWS Certification

Next Steps?

Do you lack AWS experience or want to upgrade your skills or those of your team? Perhaps, you just need some advice on where to begin?  Either way, why not contact a SureSkills training consultant - we have lots of experience and are here to help. Click here to go to our Contact Us page.

What can I expect from an AWS course?

Our AWS Virtual Classroom Trainng offers live classes with instructors who teach you in-demand cloud skills and best practices using a mix of presentations, discussion, and hands-on labs. Ask questions, work through solutions in person, and get feedback from AWS-accredited instructors with deep technical knowledge.

During most of our AWS Courses students will work independently on servers located offsite using a variety of remote access technologies. Training is a mixture of concepts, labs and how to lectures and the day is very full. Your instructor may give you the option of working through labs in your own time (like after hours, or during a break) in order to add as much as possible to the course content. 

What are the student system requirements for a vILT online class?

The student will require Internet connection, a computer (either PC or Mac) running a supported browser as well as a Microsoft RDP client, and an audio connection for the duration of the class. You will be accessing ZOOM or WebEx to view the slides using your web browser, and you will be performing the class labs using an RDP connection. Most current browsers are supported except for Firefox 64-bit. Class setup information includes a link to enable the student to download the current version of the RDP client. The RDP client is required to access to remote lab equipment. The RDP client is included in all versions of Windows with the file name mstsc.exe. Once you have the RDP Client installed, you will need to test your connectivity. For this test, you will need to open the client and connect to “vdc-us04-a.vmeduc.com” or “vdc-us24-a.vmeduc.com”. Try to connect to the server using the name “vmeduc\student”, you will not be able to authenticate, but if you are prompted for a password you have successfully tested the RDP connection. If you cannot connect to the RDP server you will have to ask your security department to open port 3389, disconnect from your corporate VPN or find another place from which to attend the class. Please contact us if you need help with the RDP connection, as we will not have time to troubleshoot connectivity problems after class starts.

Do I have to meet course prerequisites to attend AWS Training?

Customers tell us our training is outstanding because we understand the jobs you do, as well as the building blocks required to successfully implement your system. Our curriculum is designed in a specific sequence to build on subsequent concepts and develop your expertise in an organized, manageable fashion. Participants are often required to complete prerequisites so that the entire class can move forward as a group.

What is a Jam session?

The AWS JAM session is an event, hosted by an Authorised AWS Instructor, where participants experience a wide range of AWS services in a series of prepared scenarios that represent common use-cases and operational tasks, such as remediation at scale, automation, forensics, incident response, AI/ ML, DevOps, compliance and many others. It is highly engaging and interactive - designed to challenge individuals across all technical skill levels. 

Is a Jam session worthwhile?

A Jam is typically hosted after doing an AWS training course. It is hosted by one of our Authorised AWS Instructors to assist with any technical issues, to give support, guidance and encouragement its very much a journey of self-learning or team sharing and team building. It is often comments to us that: “AWS JAM – It’s the most creative and fun way to learn and apply knowledge.”

Do I need coding to use AWS?

Amazon Web Service does not require any prior expertise or understanding of programming - however it can be an advantage and acceletate your uptake of certain concepts and use cases. 

How can I tell if a class is AWS authorized and meets the AWS certification requirements?

In order to have the best chance of passing any exam you should attend a AWS Authorized course with an ATO such as SureSkills. To determine if a course you are considering attending is suits your needs chekc out AWS Skill Builder to find a learning plan that’s right for you.

Can I learn AWS in less than 3 months?

Yes, especially if you are aiming for a specialty certification, we highly recommend earning your AWS Solution Architect – Associate certification first to ensure your foundational knowledge of basic AWS concepts. It can often take a coupel of months and 8 hours of study each week to pass the AWS Specialities.

How does a vILT Online class differ from a standard classroom delivery?

No. Our Live Online classes are conducted in the same manner as our classroom classes, using the same manuals and lab equipment using MS Teams, ZOOM or WebEx delivery platform. Just as in our classroom classes, each online student is assigned a set of lab equipment, as required by the specific class. Most online students find the AWS training by Virtual means equivalent to or better than an in-person classroom.

What do we expect you to know prior to an AWS course?

Your instructor should cover what you need during the class. Prerequisite knowledge and skills are also listed in each course’s data sheet should always be considered. Useful, but not required short list here:

  • Basic level knowledge of operating systems like Windows, Linux, etc.
  • Basic level knowledge of Networking and Virtualization.
  • Understanding or knowledge of any programming language.
  • Basic level command on coding (because certain auxiliary software may need it)
  • Overview of Public and Private cloud.

Note: You should make your instructor aware of any impairments before class begins on the first day (like a corporate network block for remote access). If you need other assistance, please contact the training center prior to attending the class.

Is AWS easy to use?

Amazon Web Services is easy to use. The platform offers flexible, reliable, scalable, easy-to-use and, cost-effective cloud computing solutions. 

What time do classes begin?

Most of our classes run from Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. However, there may be some exceptions depending on location or extended hours for fast track courses. Please check the class details in your confirmation email or our website. 

What is the AWS Certification?

SureSkills offers AWS Associate-level certifications for Solutions Architects, SysOps Administrators and Developers. We offer Professional-level certifications for Solutions Architects and DevOps engineers. Additional certifications are in development. See the AWS Certification Roadmap.

What is the difference between a certification and an exam?

Certification is a credential that an individual earns upon successfully completing a set of certification requirements, which typically includes passing an exam.

What is a certification credential?

A credential is a logo badge and title that you may use on your business cards and other professional collateral to designate yourself as AWS Certified.

Why should I consider getting AWS Certified?

AWS Certifications enable individuals to gain recognition for their knowledge and skills in working with AWS services. Additionally, preparing for certification requirements provides an opportunity to expand your expertise working with AWS services.

How do I become AWS Certified?

Individuals must meet specific certification requirements to earn an AWS certification credential. Click here to review details for each certification. Upon completion of all requirements, you will receive your certification credentials.

Where can I take an AWS Certification exam?

Kryterion are the offical testing centre for all AW Certification exams. As part of SureSkills commitment to being the complete AWS partner we have become an official Kryterion test centre. 

What score is required to pass an AWS Certification exam?

AWS Certification passing scores are set by using statistical analysis and are subject to change. AWS does not publish exam passing scores because exam questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice.

When will I get my exam results?

You will receive your exam results on-screen immediately after completing your exam.

If I fail the exam can I retake it?

If you fail the exam, you can retake the exam subject to the following conditions:  

  • You must wait 30 days from the day you fail to take the exam again. 
  • You can take the exam up to three times in one year from the date of your first attempt. 
  • You must pay the full exam fee each time you retake the exam.

How long will my certification be valid?

All customers and partners will be required to update their certification (or “recertify”) every two (2) years.

Are there online resources available?

Yes there are: Skill Builder from AWS is a collection of resources and training materials designed to help individuals and organizations develop and enhance their cloud computing skills. These resources include training courses, self-paced labs, webinars, and other educational materials. 

 Skill Builder is part of AWS's broader training and certification program, which offers a variety of learning paths and certifications for different roles and levels of expertise in cloud computing. With Skill Builder, users can learn about AWS services and tools, develop their technical skills, and prepare for AWS certification exams. Check out the link here for more: 

https://www.sureskills.com/AWS/Skill-Builder-tools-and-resources

AWS Exam information


AWS Certifications recognise IT professionals with the technical skills and expertise to design, deploy, and operate applications and infrastructure on AWS. Exams are offered in multiple languages at testing centers around the world.

Why Get Certified?

AWS Certification is an industry-recognized credential that shows you have the expertise to design, deploy, or operate applications and infrastructure on AWS. AWS Certification shows customers, employers, and recruiters that you have the skills and knowledge to build AWS solutions. Put the AWS Certified logo on your LinkedIn profile, email, and website — become a member of our LinkedIn AWS Certified community.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is intended for individuals with experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. Exam concepts you should understand for this exam are:

  • Designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault tolerant systems on AWS
  • Lift and shift of an existing on-premises application to AWS
  • Ingress and egress of data to and from AWS
  • Selecting the appropriate AWS service based on data, compute, database, or security requirements
  • Identifying appropriate use of AWS architectural best practices
  • Estimating AWS costs and identifying cost control mechanisms

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Profesiosnal

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam validates advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. Example concepts you should understand for this exam include:

  • Designing and deploying dynamically scalable, highly available, fault tolerant, and reliable applications on AWS
  • Selecting appropriate AWS services to design and deploy an application based on given requirements
  • Migrating complex, multi-tier applications on AWS
  • Designing and deploying enterprise-wide scalable operations on AWS
  • Implementing cost control strategies

AWS Certified Developer- Associate

The AWS Certified Developer – Associate exam validates technical expertise in developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform. Exam concepts you should understand for this exam include:

  • Picking the right AWS services for the application
  • Leveraging AWS SDKs to interact with AWS services from your application
  • Writing code that optimizes performance of AWS services used by your application
  • Code-level application security (IAM roles, credentials, encryption, etc.)

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate


The AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate exam validates technical expertise in deployment, management, and operations on the AWS platform. Exam concepts you should understand for this exam include:

  • Deploying, managing, and operating scalable, highly available, and fault tolerant systems on AWS
  • Migrating an existing on-premises application to AWS
  • Implementing and controlling the flow of data to and from AWS
  • Selecting the appropriate AWS service based on compute, data, or security requirements
  • Identifying appropriate use of AWS operational best practices
  • Estimating AWS usage costs and identifying operational cost control mechanisms

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional


The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional exam validates technical expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform. Exam concepts you should understand for this exam include the ability to:

  • Implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS
  • Understand, implement, and automate security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation
  • Define and deploy monitoring, metrics, and logging systems on AWS
  • Implement systems that are highly available, scalable, and self-healing on the AWS platform
  • Design, manage, and maintain tools to automate operational processes 
See how easy it is to get started with AWS Training

Whether you are thinking of doing any of the AWS Courses you can book it here now. Alternatively, if you need advice or would like to discuss a business discount account - email: info@sureskills.com or call: 01 240 22 62 (Irl)/ 028 9093 5565 (UK).


Or you can complete the form here: Contact Form

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NEW - AWS Skill Builder - NEW

In addition to our instructor led training SureSkills also offers; Skill Builder. Skills Builder is a collectio of resources for organizations looking to upskill their teams. This includes team training plans, progress tracking tools, and other resources to help organizations develop and implement a comprehensive training program for their employees. 

Go to our dedicated web page linked here for more details. 

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