It is not called Advanced Networking for no reason
I will need more than basic networking knowledge to conquer the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam, which is regarded as the most difficult AWS certification. The exam tests expertise in complex scenarios involving hybrid architectures, network security, and automation at scale. While I might already understand VPCs and subnetting, this certification demands mastery of advanced concepts like Transit Gateway configurations, Direct Connect implementations, and sophisticated routing policies. Fortunately, these are the exact skills I require for my current client project and I can put my learning directly into practice. My intent is that by exploring each domain systematically and executing real-world scenarios, I can develop the deep technical insight required to join the elite group of AWS networking specialists. (in my dreams!)
Essential AWS Networking Knowledge
Anyone preparing for the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam must first master the essential networking fundamentals and the range of AWS-specific networking components.
This includes a solid understanding of both IPv4 and IPv6 CIDR notation, subnetting principles, and the challenges organizations face when transitioning to IPv6. The OSI model and its layers serve as a crucial foundation, along with concepts including static and dynamic routing, and BGP implementations.
For AWS-specific knowledge, it is important to focus on VPC design fundamentals, including how to properly configure CIDRs, subnets, route tables, and network ACLs.
I’ll need to understand security groups, DHCP configurations, and the various gateway types – NAT, internet, egress-only internet, and virtual gateways. And I need to make sure I’m comfortable with AWS Direct Connect and VPN configurations, as these are essential for extending the network beyond the VPC onto on-premises and third party systems.
Requiring special attention are Network Access Analyzer, AWS Network Firewall, and AWS Firewall Manager, as these tools are critical for implementing robust security measures.
If that is not enough, I will also need to understand how to implement Intruder Detection Systems and Intruder Protection Systems (IDS/IPS) and protect against DDoS and EDoS attacks within your AWS infrastructure.
Networking is my weakest area. Firstly, I am an applications architect, then business architect, then data architect, then an infrastrucure architect. I have greater knowledge on clients, servers and operations, with networking being the area I have had the least involvement. Oops.
With this exam, all that has to change.
Advanced Networking Domains
The AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam covers six critical domains.
Network Design and Implementation is the largest of the domains with 29% of the content. I’ll need to master AWS networking concepts, define architectures based on customer requirements, and optimize existing implementations.
Hybrid IT Network Architectures is the second most heavily weighted domain at 23%, where I need to demonstrate my ability to implement and manage connectivity between on-premises and AWS environments, particularly focusing on Direct Connect solutions. A strong background in network security tools including WAF, IPsec, IDS/IPS, and DDoS protection is essential for success in this domain.
Network Integration with application services accounts for 15%, covering Route 53, DNS solutions, and load balancing strategies.
Network management and troubleshooting makes up 13% of the exam, and for this I need to rely on my experience of debuggin network issues.
Security and Compliance is the fifth domains and represents 12%. This covers encryption technologies, security boundaries, and monitoring strategies.
AWS task automation is the smallest domain at 8% which tests how to use infrastructure automation tools and optimize networking scripts.
To succeed, I should focus my study time proportionally on these domains, with extra attention to network design and hybrid connectivity, as they comprise over half the exam content.
High Quality Study Materials
Successful preparation for the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam depends upon selecting high-quality study materials from both official and third-party sources. I started with AWS’s official exam guide and readiness training to understand the core requirements and expectations. These resources provide the foundation for the certification journey.
For comprehensive learning, I supplemented the AWS’s official documentation with a well-respected third-party course: Adrian Cantrill’s AWS Advanced Networking course. This is particularly useful for the in-depth lessons and and detailed hands-on labs. Adrian explains things clearly and in depth. I run at 1.5X speed for the easier lessons and at 1.25X for the more complex lessons.
I supplement the study with practice tests from Tutorials Dojo. Jon Bonso’s exam questions helped me assess my readiness and identify knowledge gaps. I also supplement these with AWS whitepapers and customer success stories on YouTube to understand real-world networking scenarios.
Hands-On Practice Strategies
Along with theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice forms the cornerstone of AWS Advanced Networking certification success. Arpad Toth proposes a set up of 15 hands-on exercises to prep for the exam. I started by creating multiple AWS accounts within AWS Organizations and registering a domain name for DNS exercises. I simulated real-world networking scenarios across multiple regions and accounts. Cost monitoring was essential to avoid unexpected charges during the practice sessions. I diligently shut down all the resources at the end of each exercise.
I focussed my practice on complex networking configurations. A typical setup included shared ingress and egress VPCs. Other scenarios were cross-region connectivity using transit gateways and implement client VPN connections to test private instance access.
I also considered advanced scenarios like sharing subnets across accounts, use of Resource Access Manager and implementing split-view DNS in Route 53..
Common Exam Preparation Pitfalls
Many candidates have stumbled on pitfalls when preparing for the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty exam. A common mistake is to use outdated study materials, especially since the exam’s July 2022 update.
Don’t fall into the trap of pure memorization. The exam tests your ability to apply networking concepts to real-world scenarios, particularly in areas like hybrid-connectivity and network design. You’ll need to understand how different components work together, not just individual services in isolation.
Preparation for a Test Centre Exam
When preparing for your exam day, planning your day can significantly impact your performance on the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty test. Choose a testing window that allows you to be at your best. I prefer to sit the exam in a test centre and hence want to avoid a morning slot so travel delays do not come in to play. The test centre is a 5 minute walk from my company offices. I prefer a time from 13:00-16:00.
A light meal can help sustain your energy throughout the 3 hour exam. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and make a trip to loo before starting to avoid unnecessary breaks during the test. Note that breaks are only allowed if you are attending at a test centre. For the remotely invigilated 3 hour exam it is as much as test of bladder control as a test of AWS knowledge.
Preparation for a Home Exam
My advice is not to do a home exam. I have done a few during COVID and it was not fun. I have had two stressful experiences and one that went okay, although fortunately I passed all three.
The two challenging experiences were largely down to the working environment, that is doing the exam in a room with stuff in it. The room really needs to mirror a prison cell – minus the bed and the bucket. Just a desk, chair, laptop with webcam, mic and speaker, and a mouse: no separate headset, mic, speakers or webcam. The decor needs to be bare walls with no photos or posters and have no other furniture. And you need no interuptions with your partner bringing you tea, or the dog scratching at the door as it is missing all the fun.
For the last exam at home I used the “sun room” which is a small room off the landing, 2.5m by 1.5m in size, and mostly south-facing with windows on three sides. The inverted commas are because I live in Scotland. The room is about 2.5m above the wifi-router so has good connectivity. It only has a table and chair as furniture as it doubles as a sewing room for my wife. The proctor’s sweep of the room using my mobile phone before the exam takes a reassuringly brief couple of minutes, and not 15 minutes like it did on earlier exams. This allows me to start the exam on time with minimum stress for me and my exam proctor.
Time Management is Key to Success
A significant pitfall to avoid is poor time management. With 75 questions in 180 minutes, you can’t afford to rush through complex scenarios or spend too much time on single questions so just make your best guess and flag them for review. My approach is to allow 2 minutes per question which allows 30 minutes at the end for 2 rounds of reviews. The first round is to review all the flagged questions. I tend to have around 10 of these so this first round takes around 20 minutes. I then have about 10 minutes left. The second round typically focuses on 2 and 3 questions where I am undecided so I make my best choice. I then submit my response carefully with about 5 minutes left on the clock.
Post-Certification Career Opportunities
Earning the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty certification can uplift your career trajectory in cloud computing. With AWS’s position as the market leader in cloud services, you’ll find numerous high-paying opportunities across various roles. You can pursue positions as an AWS Cloud Networking Engineer, Network Architect, or specialized Network Specialist focusing on hybrid environments.
Your certification will make you particularly valuable to consulting firms which need certified professionals to implement AWS solutions for their clients. For example, I am implementing a hybrid, multi-cloud networking solution for a large client that uses AWS, Azure and third party SaaS services. I have designed a solution which has included AWS Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, AWS Private Links, VPCs, private and public networking, private hosted zones, Route 53 resolvers and a Network Firewall, as well as integrations with Microsoft Entra ID, Defender for Cloud, Sentinel and Azure Log Analytics.
The certification also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning, making you an attractive candidate for leadership roles in cloud infrastructure.
Conclusion
I hope that this has helped you with the tools to tackle the AWS Advanced Networking Specialty Certification exam. Remember to balance your theoretical study with hands-on practice, focus on the key domains, and use the latest official AWS resources. Take timed practice tests to hone you exam technique and to get your time management up to the required standard. With dedication and the right preparation strategy, you’ll be ready to showcase your expertise and advance your cloud networking career.
I plan to sit the exam over the festive period. After all, what better way is there to recover from the excesses of Christmas celebrations than sitting the AWS Advanced Networking exam!
