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Cloud automation is rapidly transforming IT operations by enabling businesses to automate infrastructure management, streamline workflows, and reduce manual intervention. As cloud computing adoption grows, professionals with cloud automation certification are in high demand across industries.
Whether you're pursuing AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Microsoft Azure Automation Certification, or Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer, passing the exam requires careful preparation and hands-on experience.
However, many candidates make common mistakes that result in delays, failed attempts, and ineffective learning. In this blog, we’ll explore the top mistakes to avoid when preparing for a cloud automation certification and how you can set yourself up for success.
Mistake:
Many candidates jump straight into studying without reviewing the official exam objectives and syllabus. This results in wasted time on topics that aren’t relevant to the certification exam.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Carefully review the official certification guide provided by AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
✅ Focus on core concepts like Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, security automation, and monitoring.
✅ Identify which cloud automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation, etc.) are covered in the exam.
📌 Example: If you're taking the AWS DevOps Engineer - Professional exam, focus on topics like AWS Lambda, CloudFormation, and CI/CD best practices.
Mistake:
Cloud automation is a practical skill, but many candidates only read books, watch videos, or take notes without hands-on practice. This makes it difficult to apply concepts during real-world scenarios.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Set up a cloud lab using AWS Free Tier, Azure Free Account, or Google Cloud free credits.
✅ Work on real-world automation tasks, such as deploying infrastructure using Terraform or Ansible.
✅ Use practice labs from platforms like A Cloud Guru, Qwiklabs, or Cloud Academy.
📌 Example: If you’re studying Terraform for AWS automation, write and deploy Terraform scripts to create and destroy EC2 instances instead of just reading about it.
Mistake:
Cloud automation exams often test practical application of tools like:
Many candidates ignore hands-on experience with these tools, leading to difficulty in answering scenario-based questions.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Work on small automation projects to gain experience with different tools.
✅ Deploy and manage cloud infrastructure using Terraform or CloudFormation.
✅ Automate CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps.
📌 Example: Set up a CI/CD pipeline using AWS CodePipeline and Terraform to automate infrastructure deployment.
Mistake:
Security is a critical component of cloud automation, but many candidates focus only on deployment automation and ignore security automation concepts.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Learn about IAM (Identity and Access Management), role-based access controls, and least privilege policies.
✅ Understand how to automate security compliance using AWS Config, Azure Policy, or Google Cloud Security Command Center.
✅ Implement encryption, logging, and monitoring best practices.
📌 Example: For AWS, practice using AWS IAM policies to grant fine-grained permissions to automation scripts.
Mistake:
Many candidates take the exam without attempting practice tests, resulting in:
How to Avoid It:
✅ Take multiple mock exams before scheduling the real test.
✅ Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them.
✅ Use official and third-party practice tests (Udemy, Whizlabs, or Tutorials Dojo).
📌 Example: AWS DevOps Engineer exam questions are scenario-based, so practice with Whizlabs AWS DevOps mock exams to improve problem-solving skills.
Mistake:
Many candidates focus only on automation tools and CI/CD pipelines but ignore cost management and optimization strategies, which are essential in real-world cloud environments.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Learn how to optimize cloud costs using AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, and Google Cloud Billing.
✅ Implement automation strategies to reduce cloud costs, such as:
📌 Example: Practice writing an AWS Lambda function to automatically stop idle EC2 instances to save costs.
Mistake:
Cloud providers frequently update their services with new features, tools, and best practices. Candidates who study outdated material may struggle in the exam.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Follow AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud blogs for new updates.
✅ Join online cloud communities and forums (Reddit, LinkedIn, Discord) to discuss changes.
✅ Take up-to-date training courses from official certification partners.
📌 Example: AWS recently introduced CDK (Cloud Development Kit) for Infrastructure as Code—candidates should be familiar with it before taking the AWS automation certification.
Mistake:
Cloud automation exams are not easy—they require deep technical knowledge, practical experience, and problem-solving skills. Many candidates fail because they underestimate the complexity and don’t allocate enough time for preparation.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Allocate at least 2-3 months for exam preparation.
✅ Spend equal time on theory, hands-on practice, and mock exams.
✅ Join study groups or forums to learn from experienced professionals.
📌 Example: If you’re taking the Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer exam, expect complex scenario-based questions on Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.
Conclusion
Cloud automation certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals looking to specialize in DevOps, cloud engineering, and infrastructure automation. However, success in these exams requires avoiding common mistakes and adopting the right study approach.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Understand the exam objectives and focus on key topics.
✔ Gain hands-on experience with automation tools like Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.
✔ Practice security automation, cost optimization, and cloud governance.
✔ Take mock exams to improve time management and confidence.
✔ Stay updated with cloud provider changes and best practices.
By following these best practices, you’ll increase your chances of passing cloud automation certification exams and advancing your career in cloud engineering and DevOps. 🚀
Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly increase your chances of obtaining your Cloud Automation Certification. However, it's also crucial to choose the right training partner. Koenig Solutions is a leading IT training company that provides comprehensive training courses for a variety of certifications, including Cloud Automation Certification. With a robust curriculum, expert instructors, and a focus on practical, hands-on learning, Koenig Solutions can help you avoid these common mistakes and succeed in your certification journey.
Aarav Goel has top education industry knowledge with 4 years of experience. Being a passionate blogger also does blogging on the technology niche.
