The Amazon AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C00) certification exam validates advanced technical skills and experience in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. It is intended for experienced IT networking and cloud professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise with complex networking implementations on AWS.
Passing this challenging exam requires thorough preparation and knowledge of AWS networking services, hybrid connectivity, network optimization, security, and automation. Here are some secret tips and strategies to help you succeed in the ANS-C00 exam:
Understand the Exam Format and Content Outline
The ANS-C00 exam contains around 60 multiple choice and multiple response questions that must be completed within 170 minutes. Review the exam guide and focus your preparation on the stated domains:
- Design and Implement Hybrid IT Network Architectures at Scale (50%)
- Design and Implement AWS Networks (30%)
- Automate AWS and Hybrid Networks (20%)
Know the depth of knowledge required in each domain and study accordingly.
Learn Through Hands-on Practice
The ANS-C00 assesses practical skills in deploying complex networks on AWS. Simply reading theory won’t be enough. Get hands-on experience by:
- Completing labs on relevant AWS services like VPC, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, VPN etc.
- Working through real-world network design scenarios and use cases.
- Building sample hybrid architectures across cloud and on-premises.
- Automating network deployments using CloudFormation templates.
Hands-on practice will build the skills and confidence you need to pass the exam.
Master Core Networking Concepts
Having a strong grasp of foundational networking is critical for the exam. Ensure you understand key concepts like:
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- IP addressing and CIDR notation
- Routing and switching
- Common networking protocols (BGP, OSPF etc)
- Network access control and security
Focus your study on how these core concepts are implemented in AWS cloud networks specifically.
Use Multiple Learning Resources
Supplement AWS official training courses with third-party resources:
- Whitepapers – expand knowledge of hybrid networking, DNS, migrations etc.
- Books – find titles focused on advanced AWS networking.
- Blogs – discover insights and tips from other professionals.
- Videos – reinforce concepts through visual learning.
- Practice exams – test knowledge and identify gaps.
Using diverse learning materials will help the knowledge stick.
Master the Major AWS Services
Know the key AWS networking services inside out. Key services include:
- VPC – configure private, public, isolated networks on AWS.
- Direct Connect – establish dedicated network connection from on-premises.
- Transit Gateway – connect VPCs and on-premises networks.
- VPN – create encrypted connections.
- Route 53 – manage DNS traffic routing.
- CloudFront – deploy global content delivery network.
Understand how these services work individually and together in hybrid and AWS-only network architectures.
Automation is Key
Learn how to automate AWS networking deployments using:
- AWS CLI – launch networks from the command line.
- CloudFormation – spin up networks through code.
- Cloud Development Kit (CDK) – deploy infra as code in languages like Python.
Automation minimizes errors and speeds up deployments. Know various methods.
Pay Special Attention to Hybrid Networking
Connecting AWS cloud networks with on-premises data centers and networks is a major focus of the exam. Study hybrid networking concepts deeply including:
- Hybrid network design patterns and use cases.
- Options for connecting on-premises sites like VPN and Direct Connect.
- Integrating corporate directories using AD Connectors.
- Migrating applications while retaining legacy connectivity.
- Splitting DNS between cloud and on-premises.
Hybrid networking knowledge will be vital for passing the ANS-C00 exam.
Take Practice Exams
Taking practice tests is essential preparation and helps:
- Identify knowledge gaps to focus further study.
- Get familiar with the actual exam format and question style.
- Confirm ability to finish questions within the allotted time.
- Calibrate test taking strategy.
Time yourself stringently during practice exams to simulate the real test conditions.
Don’t Neglect Time Management
With around 60 questions in 170 minutes, you need to pace yourself wisely on exam day.
- Don’t get bogged down on any single tough question. Flag it and come back later.
- Keep moving forward steadily to attempt every question.
- Budget time to review flagged questions at the end.
- Gauge when to make educated guesses rather than getting stuck.
Meticulous time management is vital to passing this time-pressured exam.
Conclusion
The ANS-C00 exam will thoroughly assess your skills in designing, implementing, optimizing, and automating AWS cloud and hybrid network architectures. Preparation using hands-on practice, diverse learning materials, and practice exams will help cement the required knowledge. Mastering core networking concepts, AWS services, hybrid networking, and time management will set you up for success. With determination and focus, you can pass this challenging but rewarding advanced AWS networking certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key AWS networking services to study?
Some of the most important AWS networking services to focus on are VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, VPN, Route 53, and CloudFront. Know how these services work individually and together to enable complex hybrid and AWS-only network architectures.
How much networking experience is recommended before taking the exam?
At least 2 years production-level experience architecting and implementing network solutions on AWS and on-premises is highly recommended. The exam assumes advanced skills and knowledge that typically comes from hands-on networking experience.
What score is needed to pass the ANS-C00 exam?
A minimum passing score of 750 out of 1000 points is required. Scores are normalized to account for exam difficulty. Focus on thoroughly learning the material rather than targeting a specific score.
What happens if I fail the ANS-C00 exam?
If you fail, you can re-take the exam after a mandatory waiting period of 14 days. Most candidates who fail but persist end up passing on the next try after more thorough preparation addressing weak domains.
Should I take any other AWS certifications before attempting ANS-C00?
The Advanced Networking exam assumes proficiency in topics covered by Associate and Professional level certs like Solutions Architect and SysOps Administrator. Earning these precursor certs to validate baseline AWS knowledge is highly recommended.
What kind of questions will I see on the real exam?
Expect a mix of multiple choice, multi-response, and multi-select questions testing practical hybrid networking implementation skills. Some questions involve interpreting a given scenario or output. Manage time to ensure you attempt every question.
Other Resources:
https://www.certbolt.com/aws-certified-solutions-architect-associate-exam-dumps
https://www.certbolt.com/aws-certified-solutions-architect-professional-exam-dumps
https://www.certbolt.com/aws-certified-cloud-practitioner-exam-dumps
https://www.certbolt.com/exams-video-training/aws-certified-solutions-architect-associate-amazon
https://www.certbolt.com/exams-video-training/aws-certified-solutions-architect-professional-amazon
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