Top AWS Interview Questions and Answers for 2024

AWS, or Amazon Web Services, is a cloud platform that provides various services like storage, computing, networking, databases, and more. AWS has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is now one of the most popular cloud platforms.

If you’re looking to land a job at AWS, you will likely encounter several interview questions. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common topics from which AWS interview questions are asked and provide some sample questions and answers to help you prepare for the kind of questions you can expect. 

Overview of the AWS Certification

The AWS Certification is a global certification program that recognizes IT professionals with the skills and technical knowledge necessary to design, deploy, and operate applications and infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The AWS Certification program has three levels: Foundation, Associate, and Professional. Each level has its own set of exams that must be passed in order to obtain certification.

Preparing for an AWS interview can be daunting. With so many topics to cover, it can be difficult to know where to begin. But Let us discuss the most common AWS interview topics. 

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a crucial topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include topics such as the differences between public, private, and hybrid cloud computing models, the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and the various services offered by AWS. 

When answering these questions, it is important to provide examples of how each model can be used in different scenarios. In contrast, private cloud computing is better suited for companies that need more control over their data and infrastructure. 

Additionally, it is essential to mention the various services offered by AWS, such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon RDS.

Security

Security is another critical topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include topics such as authentication methods, encryption techniques, and security best practices. 

It is important to give specific examples of when and how each security measure can be implemented when responding to these questions.

For example, authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication and single sign-on can be used to protect user accounts from unauthorized access. 

Additionally, encryption techniques such as AES and RSA can be used to protect sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized users. 

Finally, security best practices, such as firewalls and regularly patching systems, can help protect against malicious attacks.

Networking

Networking is another crucial topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include virtual private clouds (VPCs), routing protocols, and network security groups (NSGs). 

Provide real-world applications of each networking concept when responding to these questions.

For example, VPCs can create isolated networks within the cloud environment, while routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF can route traffic between different networks. Additionally, NSGs can control inbound and outbound traffic within a VPC.

Storage

Storage is another important topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include object storage services, block storage services, and archiving solutions. 

The best way to respond to these inquiries is to illustrate the versatility of each storage service by providing real-world use cases.

For example, Amazon S3 can be used for object storage, Amazon EBS can be used for block storage, and Amazon Glacier can be used for archiving solutions. Additionally, it is essential to mention the various features of each service, such as scalability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Databases

Databases are another critical topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include relational databases, non-relational databases, and database migration services. 

When answering these questions, it is critical to provide examples of how each database type can be used in different scenarios.

For example, relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL are ideal for structured data, while non-relational databases such as MongoDB and DynamoDB are better suited for unstructured data. 

Additionally, it is essential to mention the various features of each database type, such as scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Automation

Automation is another critical topic in AWS interviews. Questions may include serverless computing, containerization technologies, and automation tools. 

It’s important to give concrete examples of how each automation technology can be used in answering these questions.

For example, serverless computing can reduce costs by only running code when needed. In contrast, containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes can deploy applications quickly and efficiently. 

Additionally, automation tools such as AWS CloudFormation and AWS CodePipeline can automate the deployment of applications and infrastructure.

AWS Interview Questions and Answers Ranging from Basic to Advanced

AWS is a vast platform, and it isn’t easy to cover all the questions in one article. However, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions during an AWS interview.

Basic Level AWS Interview Questions

To be well-prepared for a basic-level AWS exam, one should focus on studying AWS’s core concepts and services. These include

• The history of AWS and its founding members
• The essential services offered by AWS
• The features and benefits of each critical AWS service
• The pricing models provided by AWS
• The various customer support options offered by AWS

By focusing on these critical areas, you will be better equipped to tackle any questions during the exam. 

1. What is the connection between Availability Zone and Region?

An Availability Zone is a data center that is physically separated from other Availability Zones in an AWS Region and is connected to the Region via low-latency, high-throughput, and highly redundant networking.

2. What steps are required in implementing a CloudFormation Solution?

The first step is to create a new CloudFormation stack. To do this, log into the AWS Management Console, click on the “Services” drop-down menu, and select “CloudFormation.” On the CloudFormation page, click the “Create Stack” button.

Next, you will need to specify a stack name and select a template. For this example, we will use the “AWS::EC2::Instance” template.

After creating the stack, you will need to specify some parameters. For this example, we must select the InstanceType, KeyName, and SecurityGroupIds parameters.

Once you have specified the parameters, you must click the “Create Stack” button. AWS CloudFormation will then create the stack and all of the resources specified in the template.

3. How do you revamp or downgrade a system with no or little downtime?

There are several methods for revamping or downgrading a system with no or minimal downtime. A blue/green deployment is one option. You have two identical environments with a blue/green deployment. One environment is the “blue” environment, which is the live environment. The other environment is the “green” environment, which is the new environment.

You first deploy the new code to the green environment to revamp or downgrade the system. Once the new code has been deployed, you switch traffic over to the green environment. This switchover can be done manually or using a tool like Amazon Route 53.

Another way to revamp or downgrade a system with little downtime is to use a canary deployment. With a canary deployment, you have two identical environments. However, instead of switching all traffic over to the new environment, you route a small percentage of traffic to the new environment. This allows you to test the new code in a production environment before routing all traffic.

Intermediate-Level AWS Interview Questions

Those appearing for an intermediate-level AWS exam should know the concepts and services mentioned in the primary-level questions. In addition to that, they should also focus on the following topics.

• The Operational Management Services offered by AWS
• The scalability options provided by AWS
• AWS’s security features
• The various compliance certifications that AWS has

By being well-versed in these topics, you will be able to answer any questions that come your way during the exam.

1. What are the differences between EBS and an instance store?

EBS and instance store are both storage options for Amazon EC2 instances. EBS is a persistent storage option, meaning the data stored on EBS will not be lost if the instance is terminated. EBS is also more reliable than an instance store, as it is not subject to the failures of the underlying hardware.

An instance store is a temporary storage option, meaning the data stored on the instance store will be lost if the instance is terminated. However, an instance store can provide better performance than EBS, as it is stored on the instance’s local storage.

2. Indicate and discuss the different scenarios available on Amazon EC2.

There are a few different scenarios available on Amazon EC2. The first is On-Demand Instances, which allow you to pay for computing capacity by the hour without commitment. This is a good option for users who want the flexibility to increase or decrease their computing power.

Spot Instances, on the other hand, allow you to bid on unused Amazon EC2 capacity. This is a good option for users willing to sacrifice flexibility to get a lower price.

The third option is Reserved Instances, which allow you to prepay for computing capacity. This is a good option for users who want to commit to using Amazon EC2 for a more extended period.

The fourth is Dedicated Hosts, which allow you to reserve an entire Amazon EC2 host. This is an excellent option for users who require greater control over their Amazon EC2 environment.

3. Name some of the crucial characteristics of Amazon S3.

Some of the essential characteristics of Amazon S3 include its high durability and availability, scalability, and security. S3 is designed to withstand concurrent processor failures and maintain a high-performance level even when coping with large surges in traffic. S3 is also scalable so that it can accommodate any amount of data. And finally, S3 is secure, with authentication and authorization options to help you keep your data safe.

Advanced Level AWS Interview Questions

Those appearing for the advanced level AWS exam should understand all the topics mentioned in the primary and intermediate level questions. In addition to that, they should also focus on the following issues:

• The various disasters that can happen in an AWS environment and the steps that should be taken to recover from them
• The features of AWS’s managed services
• How to migrate an on-premises application to the AWS cloud

By focusing on these topics, you can answer any questions that come your way during the exam.

1. What are some of the advantages of using Amazon EFS over Amazon EBS?

There are several advantages to using Amazon EFS over Amazon EBS.

1. Because EFS is a managed service, you don’t have to worry about configuring or maintaining it.
2. EFS is more scalable than EBS to accommodate more data.
3. EFS is less expensive than EBS, saving you money on storage costs.
4. EFS is more reliable than EBS, as it is not subject to the failures of the underlying hardware.

2. Given that the RDS instance replica is not promoted as the controller instance, how would you handle a situation in which the relational database engine frequently fails when traffic to your RDS instances increases? 

There are a few options for dealing with situations in which the relational database engine frequently crashes as traffic to your RDS instances increases. 

One possibility is to expand the size of your RDS instance. This will increase the number of resources available to your database and may help to alleviate the issue. 

Another option is to add more RDS instances, which will help to distribute the load and lessen the problem. 

Finally, you could also try tuning your database engine, which helps to improve performance and alleviate the issue.

3. What are some benefits of using Amazon EC2 over other cloud providers?

There are several advantages to using Amazon EC2 over other cloud providers:

1. 1. EC2 is a highly adaptable service that can be used for a variety of purposes.
   2. EC2 is highly scalable and can handle any amount of data.
   3. EC2 is reliable, so you can trust it to keep your data safe.
   4. EC2 is very affordable, saving you money on your storage costs.

Interview Preparation Tips for Aspiring AWS Professionals

Preparing for an AWS interview requires a blend of technical proficiency, strategic preparation, and personal confidence. Here are key strategies to help you navigate the process and make a strong impression:

1. Master the Fundamentals: Ensure a solid grasp of AWS core services and principles. Familiarize yourself with EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, and VPC, among others. Understanding the foundational elements will help you tackle complex scenarios with confidence.

2. Stay Updated: AWS is ever-evolving, with new features and services regularly introduced. Keep abreast of the latest developments by following AWS blogs, attending webinars, and participating in community forums. This knowledge not only aids in interviews but demonstrates your commitment to staying informed.

3. Dive into Real-World Scenarios: Theoretical knowledge is crucial, but the ability to apply it in practical contexts sets candidates apart. Work on projects that use AWS services, participate in hackathons, or contribute to open-source projects. This hands-on experience provides tangible examples to discuss in your interview.

4. Leverage AWS Resources: AWS offers a wealth of learning materials, including whitepapers, certification guides, and the AWS Architecture Center. These resources can deepen your understanding of design principles and best practices.

5. Understand the AWS Well-Architected Framework: Familiarize yourself with the AWS Well-Architected Framework, which outlines key concepts for building secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient infrastructure. Interviewers often look for candidates who can articulate how their solutions align with these principles.

6. Practice with Mock Interviews: Simulate the interview experience with friends or mentors familiar with AWS. Online platforms also offer mock interviews with professionals. This practice can help refine your answers, improve your communication skills, and reduce interview anxiety.

7. Prepare for Behavioral Questions: AWS interviews often include behavioral questions to assess how you’ve handled past situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.

8. Showcase Your Problem-Solving Process: When faced with technical questions, articulate your thought process clearly. Interviewers are interested in how you approach problems, consider alternatives, and make decisions. It’s okay not to know every answer, but demonstrating logical thinking is key.

9. Be Ready to Discuss Your Projects: Be prepared to talk about your projects, especially those that involve AWS. Highlight your role, the AWS services used, challenges faced, and the outcomes. This discussion showcases your practical experience and ability to apply AWS solutions effectively.

10. Ask Insightful Questions: Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, projects, and company culture. This shows your interest in the position and helps you assess if the opportunity aligns with your career goals.

By incorporating these tips into your interview preparation, you’ll be well-positioned to demonstrate your expertise, practical experience, and fit for the AWS role you’re targeting. Remember, preparation is the key to confidence and success in any interview.

Summing Up

Preparing for an AWS interview requires a thorough understanding of the various topics related to cloud computing. This includes cloud computing models, security measures, networking concepts, storage services, database types, and automation technologies. 

By understanding these topics and providing examples of how they can be used in different scenarios, candidates can increase their chances of success in an AWS interview. Good Luck! Join saasguru if you still have not got your certification done. 

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