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Get started in minutes

This guide will walk you through setting up AWS Certified App and taking your first practice test. Whether you’re installing locally or using Docker, you’ll be practicing for your AWS Cloud Practitioner exam in no time.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:

Node.js

Version 18.x LTS or higher (download here)

npm

Version 9.x or higher (included with Node.js)

Web browser

Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, or Edge 90+

Terminal

Command line access on Windows, macOS, or Linux
To check if Node.js and npm are installed, run node --version and npm --version in your terminal.

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Installation

Choose your preferred installation method:

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Clone the repository

First, clone the AWS Certified App repository to your local machine:
git clone https://github.com/thisisrober/aws-certified-app.git
cd aws-certified-app

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Install dependencies

Install all required packages using npm:
npm install
The installation process typically takes 2-5 minutes depending on your internet connection.

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Start the development server

Launch the application in development mode:
npm run dev
You should see output similar to:
VITE v5.0.0  ready in 500 ms

➜  Local:   http://localhost:5173/
➜  Press h to show help

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Open in your browser

Navigate to http://localhost:5173/ in your web browser to access the application.

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Your first practice test

Once the application is running, follow these steps to take your first practice test:
1

Choose your practice mode

On the main menu, you’ll see two options:
  • Domain Mastery Tests: Practice specific domains with 30 questions each
  • Full Exam Simulation: Take a complete 65-question exam
Start with Domain 1 (Cloud Concepts) to get familiar with the interface and question format.
2

Start the test

Click on any domain card or the “Start full exam simulation” button. The test interface will load with:
  • Left panel: Question text and answer options
  • Right panel: Navigation grid, controls, and progress tracking
  • Top bar: Timer and finish button
3

Answer questions

For each question:
  1. Read the question carefully
  2. Select your answer(s) by clicking checkboxes
  3. Use the Flag button to mark questions for review
  4. Add personal notes using the Notes button
  5. Click Continue to submit and move to the next question
In domain tests, you’ll see immediate feedback. In full exam mode, no feedback is shown until you finish.
4

Navigate through questions

Use the navigation tools in the right sidebar:
  • Question grid: Click any number to jump to that question
  • Previous/Next buttons: Move sequentially through questions
  • Progress indicator: See how many questions you’ve completed
Color-coded indicators show question status:
  • 🟡 Yellow: Flagged
  • 🟢 Green: Correct (after submission)
  • 🔴 Red: Incorrect (after submission)
  • ⚪ White: Unanswered
5

Review and finish

For full exam simulations:
  1. Click Finish Test in the top bar
  2. Review the question list showing answered/unanswered questions
  3. Click on any question to return and modify your answer
  4. When ready, confirm to submit the exam
Make sure to review all questions before submitting - you cannot change answers after submission.
6

View your results

After finishing:
  • See your overall score and percentage
  • Review domain-by-domain performance breakdown
  • Check which questions you got right or wrong
  • Read detailed explanations for each question
Your performance data is saved and displayed on the main menu for future reference.

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Understanding the interface

The application has three main tabs:

Practice tests

Access domain tests and full exam simulations

Concept map

View an interactive map of all AWS topics

About

Learn how to use the app and get study tips

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Question panel features

While taking a test, you have access to:
  • Flag button (🏁): Mark important questions for review
  • Notes button (📝): Add personal notes to any question
  • Answer options: Click checkboxes to select (multiple selections allowed)
  • Continue button: Submit your answer and proceed
Questions marked with notes show a blue dot in the navigation grid.
The right sidebar displays:
  • Timer: Counts down from 90 minutes (full exam only)
  • Question grid: Visual navigation of all questions
  • Progress stats: Questions answered and remaining
  • Domain indicator: Shows which domain the current question belongs to

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Dark mode

Toggle between light and dark themes using the moon/sun icon in the top navigation.

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Study mode vs exam mode

Understand the differences between practice modes:
FeatureDomain Tests (Study Mode)Full Exam (Exam Mode)
Questions30 per domain65 total
Time limitNo time limit90 minutes
FeedbackImmediate after each questionAfter completion only
NavigationCan review anytimeCan navigate but no feedback
PurposeLearn and understandSimulate real exam
Use domain tests to learn the material, then practice with full exams to test your readiness.

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Performance tracking

Your test results are automatically saved:
  • Domain scores: Latest score for each domain test displayed on domain cards
  • Circular indicators: Green for ≥80%, red for <80%
  • Last exam summary: Full exam performance shown on the main menu
  • Persistent data: Scores saved in browser localStorage
Clearing your browser data will reset your performance history.

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Tips for success

Maximize your preparation with these strategies:

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1. Start with domain tests

Begin by taking individual domain tests to:
  • Understand question formats
  • Identify weak areas
  • Learn from immediate feedback
  • Build confidence gradually

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2. Focus on weak domains

Check your performance indicators:
  • Target domains scoring below 80%
  • Review explanations carefully
  • Retake domain tests until consistently above 80%

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3. Practice with full exams

Once comfortable with individual domains:
  • Take multiple full exam simulations
  • Practice time management (90 minutes)
  • Experience realistic exam pressure
  • Aim for consistent 80%+ scores

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4. Use all features

  • Flag questions: Mark difficult questions during practice
  • Add notes: Document tricky concepts for later review
  • Review explanations: Understand why answers are correct
  • Check concept map: See relationships between topics
AWS recommends consistently scoring at least 80% on practice exams before taking the actual certification test.

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Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

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“npm: command not found”

Solution: Node.js is not installed. Download it from nodejs.org and follow the installation instructions.

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Port 5173 already in use

Solution: Use a different port: 
npm run dev -- --port 3000
Then access the app at http://localhost:3000/.

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Installation takes too long

Solution: If npm install hangs, try: 
npm cache clean --force
npm install

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Changes don’t reflect after editing code

Solution: The development server has automatic hot reload. If it doesn’t work:
  1. Save the file (Ctrl+S or Cmd+S)
  2. Wait 1-2 seconds
  3. Refresh the browser (F5)

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Application looks broken

Solution:
  1. Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Del)
  2. Reload the page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
  3. If issue persists, report it on GitHub Issues

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Next steps

Now that you’re set up, here’s what to do next:

Take domain test

Start with Domain 1 to learn the basics of cloud concepts

View concept map

Explore the interactive map to understand exam structure

Read AWS docs

Supplement practice with official AWS documentation

Take full exam

After mastering domains, try a complete 65-question simulation

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Need help?

If you encounter issues or have questions:
This project is open source under the MIT license. Contributions and feedback are welcome!

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