Introduction
My name is Anaas Shwehdi, and I am an AWS Golden Jacket holder, AWS Ambassador, and Principal AWS Engineer for Softcat Plc. With 12x AWS certifications, I have spent over a decade in the tech industry, honing my expertise in Networking, AWS, Windows/Linux Server administration, and virtualization.
Holding both MSc and BSc degrees in Information Systems, I also bring the prestige of multiple certifications, including those from AWS (12x Certified), Cisco, Microsoft, HashiCorp, CompTIA, and ITIL. My passion lies in continuous learning, problem-solving, and helping others navigate the ever-evolving world of cloud technology.
What is the AWS Golden Jacket?
The AWS Golden Jacket is an exclusive recognition awarded to elite members of the AWS community who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and contributions to the AWS ecosystem. It is often given to top AWS Heroes, Community Builders, and professionals who actively share their knowledge through public speaking, blogging, mentoring, and open-source contributions.
One notable way to earn the AWS Golden Jacket is by achieving all 12 AWS certifications, demonstrating mastery across a wide range of AWS domains, from cloud architecture and security to machine learning and networking.
This prestigious award signifies deep technical proficiency and a strong commitment to the AWS community, offering recipients unique networking opportunities and industry recognition. The award is named after the iconic golden jacket, inspired by traditions in elite clubs (like The Masters in golf).
The accidental dream
Before diving into my journey, I want to make one thing clear—tech certifications are valuable, but they are not the be-all and end-all. They are great for validating your knowledge and can be an excellent stepping stone when starting your career. However, the true essence of growth in tech lies in solving real-world problems, building things from the ground up, making mistakes, and learning from them. Certifications can open doors, but hands-on experience is what truly solidifies your expertise.
I never set out to earn the AWS Golden Jacket. In fact, when I started my AWS certification journey, I didn't even know it existed! My goal was simple: expand my knowledge, validate my skills, and grow as a cloud engineer. But as with any great journey, unexpected paths opened up, and before I knew it, I was on a quest to achieve something only a handful of people in the world had accomplished.
From on-prem to cloud: the awakening
Before diving into AWS, I had already spent five years in tech, working primarily with on-prem data centres, networking, and VMware OS support. It was 2020 when I decided to take my first AWS certification—the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. Despite my existing experience, I felt like I was learning everything from scratch. The cloud was a different beast, and I was instantly hooked.
In 2021, I secured my first cloud-focused role as an Infrastructure Engineer then was promoted to Global Head of Infrastructure for a SaaS company in Manchester. This role threw me into the deep end of AWS, where I was practically living inside the AWS console. With hands-on experience under my belt, I tackled my next challenge: the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02).
Breaking the rules: my unconventional certification path
Most people follow the traditional AWS certification path: Cloud Practitioner → Associate (SAA, Developer, SysOps) → Professional → Specialty. But I had my own ideas. I figured, “If I can pass a professional-level exam early, the associate ones should be a breeze.”
Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
Each AWS exam is unique, covering distinct topics, and there are no shortcuts. If I was to advise somebody on the ideal path to get all 12x Certifications I would go along with something like this;
Beginner
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner (Early Adopter)
Associate-Level (Intermediate)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps – Associate
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate (Early Adopter)
Professional-Level (Advanced)
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Specialty-Level (Expert)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
But despite my flawed reasoning, I pushed forward and went straight for the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional. I spent three months preparing for it, and just as I was about to book my exam, something unexpected happened—I got an offer to join Softcat.
The Softcat effect
Joining Softcat changed everything. Not only did they support my self-development, but they also covered my courses, learning materials, and even gave exam bonuses for passing certifications. That level of backing was unheard of for me, and it supercharged my certification journey.
Two weeks into my role at Softcat, I passed the DevOps Professional exam. With one foundation, one associate, and one professional certification under my belt, I decided to challenge myself further. I set my sights on the infamous AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam, rumoured to be one of the hardest.
Coming from a networking background, this was my playground. I had an absolute blast studying for it, and to my shock, I scored a perfect 1000/1000! That moment was pivotal—it gave me the belief that I could conquer all 12 certifications.
The road to 12x AWS Certified
After the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam, I went all in. My next challenge was the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, which took me two months to prepare for. This exam was a different kind of beast—long-winded questions that drained every ounce of brainpower. I barely finished in time, with no chance to review flagged answers. But I passed.
At this point, the AWS Golden Jacket was within reach. I had the toughest exams behind me, and only a few more to go. Just as I was celebrating, AWS decided to move the goalposts, launching the new AWS Certified AI Practitioner, Machine Learning Engineer - Associate and Data Engineer - Associate certifications. Rather than getting discouraged, I embraced the challenge.
I took a short break from AWS certifications and wanted to broaden my horizons to help with my day-to-day job at Softcat and was able to pass the following 3 exams.
- HashiCorp Terraform Associate exam
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- ITIL v4
Then I tackled the AWS Certified Developer Associate exam. It felt like a breather compared to my previous ones, thanks to the overlap with the AWS Certified DevOps Professional exam. Then came the AWS Certified Security – Specialty, followed by AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate. With each exam, my confidence grew.
The AI & machine learning marathon
By 2024, the world was buzzing about AI and ML, and nowhere was this more evident than at AWS re:Invent 2024. The hype was real—Generative AI, SageMaker, and Bedrock were at the forefront of every keynote, breakout session, and hallway conversation. It was clear that AWS was doubling down on AI, and I knew I had to get on board.
These were not my strong suits—I came from a sysadmin and networking background. But in tech, if you don’t adapt, you get left behind.
Determined, I spent three months grinding through the AWS Certified AI Practitioner, Machine Learning Associate, and Data Engineer Associate certifications. My study routine was brutal—four hours every evening, eight hours on weekends. It felt like being back at university, but I powered through. One by one, I passed each exam.
Finally, I saved the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty for last. This was my biggest challenge yet. With no Machine Learning background, I had to work twice as hard. But on February 27, 2025, I did it!
The elite 100
And just like that, I was officially 12x AWS Certified, joining an elite group of fewer than 100 people worldwide, with only 10 in Europe.
The journey was long, challenging, and at times, exhausting. But looking back, every late-night study session, every exam struggle, and every “aha” moment was worth it.
Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. Because in the end, it wasn’t just about the certifications—it was about proving to myself that with determination, anything is possible.