AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Learn more about this certification and AWS resources that can help you prepare

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate badge

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology, across a wide range of AWS services. The focus of this certification is on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This certification can enhance the career profile and earnings of certified individuals and increase your credibility and confidence in stakeholder and customer interactions.

This exam does not require deep hands-on coding experience, although familiarity with basic programming concepts would be an advantage.

Who should take this exam?

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate is a great starting point on the AWS Certification path for individuals who may have any of the following:

  • Experience in AWS technology
  • Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
  • Experience working in other cloud services

What you'll learn

Preparing for and attaining this certification will showcase:

  • Knowledge and skills in compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services as well as AWS deployment and management services
  • Knowledge and skills in deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS as well as implementing security controls and compliance requirements
  • Knowledge and skills in using the AWS Management Console and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI)Understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework, AWS networking, security services, and the AWS global infrastructure
  • Ability to identify which AWS services meet a given technical requirement and to define technical requirements for an AWS-based application

What does it take to earn this certification?

To earn this certification, you’ll need to take and pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam (SAA-C03). The exam features a combination of two question formats: multiple choice and multiple response. Additional information, such as the exam content outline and passing score, is in the exam guide.

Download the exam guide »

Review sample questions that demonstrate the format of the questions used on this exam and include rationales for the correct answers.

Download the sample questions »

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Exam overview

Level: Associate
Length: 130 minutes to complete the exam
Cost: 150 USD. Visit Exam pricing for additional cost information, including foreign exchange rates
Format: 65 questions, either multiple choice or multiple response.
Delivery method: Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam.

Languages offered

This exam is offered in the following languages: English, French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), and Traditional Chinese.

Prepare for your exam

You’ve set your goal. Now it’s time to build knowledge and skills to propel your career. Check out these resources from AWS Training and Certification that are relevant to AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate. These recommended resources are opportunities to learn from the experts at AWS, but we don’t require that you take any specific training before you take an exam.

Get started with free resources or explore additional resources, including Official Practice Exams, with a subscription to AWS Skill Builder.

Select a resource type from the section below to learn more.

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You can support a team in getting AWS Certified by funding AWS Certification(s) with exam vouchers. Signal the value of skills advancement, manage your learning and development budget strategically, and get insights on voucher usage.

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