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Amazon Web Services

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)

The most widely held cloud certification. It tests design judgement across security, resilience, performance and cost rather than hands-on operation.

The exam at a glance

Length
130 minutes
Cost
$150
Valid for
3 years
Style
Multiple choice

65 multiple choice and multiple response questions, at a test centre or online proctored. Based on SAA-C03. Pass mark is 720 on a scaled range of 100 to 1,000.

What the exam covers

Straight from the published curriculum. The weights are how much of the exam each area is worth, so they are the honest guide to where your study time should go.

Design Secure Architectures30%
Design Resilient Architectures26%
Design High-Performing Architectures24%
Design Cost-Optimized Architectures20%

What to know before you start

Other certifications

Frequently asked questions

How long is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam and what does it cost?

130 minutes, $150. 65 multiple choice and multiple response questions, at a test centre or online proctored. The certification stays valid for 3 years.

What is on the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam?

4 domains. The heaviest is Design Secure Architectures at 30% of the exam, so it is the one worth over-preparing.

What should I know before starting AWS Solutions Architect Associate?

Hands-on time with AWS, not just reading about it. Networking fundamentals: subnets, routing, load balancing. What the common AWS services are actually for.

Is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam hands-on?

No. It is a written exam, so the skill it tests is recognising the right design or command rather than executing it under time pressure.

Exam details from Amazon Web Services, checked August 2026. Always confirm on their page before booking.

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