AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification highlights your ability to design and deploy secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
It’s ideal for professionals seeking to demonstrate expertise in cloud architecture and AWS best practices.
What is AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification is a globally recognised credential from Amazon Web Services. It demonstrates an ability to design distributed systems that are secure, resilient, and highly available. The certification focuses on real-world architecture principles, preparing professionals to translate business requirements into technical solutions within the AWS cloud environment.
This certification guide was written by our team of AWS experts.
What topics does an AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification cover?
This certification covers the core areas of AWS architecture and cloud solution design. Key topic areas include:
- Designing resilient and high-performing architectures
- Implementing secure and compliant applications
- Selecting appropriate AWS services for compute, storage, and networking
- Designing cost-optimised and efficient architectures
- Managing identity, access, and operational excellence
How do I earn an AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification?
To earn this certification, candidates must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) exam. The process typically includes:
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Completing a training course like Architecting on AWS (AMWSA).
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Gaining hands-on experience designing and deploying systems on AWS.
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Registering for and passing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam through Pearson VUE or PSI.
After passing the exam, you’ll receive official AWS certification recognising your technical expertise in cloud architecture.
What are the pre-requisites of an AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification?
There are no mandatory prerequisites. However, AWS recommends that candidates have:
- At least one year of hands-on experience designing available, cost-efficient, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
- Familiarity with the AWS Management Console, Command Line Interface (CLI), and core AWS services.
- Basic understanding of networking, security, and database concepts.
- A general knowledge of multi-tier architectures and application integration is also beneficial.
Which roles require an AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification?
This certification is ideal for professionals working in roles such as:
- Solutions Architects responsible for designing AWS-based systems.
- Cloud Engineers and DevOps Engineers managing AWS infrastructure and automation.
- Systems Administrators and Network Architects transitioning into cloud-focused roles.
- Technical Consultants and IT Managers advising on scalable cloud implementations.
Is AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate worth it?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification is one of the most sought-after cloud credentials globally. It enhances your credibility with employers and confirms your capability to design effective cloud solutions.
AWS certifications are also consistently ranked among the top-paying IT certifications worldwide.
Prepare for AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate with our course
The Architecting on AWS course is a comprehensive three-day classroom training designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on the AWS platform.
Prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam
What is the exam structure of AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) exam measures your ability to design distributed systems within AWS. The exam consists of:
- 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions
- 130-minute duration
- Passing score: 720/1000
The exam domains include:
- Design Secure Architectures (30%)
- Design Resilient Architectures (26%)
- Design High-Performing Architectures (24%)
- Design Cost-Optimised Architectures (20%)
The exam is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese.
What study resources are available for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate?
You can prepare for this certification using:
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QA’s official training course: Architecting on AWS (AMWSA)
Does an AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification expire?
AWS certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your credential, you must recertify by passing the latest version of the exam or a higher-level AWS certification before expiration. This ensures that your skills remain aligned with evolving AWS technologies and best practices.
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