How Many Hours to Study for AWS Solutions Architect? Insights by OpsNexa

Preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect certification exams is a significant commitment. Whether you are aiming for the Associate or Professional level, the right preparation strategy is crucial to passing the exams and earning this prestigious credential. One of the most common questions candidates ask is: how many hours should I dedicate to studying for the AWS Solutions Architect exam?

In this blog, we will break down the time needed to prepare for both the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exams. By understanding the general study hours required for each level, you can better plan your preparation and improve your chances of success.

How Many Hours to Study for AWS Solutions Architect – Associate?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is the entry-level certification for AWS architecture professionals. It’s designed for individuals with a basic understanding of AWS services and cloud concepts.

1. Study Hours: 100 to 120 hours

For most candidates, preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exam typically requires around 100 to 120 hours of study time. This number can vary depending on your prior experience with AWS and cloud computing in general. If you’re already familiar with cloud concepts, you might be able to cut down on the time spent reviewing basics.

2. Study Breakdown

Here’s a rough guide to how you could structure your study time:

• 1–2 Weeks (30–40 hours): Start by understanding AWS core services like EC2, S3, RDS, and IAM. This foundational knowledge will be critical.

• 2–3 Weeks (50–60 hours): Deep dive into advanced topics such as VPC, security, and cloud best practices. Study the AWS Well-Architected Framework and practice scenario-based questions.

• 1 Week (20–30 hours): Take practice exams, review the AWS whitepapers, and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

3. Study Methods

• Official AWS Training: AWS offers training resources like digital courses, webinars, and practice exams.

• Third-Party Courses: Platforms like Udemy, A Cloud Guru, and Linux Academy offer courses tailored for the Solutions Architect – Associate exam.

• Hands-On Labs: Set up your own AWS environment and experiment with different services. Practical experience is invaluable.

• Practice Exams: Take as many practice exams as you can to assess your readiness and get a feel for the exam format.

How Many Hours to Study for AWS Solutions Architect – Professional?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam is much more advanced and requires a deeper understanding of AWS services and architecture best practices. This level of certification is designed for experienced professionals who have already earned the Associate-level certification or have equivalent experience.

1. Study Hours: 200 to 250 hours

Preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect – Professional exam typically takes 200 to 250 hours of study time. Since the content is more complex and covers a wider range of services, more time is required to master the material.

2. Study Breakdown

Here’s how you could break down your study time for the Professional exam:

• 3–4 Weeks (80–100 hours): Focus on advanced concepts such as high availability, disaster recovery, complex architectures, and multi-region architectures.

• 4–5 Weeks (100–120 hours): Study case studies and best practices. Focus on how AWS services work together in large-scale environments. Make sure you have a solid understanding of AWS security practices and cost optimization strategies.

• 1–2 Weeks (20–30 hours): Take practice exams and review any weak areas in your knowledge. Spend time going over the AWS whitepapers, especially those related to security and cost management.

3. Study Methods

• Official AWS Training and Resources: AWS provides resources like the Advanced Architecting on AWS course, which is specifically designed for those preparing for the Professional exam.

• Third-Party Courses: Consider platforms like A Cloud Guru or Linux Academy for advanced-level courses and hands-on labs.

• Practice Exams: Since the Professional exam is challenging, doing as many practice exams as possible is key to understanding the types of scenarios you will face.

Study Time Based on Experience

One important factor that affects how many hours you need to study is your prior experience with AWS. If you are already an experienced AWS user or have worked in cloud architecture before, you might need less time for studying.

1. Beginners (Limited AWS Experience)

If you are new to AWS or cloud architecture, expect to spend the higher end of the recommended study time:

• Associate Level: Around 120 hours or more.

• Professional Level: Around 250 hours or more.

For beginners, it’s crucial to start with basic concepts and gradually build up to more complex topics.

2. Intermediate Users (Some AWS Experience)

For individuals who already have some exposure to AWS, you may need a bit less study time:

• Associate Level: Around 100 hours.

• Professional Level: Around 200 hours.

Intermediate users should focus on honing their understanding of specific services and best practices, using practice exams to identify any gaps in their knowledge.

3. Experienced Users (Deep AWS Experience)

If you are already proficient with AWS and have been working with AWS services extensively, you can likely condense your study time:

• Associate Level: Around 60–80 hours.

• Professional Level: Around 150–200 hours.

For experienced users, the goal is to reinforce best practices and review advanced topics, rather than learning from scratch.

Factors That Affect Your Study Time

Several factors can influence the amount of time you need to study for the AWS Solutions Architect exam. These include:

1. Prior Cloud Experience

If you’ve worked with other cloud platforms like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure, you may already have a solid understanding of cloud concepts and can therefore focus on AWS-specific tools and services.

2. Study Environment and Availability

The amount of time you can dedicate each day to studying will affect your overall study plan. If you can only study on weekends, it may take you longer to prepare for the exam.

3. Learning Style

Some individuals prefer self-study using books and online materials, while others benefit from instructor-led courses. If you learn better through hands-on practice, you may need to allocate more time for setting up AWS services and experimenting with different configurations.

Tips for Efficient AWS Solutions Architect Exam Preparation

1. Set Clear Study Goals

Break down your study plan into manageable chunks. Set specific goals for each week, such as mastering a particular AWS service or completing a set of practice questions.

2. Create a Study Schedule

Organize your time by scheduling study sessions. Make sure to allocate time for reviewing key concepts and practicing hands-on with AWS services.

3. Focus on Key Areas

For both Associate and Professional exams, make sure to focus on key areas like:

• AWS compute services (EC2, Lambda)

• Storage (S3, EBS, Glacier)

• Networking (VPC, Route 53, ELB)

• Security (IAM, KMS, Shield)

• Cost management and optimization

4. Take Practice Exams

Regularly taking practice exams will help you familiarize yourself with the format and identify areas that need further review.

Conclusion

The number of hours required to study for the AWS Solutions Architect exams depends on your experience, familiarity with AWS, and your study approach. On average:

• Associate-level exam: Requires 100–120 hours of study.

• Professional-level exam: Requires 200–250 hours of study.

Remember, success in the exam isn’t just about the number of hours you study—it’s about understanding the concepts deeply and applying them practically. Be consistent, stay focused, and make use of the variety of study resources available to you.

By planning your study time wisely and staying committed, you’ll be well on your way to earning the prestigious AWS Solutions Architect certification.