How Long is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam? Duration, Tips & More – OpsNexa

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is one of the most popular certifications for professionals aiming to validate their expertise in designing scalable, cost-effective, and reliable systems on AWS. If you’re preparing for this exam, one of the most important questions you may have is: “How long is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam?”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the exam duration, the types of questions you can expect, tips for managing your time during the exam, and other key details that will help you approach the test with confidence.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Overview

Before diving into the specifics of the exam duration, it’s essential to understand the scope and objectives of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. This certification is designed for individuals who perform a Solutions Architect role and have a solid understanding of AWS services, architecture best practices, and cloud design principles.

The exam tests your ability to design and deploy robust, scalable, and cost-efficient systems in the AWS cloud. It is intended for those with one or more years of hands-on experience with AWS.

The exam code for this certification is SAA-C03 (latest version as of 2023).

How Long is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam?

The AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exam typically lasts 130 minutes (just over 2 hours). During this time, you will be required to answer multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions that assess your knowledge of AWS services and architectural best practices.

Key Exam Details:

• Duration: 130 minutes (2 hours and 10 minutes)

• Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions

• Total Questions: 65 questions (approximately)

• Pass Score: 720 out of 1000

• Cost: $150 USD

While the time may seem tight, 130 minutes is generally sufficient for most candidates if you manage your time well. The questions can vary in difficulty, so you need to pace yourself to ensure you answer all the questions with enough time for review.

What Happens After 130 Minutes?

Once your 130 minutes are up, the exam will automatically end. There is no additional time provided for reviewing questions once the exam timer expires, so it’s essential to keep track of time during the test.

Most test-takers recommend saving some time for the final review of your answers, especially for the questions you’re unsure about.

Types of Questions on the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam contains a mix of question types, primarily focusing on scenario-based and knowledge-based questions. You can expect to encounter several different types of questions, including:

1. Single-Answer Multiple Choice

In these questions, you will be provided with a question and a list of answers. You will need to select the one best answer based on the scenario or requirement provided.

2. Multiple-Answer Questions

Some questions will ask you to select multiple answers, and you must choose the most appropriate solutions based on the given scenario.

3. Scenario-Based Questions

These are more complex questions where you are presented with a real-world scenario that requires a detailed understanding of AWS services. Scenario-based questions test your ability to design solutions, troubleshoot issues, and make decisions based on AWS best practices.

4. True/False

Although not as common, some questions may ask for a yes/no (true/false) response based on whether a statement is correct or not.

These questions are designed to assess both your theoretical knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge in practical situations.

Time Management Tips for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam

Managing your time efficiently is key to ensuring you can answer all questions and review your answers before the exam timer expires. Here are some essential tips for handling time during the exam:

1. Use the 1-Minute Per Question Rule

As a general guideline, aim to spend around 1-2 minutes per question. Given that you have 130 minutes for 65 questions, this will leave you some extra time for questions that require more thought or review.

If you find yourself stuck on a question, it’s better to mark it and move on. You can always come back to it if you have time at the end. Don’t get bogged down by a single question.

2. Prioritize Simple Questions First

Start by answering the easier questions that you are confident about. This will help build your momentum and ensure that you’re getting through the exam at a steady pace.

3. Review Your Answers

Try to save at least 10-15 minutes at the end of the exam to review your answers. This allows you to double-check any answers you weren’t 100% sure about.

4. Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Question

If you’re unsure about an answer, don’t dwell on it for too long. Mark it for review and move on to the next one. You can always come back later when you have more time to think.

5. Take Breaks

Although you can’t pause the exam, it’s a good idea to take a moment to reset during the exam, especially if you start feeling overwhelmed. Use the short breaks during the exam to breathe, relax, and regain focus.

AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam – What to Focus On

To ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam and can complete it within the given time, focus on key areas covered in the exam blueprint. These include:

• Designing highly available, cost-efficient, and scalable systems

• Implementing and deploying applications on AWS

• Securing data and systems using AWS best practices

• Optimizing performance and cost efficiency

• Designing hybrid IT architectures and disaster recovery solutions

Focusing on these areas will help you maximize your efficiency during the exam and ensure you have a good grasp of the topics tested.

Tips to Prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam

Here are some practical tips for preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam:

1. Get Hands-On Experience with AWS

While theory is important, hands-on experience is crucial. Spend time using AWS services through the free tier and practice deploying services like EC2, S3, RDS, and VPC.

2. Study AWS Whitepapers

AWS offers a variety of whitepapers and best practice guides that provide in-depth explanations of architecture concepts. These are crucial for your understanding of the core principles.

3. Take Practice Exams

Practice exams are an excellent way to gauge your readiness. They give you a sense of the exam format and help you identify areas where you need more review.

4. Use Training Platforms

Platforms like A Cloud Guru, Linux Academy, and Udemy offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification. These platforms provide video lectures, practice quizzes, and hands-on labs.

Conclusion: How Long Is the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam lasts 130 minutes. This gives you just over 2 hours to answer 65 questions, including multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. Time management is key to completing the exam successfully, so be sure to pace yourself and save time for reviewing your answers at the end.

The exam is designed to assess your ability to design and implement scalable and cost-efficient solutions on AWS, and with proper preparation, you can confidently tackle it.

With the right study materials, hands-on experience, and time management strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your AWS Solutions Architect certification.