How Long to Get AWS Certified Solutions Architect? A Comprehensive Timeline by OpsNexa
Achieving AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is a key milestone for cloud professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise in designing scalable, cost-effective, and secure cloud solutions using AWS. Whether you’re new to cloud computing or already have experience in IT, the question “How long will it take to get AWS certified?” is one of the most common inquiries among aspiring candidates.
In this blog, we will break down the typical timeline for earning your AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and Professional certifications, depending on your prior experience and available study time.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Certification Overview
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification comes in two levels:
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Associate Level
This certification is aimed at individuals with a foundational understanding of AWS and cloud technologies. It’s typically the first certification aspiring cloud architects pursue, and it validates your ability to design distributed systems that are scalable, fault-tolerant, and cost-efficient.
Professional Level
The Professional certification is designed for individuals with advanced knowledge and experience in designing complex AWS solutions. It requires a deep understanding of various AWS services, and it typically requires hands-on experience for a deeper grasp of real-world applications.
Both certifications are highly respected in the cloud industry and can open doors to career advancement. However, most professionals begin with the Associate certification before progressing to the Professional level.
How Long Does It Take to Get AWS Certified Solutions Architect?
The time required to get AWS Certified Solutions Architect varies depending on your starting point and available study time. Let’s break down the typical timeline based on different experience levels.
1. If You Are a Beginner in Cloud Computing (6-12 months)
If you’re new to cloud computing, it will likely take longer to get certified as an AWS Solutions Architect. You’ll need to first build a foundation in cloud computing concepts before diving into AWS-specific services and architecture.
Timeline Breakdown:
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3-6 months to learn basic cloud concepts and familiarize yourself with core AWS services like EC2, S3, IAM, and VPC.
During this time, focus on understanding what cloud computing is, how it works, and its different service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). -
3-6 months to study AWS-specific topics and prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
In this phase, you’ll need to dive deep into AWS services, best practices, and architectural patterns.
Total Estimated Time:
6-12 months
If you’re dedicated and follow a structured study plan, it’s possible to pass the Associate exam within 6 months. However, if you’re balancing study with work or other commitments, 12 months may be more realistic.
2. If You Have a Background in IT or Cloud Computing (3-6 months)
If you already have experience in IT, system administration, or cloud computing, you can expect to move more quickly through the material. Your familiarity with infrastructure, networking, and basic cloud services will give you a head start in understanding AWS architecture.
Timeline Breakdown:
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1-2 months to get comfortable with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, VPC, and IAM.
Since you’re likely already familiar with cloud technologies, this phase will be more about learning how AWS implements these services. -
2-4 months to dive deeper into AWS architecture design and best practices. This includes topics like high availability, scalability, security, and cost optimization in AWS.
Total Estimated Time:
3-6 months
For those with prior cloud experience, 3 months of focused study might be enough to pass the Associate-level exam, while 6 months may allow for deeper knowledge and more practice.
3. If You Are an Experienced AWS User or Developer (2-4 months)
If you’re already familiar with AWS through practical use, development, or administration, your preparation time will be much shorter. You likely already have hands-on experience with AWS services and architecture, making your study sessions more focused on exam preparation.
Timeline Breakdown:
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1-2 months to review exam-specific content and practice with hands-on labs.
In this phase, your focus will be on reviewing AWS whitepapers, best practices, and taking practice exams to gauge your readiness. -
1-2 months to fine-tune your knowledge and fill in any gaps. This is especially useful for complex topics like network security, disaster recovery, and hybrid cloud architectures.
Total Estimated Time:
2-4 months
If you’re already working with AWS on a daily basis, 2-4 months should be enough to prepare and pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam.
How to Prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect Certification Exam
Regardless of your starting point, preparation is crucial for success. Here’s a roadmap for preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam:
1. Understand the Exam Blueprint
AWS provides an official exam guide that outlines the topics covered in the certification exam. Familiarizing yourself with the exam blueprint ensures that you’re studying the right material and can avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
2. Hands-On Practice
Experience with the AWS platform is critical for passing the exam. Make sure to leverage the AWS Free Tier to get hands-on experience with key services like EC2, S3, Lambda, and VPC. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be during the exam.
3. Use Official AWS Resources
AWS provides a range of learning resources:
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AWS Training and Certification offers free and paid courses specifically designed for each certification level.
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AWS Whitepapers are excellent for understanding best practices and architectural patterns.
4. Take Practice Exams
Practice exams are essential to test your knowledge and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Websites like A Cloud Guru, Linux Academy, and Whizlabs offer practice exams that simulate the real test.
5. Join Study Groups or Forums
Studying with others can help reinforce your knowledge. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and the AWS Certification Community offer study groups and forums where you can discuss concepts and ask questions.
How Long Does It Take to Get AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Professional Level)?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam is significantly more challenging than the Associate-level exam. You’ll need to have extensive hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of AWS services to pass this exam.
For those already certified at the Associate level, it generally takes an additional 6-12 months of focused study and practical experience to prepare for the Professional exam.
Timeline Breakdown:
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3-6 months to deepen your understanding of advanced AWS topics like hybrid architectures, disaster recovery, multi-account AWS setups, and complex system designs.
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3-6 months of hands-on practice with more complex AWS services and architectures, especially around networking, security, and large-scale deployments.
Total Estimated Time for Professional Exam:
6-12 months
If you already have the Associate certification, you can expect to take between 6 and 12 months to get the Professional certification, depending on your schedule and level of experience.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Get AWS Certified Solutions Architect?
In conclusion, the time it takes to earn AWS Certified Solutions Architect depends on several factors, including your prior experience, study habits, and which certification level you’re pursuing. Here’s a quick summary:
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For beginners: 6-12 months
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For those with IT or cloud experience: 3-6 months
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For experienced AWS users: 2-4 months
Keep in mind that these are just general estimates. With the right study plan, hands-on experience, and focus, you can accelerate your learning and achieve certification more quickly. Whether you’re starting with the Associate or aiming for the Professional level, achieving AWS Solutions Architect certification will undoubtedly boost your career in the cloud industry.
