How Many Attempts for AWS Solution Architect Certification? Insights by OpsNexa

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification is highly sought after in the cloud computing industry. However, like many professional certifications, the exam has policies in place regarding the number of attempts you can make if you don’t pass on the first try.

In this blog, we will explore the details about the AWS Solutions Architect exam retake policy, how many attempts are allowed, and some tips to help you pass the exam successfully.

AWS Solution Architect Exam: Overview

Before discussing the number of attempts allowed, it’s essential to understand the structure of the AWS Solutions Architect exam. AWS offers two levels of this certification:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This is the foundational level and designed for individuals who have basic knowledge of AWS services and cloud computing.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: This is an advanced certification designed for professionals who have extensive experience designing distributed systems and applications on AWS.

Both certifications come with their respective challenges, and the policies for taking the exams are similar across both.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for the AWS Solution Architect Exam?

The short answer is that there is no specific limit to the number of times you can attempt the AWS Solutions Architect exam, but there are certain conditions that must be met between attempts.

Here’s a breakdown of the AWS exam retake policy:

1. No Limit to the Number of Attempts

Unlike some certification programs that limit the number of attempts a candidate can make, AWS does not impose a strict limit on the number of times you can take the AWS Solutions Architect exam. You are allowed to retake the exam multiple times if you fail to pass. However, each attempt requires payment of the exam fee.

2. Mandatory Waiting Period After Each Failed Attempt

If you do not pass the exam, AWS requires you to wait a minimum of 14 days before you can retake the exam. This waiting period applies to both the Associate and Professional level certifications.

3. Retake Fee

Each time you retake the AWS Solutions Architect exam, you will need to pay the full exam fee. For example:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: The exam fee is $150 USD.

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: The exam fee is $300 USD.

It’s important to plan and ensure you’re fully prepared before retaking the exam to avoid unnecessary costs.

Tips to Pass the AWS Solutions Architect Exam on Your First Attempt

Although there is no limit on how many times you can attempt the exam, it’s always a good idea to aim for passing on your first attempt. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Study the Exam Blueprint

AWS provides an official exam blueprint for both the Associate and Professional level certifications. The blueprint outlines the key topics and knowledge areas that are tested in the exam. Use this as a study guide to make sure you’re focusing on the right material.

2. Hands-On Experience is Crucial

AWS exams test not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. Set up your own AWS Free Tier account and work on hands-on projects to reinforce the concepts you’re studying. The more experience you have working with AWS services, the better prepared you’ll be for the exam.

3. Practice Exams

Take practice exams to get familiar with the types of questions you might encounter on the real exam. Practice exams help you assess your readiness and identify any areas where you need to improve. Many training platforms offer practice exams tailored to AWS certifications.

4. Focus on Core AWS Services

For the Solutions Architect Associate exam, you need to have a strong grasp of core AWS services like EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, IAM, and Lambda. Make sure you understand how to architect solutions using these services in different scenarios.

For the Professional exam, you’ll need to demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex topics like multi-region architectures, security best practices, and advanced networking configurations.

5. Utilize AWS Whitepapers and Documentation

AWS whitepapers are an excellent resource for understanding AWS best practices and the Well-Architected Framework. Reading AWS documentation and whitepapers will help you get a deeper understanding of AWS services and design principles.

Can You Retake the Exam Immediately After Failing?

As mentioned earlier, AWS mandates a 14-day waiting period after a failed attempt before you can retake the exam. While this waiting period can feel frustrating, it’s essential for candidates to use this time to assess their mistakes and fill knowledge gaps before retaking the exam.

Some candidates may feel rushed or overly stressed after failing the first attempt, but it’s essential to take a step back and reevaluate your study plan. Instead of rushing back into the exam, use the 14-day period wisely to review the areas where you struggled.

Why Does AWS Have a Retake Policy?

The 14-day waiting period and retake fee are designed to encourage candidates to fully prepare for the exam before attempting it again. AWS wants to ensure that individuals who earn the Solutions Architect certification truly possess the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience.

This policy is beneficial because it encourages a thoughtful and thorough study approach. Preparing for the exam over a longer period allows candidates to retain knowledge better and approach the exam with more confidence.

How to Improve Your Chances After Failing an Attempt

If you fail the AWS Solutions Architect exam on your first attempt, don’t get discouraged. Many candidates face challenges in the process. Here are some ways to improve your chances before your next attempt:

1. Review Incorrect Answers

If you have access to the answers you got wrong (depending on the exam platform), review them carefully. Understand why the correct answer is right and why your answer was wrong. This will help you learn and avoid similar mistakes in the future.

2. Revisit the Exam Blueprint

Sometimes, failing the exam simply means you overlooked or didn’t dedicate enough time to certain topics. Revisit the exam blueprint and ensure that you’ve covered every topic thoroughly.

3. Join Study Groups

Join study groups or online forums where others are preparing for the same certification. Discussing topics with peers can help you gain different perspectives and better understand complex concepts.

4. Use AWS-Approved Training Materials

There are plenty of online resources available, but for the most accurate and comprehensive study material, use AWS-approved training. AWS provides a variety of online training courses and resources designed to help candidates prepare for the exam.

Conclusion

While there is no official limit to the number of times you can attempt the AWS Solutions Architect exam, AWS imposes a 14-day waiting period between retakes and requires payment for each attempt. This policy is in place to ensure that candidates take their preparation seriously and truly grasp the knowledge needed to pass the exam.

If you fail, don’t be discouraged. Use the waiting period wisely to review your mistakes, strengthen your weak areas, and improve your understanding of AWS services. With the right preparation and a focused approach, you will eventually pass the exam and earn the AWS Solutions Architect certification.