How Many Questions Are on the AWS Solutions Architect Exam? Insights by OpsNexa

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam is one of the most sought-after certifications in cloud computing. Whether you’re preparing for the Associate or Professional level, understanding the structure and format of the exam is crucial for success.

One of the most common questions candidates ask when preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect exam is: How many questions are on the exam? In this blog, we’ll break down the number of questions for both the Associate and Professional exams, along with tips on how to approach these questions.

AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam: Number of Questions

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is designed for individuals with at least one year of hands-on experience in designing and deploying cloud architectures on AWS. This certification is an entry-level credential for AWS professionals and serves as a foundation for advanced certifications.

1. Number of Questions: 65

The AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exam consists of 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. The exam is timed, giving you 130 minutes (just over 2 hours) to complete it.

These questions assess your ability to design scalable, highly available, and cost-effective cloud architectures using AWS services. You’ll be tested on areas such as security, networking, cost optimization, and best practices.

2. Exam Structure

• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): These questions present you with a question and several possible answers. You need to select the correct one.

• Multiple-Response Questions: These questions may ask you to select more than one correct answer. Be sure to read the question carefully to understand how many responses are required.

3. Types of Questions

The questions in the Associate exam will cover a range of topics, including:

• AWS core services such as EC2, S3, IAM, and RDS

• Designing and implementing scalable and reliable solutions

• Security best practices for cloud environments

• Cost management and optimization techniques

• Networking concepts, including VPCs and subnets

AWS Solutions Architect – Professional Exam: Number of Questions

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam is a more advanced certification intended for professionals with significant experience in designing cloud infrastructures and applications on AWS. This certification is meant for individuals who are already familiar with AWS architecture principles and best practices.

1. Number of Questions: 75

The AWS Solutions Architect – Professional exam consists of 75 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, which you must complete in 180 minutes (3 hours).

The questions in the Professional exam are more complex and scenario-based compared to the Associate exam. They test your ability to design large-scale, distributed applications and systems, taking into account factors like high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery.

2. Exam Structure

• Multiple-Choice Questions: Just like the Associate exam, these questions will present several potential answers, and you’ll need to choose the correct one.

• Multiple-Response Questions: Some questions will require you to select more than one correct answer. Ensure you’re fully familiar with the material to make accurate selections.

3. Types of Questions

The Professional exam will cover more advanced topics, including:

• Designing for high availability and disaster recovery

• Building cost-efficient and scalable architectures

• Managing and optimizing AWS infrastructure for complex systems

• Advanced networking, security, and compliance requirements

• Multi-region and hybrid cloud architectures

Tips for Answering the Questions

The number of questions on the AWS Solutions Architect exam may seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can tackle each question effectively. Here are a few tips to help you manage the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Format

Knowing the format of the questions is key to managing your time and expectations. The AWS Solutions Architect exams typically feature scenario-based questions that require you to choose the best solution. In some cases, there may be more than one technically correct answer, but you will need to select the most optimal one based on AWS best practices.

2. Focus on Core AWS Services

Both the Associate and Professional exams focus heavily on core AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, IAM, and RDS. Be sure to have a deep understanding of these services and how they interact in cloud architectures.

3. Read Questions Carefully

AWS exam questions often include detailed scenarios that require careful reading. Make sure to fully understand the question before selecting your answers, as missing key details can lead to incorrect choices.

4. Practice with Mock Exams

Taking practice exams will help you familiarize yourself with the question types, exam format, and time constraints. AWS offers practice exams for both Associate and Professional levels, and third-party platforms like A Cloud Guru and Udemy also provide valuable mock exams.

5. Time Management

Both exams are timed, so managing your time is essential. Aim to spend around 2 minutes per question in the Associate exam and 3–4 minutes per question in the Professional exam. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s okay to skip it and come back later.

Key Differences Between the Associate and Professional Exams

It’s important to note that there are several key differences between the Associate and Professional exams, not just in the number of questions but also in the complexity and depth of the material covered.

1. Question Complexity

• The Associate exam tends to have more straightforward questions, testing your foundational understanding of AWS services and their application.

• The Professional exam will test your ability to design and implement complex, enterprise-level AWS architectures. The questions will require more advanced problem-solving and critical thinking.

2. Time Per Question

• In the Associate exam, you have 2 minutes per question.

• In the Professional exam, you have around 3–4 minutes per question, allowing for deeper analysis and reasoning.

3. Experience Level

• The Associate exam is suitable for those with less than two years of hands-on experience in AWS, while the Professional exam is intended for individuals with advanced knowledge and at least two years of practical AWS experience.

Conclusion

To summarize:

• The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam has 65 questions and gives you 130 minutes to complete them.

• The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam has 75 questions and is allotted 180 minutes for completion.

Both exams will test your knowledge and skills in designing and deploying scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions on AWS. By understanding the number of questions, the structure of the exams, and the types of topics covered, you can better prepare for the exam and improve your chances of success.

Remember to practice, manage your time wisely, and review the core AWS services and best practices before attempting the exam. Best of luck on your journey to becoming an AWS-certified Solutions Architect!