How Many Questions Are There in the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Exam?

If you’re preparing for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, one of the most common questions that comes up is: how many questions are in the exam? This blog post will answer that question and give you a detailed breakdown of the exam’s structure. Whether you’re an aspiring cloud architect or someone looking to validate your skills, understanding the format and structure of the exam will give you a significant edge in your preparation.

Understanding the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is designed to validate your skills in deploying, designing, and operating applications on the AWS cloud platform. It is ideal for individuals in cloud architecture roles who have experience in designing distributed applications. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exam’s specifics to know what to expect on the day of the test.

The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions that focus on AWS architecture best practices, security, cost optimization, and much more. To pass the exam, you need to demonstrate that you can apply these best practices to real-world cloud computing scenarios.

Exam Details: Format and Duration

• Number of Questions: The exam contains 65 questions in total.

• Type of Questions: The questions are either multiple-choice or multiple-response. This means that some questions will have one correct answer, while others may have multiple correct answers.

• Exam Duration: You are given 130 minutes to complete the exam. This allows you to spend an average of around 2 minutes per question, though some questions may take more or less time.

• Passing Score: AWS does not explicitly disclose the passing score, but most candidates need to score at least 720 out of 1000 to pass.

• Exam Cost: The exam costs $150 USD.

Knowing the number of questions and the type of questions can help you manage your time during the exam. Having an understanding of the format and structure will reduce anxiety and allow you to approach each section with confidence.

Key Topics Covered in the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam

The exam covers a broad range of topics that are essential for anyone working with AWS cloud infrastructure. Below are the main categories you should focus on during your study sessions:

1. Design Resilient Architectures

This section tests your ability to design fault-tolerant, scalable, and highly available systems. You will need to understand the design principles of AWS services such as Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, and Amazon VPC, and how they can be combined to create resilient applications.

2. Design High-Performance Architectures

This section focuses on creating architectures that are not only resilient but also optimized for performance. You will need to know how to scale applications vertically and horizontally, leveraging AWS services such as Amazon RDS, CloudFront, and Elastic Load Balancing (ELB).

3. Design Secure Applications and Architectures

Security is a critical concern in the cloud. This section tests your knowledge of implementing security measures such as identity management with AWS IAM, encryption of data at rest and in transit, and the use of security groups and NACLs.

4. Design Cost and Performance-Optimized Architectures

Cost optimization is a central focus for most cloud architects. This section examines how well you can design architectures that are cost-effective while meeting the needs of performance and scalability. Familiarize yourself with AWS pricing models, spot instances, and cost optimization strategies.

Tips to Prepare for the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam

Passing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Below are some essential preparation strategies to help you succeed:

1. Study the Exam Blueprint

AWS provides an exam blueprint for each certification, which lists the key topics and their relative weight on the exam. Familiarize yourself with this blueprint to focus your study efforts on the most important subjects. This can help you allocate your time more effectively during your preparation.

2. Take Practice Tests

Taking practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare. They help you get used to the format of the exam and identify areas where you need to improve. Use official AWS practice exams or other reliable resources to simulate the real exam environment.

3. Hands-On Practice with AWS

Nothing beats practical experience when it comes to cloud architecture. Use your free tier account or AWS credits to gain hands-on experience with the services you’ll be tested on. Build and deploy architectures to get a better understanding of how AWS services work together in real-world scenarios.

4. Use AWS Whitepapers and FAQs

AWS offers a wealth of resources to help you prepare, including whitepapers and FAQs. These documents provide in-depth knowledge about best practices, architecture patterns, and security strategies. Reading through these will give you an edge in understanding AWS’s approach to cloud solutions.

Breaking Down the Question Types in the AWS Solutions Architect Exam

The AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam is structured in a way that tests both your theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving abilities. Understanding the different question types will help you approach the exam with confidence.

Multiple-Choice Questions

The most common question format in the AWS Solutions Architect exam is the multiple-choice question. In these questions, you will be given four answer choices, and you must select the one best answer based on the scenario provided. These questions will often require you to think critically about the best AWS services to use for specific requirements.

Multiple-Response Questions

Multiple-response questions are less common but equally important. In these questions, you will be presented with a scenario and asked to select all the correct answers from a list of options. The number of correct answers can vary, so you will need to be sure of your choices before submitting.

Scenario-Based Questions

A key feature of the AWS Solutions Architect exam is its focus on real-world scenarios. In these questions, you’ll be asked to solve complex problems that require you to choose multiple services and configurations to meet the requirements of a specific use case. These questions are designed to test your ability to apply your AWS knowledge in practical, real-world situations.

How to Manage Your Time During the Exam

Time management is crucial in any exam, and the AWS Solutions Architect Associate test is no different. With 130 minutes to answer 65 questions, you will need to manage your time carefully to ensure that you can answer every question without rushing.

Start with Easy Questions

Begin by answering the questions you feel most confident about. This will help you build momentum and reduce any exam anxiety. It will also give you more time for the tougher questions later on.

Don’t Overthink the Questions

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the best one. Try not to overanalyze questions, as this can lead to mistakes. Stick to the core AWS concepts and use your practical experience to guide your answers.

Flag Difficult Questions

If you encounter a question that you are unsure about, flag it and move on. Return to these questions once you have finished the rest of the exam. This will prevent you from wasting too much time on a single question and will ensure you have time to revisit the more difficult ones later.

Final Thoughts on the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate Exam

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam is a comprehensive test of your cloud architecture skills. With 65 questions covering a wide range of AWS services and best practices, you will need to be well-prepared. The exam is designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and your practical ability to design scalable, resilient, and cost-effective architectures on AWS.

By understanding the exam structure, focusing on key topics, taking practice tests, and managing your time effectively, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, the key to passing the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exam is not just knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Good luck with your exam preparation! With the right approach and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to earning your AWS certification.