AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
An associate level AWS credential showing that a candidate can design secure, resilient, high performing, and cost effective systems on AWS. It is one of the most common next steps after foundational cloud knowledge for people moving into cloud architecture work.
Issued by Amazon Web Services (AWS) · Official page
Who can apply
- No formal prerequisites are required.
- AWS recommends at least 1 year of hands on experience designing cloud solutions that use AWS services.
- AWS suggests candidates with no IT work experience first earn the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
Exam
- Exam
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
- Format
- Multiple choice and multiple response; delivered at a Pearson VUE testing center or as an online proctored exam
- Questions
- 65
- Time
- 130 minutes
Of the 65 questions, 50 are scored and 15 are unscored. Results are reported on a scaled score of 100 to 1,000, with a minimum passing score of 720. Offered in 10 languages; AWS says the Italian version will be retired after December 31, 2026.
Official fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $150 | AWS notes that additional costs may apply depending on foreign exchange rates and taxes. | Official page |
| Recertification exam discount | Data unavailable | AWS states exam based recertification can use a 50% discount voucher from the candidate's AWS Certification Account. | Official page |
Only fees published by the issuer or regulator are listed. Blank amounts mean no official figure was available to verify.
Renewal and continuing education
- Cycle
- 3 years
- Requirement
- Recertify for 3 years by passing the latest version of this exam or by earning AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional. AWS also lists a maintenance option on AWS Skill Builder that extends the certification by 1 year.
Related careers
| Occupation | National median wage |
|---|---|
| Computer network architects | $134,050 |
| Network and computer systems administrators | $99,130 |
| Software developers | $135,980 |
Sources
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, accessed October 18, 2026
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) Exam Guide, accessed October 18, 2026
- AWS Recertification, accessed October 18, 2026
Verification notes
The exam code SAA-C03 is confirmed in the official AWS exam guide. AWS's September 2026 certification update announced changes to other exams (MLA, SAP, DVA) but none to SAA-C03.
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