AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate credential artwork

AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03)

Validates knowledge of designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-effective cloud solutions using AWS services.

Summary

AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) is for people with an IT background who want to make architecture choices across AWS services. It covers designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-effective systems, and the exam focuses on choosing a design that meets a scenario's requirements.

Official name: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Good fit if

  • You build or plan systems on AWS at work
  • You have an IT background in servers, networking or development
  • You want a base credential before the Professional

Look elsewhere if

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

No required prerequisites. Anyone can book the exam.

1 year of hands-on AWS experience

Recommended

Practical experience designing and operating solutions on AWS.

Cost

USD · US pricing
$150

What holders say

Certification path

AWS recommends Cloud Practitioner first if you are new to IT. After Solutions Architect Associate, AWS points to Solutions Architect Professional and Security Specialty.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential artwork
Cloud PractitionerCore AWS and cloud concepts
This certification
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate credential artwork
Solutions Architect AssociateDesigning solutions on AWS
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional credential artwork
Solutions Architect ProfessionalComplex, multi-account AWS architectures
AWS Certified Security – Specialty credential artwork
Security SpecialtySecuring AWS workloads

Renewal

AWS Solutions Architect Associate is valid for three years.

Validity
3 years
Renew by exam
SAA or Solutions Architect Professional
SAA with 50% voucher
$75 USD

With an active Skill Builder subscription, the Maintain route offers a one-year extension through training within 90 days of expiry.

AWS recertification options ↗

Alternatives

AWS Certified Developer – Associate credential artwork
AWS Developer Associate$150 required · Intermediate

For people who write code that runs on AWS rather than design systems.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential artwork
Azure Administrator (AZ-104)$165 required · Intermediate

The comparable step if your employer runs on Azure.

Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer credential artwork
Google Associate Cloud Engineer$125 required · Intermediate

Hands-on associate credential for Google Cloud.

FAQ

How much does the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam cost?

$150 in the US before tax. Prices differ by country. After you pass any AWS exam you get a 50% off voucher for your next one.

What is the SAA-C03 passing score?

720 on a scaled score from 100 to 1,000. It is not the same as getting 72% of questions right, and you do not need to pass each domain separately.

Do I need Cloud Practitioner before SAA?

No. It helps if you are new to IT, but if you already work with servers, networks or code you can go straight to SAA.

How do I renew AWS Solutions Architect Associate?

Pass the current SAA exam again or pass Solutions Architect Professional within three years. Your 50% voucher makes the retake $75.

Last updated October 2026