By Quick answer: How do I pass AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate?
- Plan — 10 weeks.
- Exam — 130 minutes, 65 questions.
- Fee — $150.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate rewards a structured plan. This 10-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAmazon Web Services | $1501 | 130 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 2 | AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAmazon Web Services | $1002 | 90 minutes, 65 questions | Free test |
| 3 | HashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateHashiCorp | Check the official page3 | Check issuer | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate before you pay.Start free test →
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Practice ExamPractise for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner before you pay.Start free test →
- Terraform Associate Practice ExamPractise for HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- AWSAWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateThe exam$150
- AWSAWS Certified Cloud PractitionerEasier start$100
- HashiCorpHashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateInfrastructure as codeCheck the official page
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Cost
- $1501
- Format
- 130 minutes, 65 questions
$150. Format: 130 minutes, 65 questions. Check the official page for prerequisites. AWS's associate exam tests designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-aware systems on AWS. It's 130 minutes with 65 questions and costs $150, and it's the cloud credential most often named in job posts.
Best forthe exam
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Cost
- $1002
- Format
- 90 minutes, 65 questions
Cloud Practitioner. AWS's entry exam covers cloud concepts, core services, security and billing. It's 90 minutes with 65 questions and costs $100, so it's the usual first cloud exam for beginners and non-technical staff.
Best foreasier start
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- Cost
- Check the official page3
Terraform. HashiCorp's associate exam proves infrastructure-as-code skills with Terraform, which works across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. It suits DevOps and cloud engineers; check HashiCorp's page for the current fee.
Best forinfrastructure as code
A 10-week study plan
- Week 1 — Read the official exam guide and take a free baseline practice test.
- Weeks 2–8 — Work through the official free training with hands-on labs every week.
- Week 9 — Timed practice tests; review every wrong answer against the docs.
- Week 10 — Book the exam once you pass practice tests comfortably.
Tips that make the difference
- Labs over videos — Build in a free-tier or sandbox account every week.
- Read the docs — Exam questions follow official documentation.
- Cost safety — Set billing alerts before labs.
- Timing — Practise finishing with ten minutes to spare.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate?
About 10 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate cost?
$150.
What is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam format?
130 minutes, 65 questions.
Should I take CCP first?
If you're new to cloud.
Is there a free AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Amazon Web Services — AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- HashiCorp — HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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Prove the skill before you pay for the exam.
Start with the free AWS Solutions Architect Associate Practice Exam. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.