Requirements & Prerequisites

AWS Solutions Architect Professional Requirements & Prerequisites

Everything you need to know before registering for the AWS Solutions Architect Professional, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.

Cost

$300

Provider

Amazon Web Services

Validity

3 years

Available

Global

Prerequisites & Eligibility

Education

No formal education requirement

Experience

Recommended but not required, varies by level

Specific Requirements

  • There are no mandatory prerequisites. AWS states that all AWS Certifications may be earned without completing specific prerequisites, and holding an associate-level certification is not required.
  • AWS recommends two or more years of experience using AWS services to design and implement cloud solutions.
  • AWS expects the candidate to be able to evaluate cloud application requirements, make architectural recommendations for deployment, and give expert guidance on architectural design across multiple applications and projects within a complex organization.
  • The exam guide lists frontend development for mobile apps, the 12-factor app methodology, and in-depth operating system knowledge as out of scope for the target candidate.
  • Candidates must be at least 13 years old, with parental or guardian consent required for candidates aged 13 to 17.
Exam Format

Number of Questions

75 questions, of which 65 are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items

Duration

180 minutes

Question Format

Multiple choice: one correct response and three incorrect responses, Multiple response: two or more correct responses out of five or more options, and you must select all correct responses to receive credit, Unscored pretest questions mixed in and not identified, Unscored pretest questions on emerging topics, currently security and responsible AI controls

Passing Requirement

750 on a scaled range of 100 to 1,000, using a compensatory model so no individual domain has to be passed

How It Is Delivered

Pearson VUE test center or Pearson VUE online proctored exam (OnVUE)

Languages Offered

English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America)

Difficulty: Very HardSalary Impact: $140k-$200k
How to Register
1

Create an AWS Certification account at aws.amazon.com/certification

2

Select your exam and choose Pearson VUE as testing provider

3

Choose test center or online proctored option

4

Pay the exam fee and schedule your date

What to Bring on Exam Day
  • Two forms of valid ID (one with photo)
  • Confirmation email with appointment details
  • For online: clear desk, webcam, stable internet
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for the AWS Solutions Architect Professional?

There are no mandatory prerequisites. AWS states that all AWS Certifications may be earned without completing specific prerequisites, and holding an associate-level certification is not required.. AWS recommends two or more years of experience using AWS services to design and implement cloud solutions.. AWS expects the candidate to be able to evaluate cloud application requirements, make architectural recommendations for deployment, and give expert guidance on architectural design across multiple applications and projects within a complex organization.. The exam guide lists frontend development for mobile apps, the 12-factor app methodology, and in-depth operating system knowledge as out of scope for the target candidate.. Candidates must be at least 13 years old, with parental or guardian consent required for candidates aged 13 to 17..

How much does the AWS Solutions Architect Professional cost?

The AWS Solutions Architect Professional exam costs $300. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.

How do I register for the AWS Solutions Architect Professional?

Create an AWS Certification account at aws.amazon.com/certification → Select your exam and choose Pearson VUE as testing provider → Choose test center or online proctored option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date

What should I bring to the AWS Solutions Architect Professional?

Two forms of valid ID (one with photo). Confirmation email with appointment details. For online: clear desk, webcam, stable internet.

Ready to prepare for AWS Solutions Architect Professional?

Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.

View AWS Solutions Architect Professional Guide