AWS Certified Solutions Architect Exam Tips  [SAA-C03]
Are you preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam (SAA-C03)? 
Maybe looking for ways to strategize your SAA-C03 exam preparation? Or wondering how to start with the SAA-C03 course? You are in the right place. 
Preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam requires rigorous practice and an in-depth understanding of the AWS infrastructure. 
So this blog will walk you through a twelve-step preparation plan so you can kickstart your SAA-C03 certification exam preparation. But before getting into the details, let’s first have a quick glance at the exam overview and syllabus to better understand the nature of this certification exam. 
 
Overview of AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam

 
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03 Exam Domains
The AWS Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03 covers four domains and their weightage as follows:
DomainWeightage Design Secure Architectures30% Design Resilient Architectures26% Design High-Performing Architectures24% Design Cost-Optimized Architectures20% 
Each of these domain has several subtopics that includes: 
Designing resilient architecture
– Multi-tier architecture solution
– Create highly available architectures
– Use AWS to design decoupling techniques
– Select relevant resilient storage
Creating efficient performing architectures
– Identify scalable and elastic solutions for workload
– Select scalable storage solutions for workload
– Choose high performing networking solutions
– Select high performing database tools
Designing architectures and secure apps
– Create secure access for AWS resources
– Design protected app tiers
– Identify relevant data security options
Creating cost-efficient architectures
– Choose cost effective storage solutions
– Select cost effective database services
– Create cost optimized networking architecture
Additionally, the aws solutions architect associate exam will also include 15 unscored questions and is not considered in the overall marking. These questions are not identified in the exam as well. AWS evaluates them for future perusal as a scored item and collects data on candidate’s performance. 
Exam Format of AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam

Prerequisites of AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Exam
At least a year’s experience in designing secure and scalable distributed systems on AWS. 
As the AWS Certified Solutions Architect is an associate-level certification, AWS recommends that you should have at least a year’s experience in designing secure and scalable distributed systems on AWS technologies and services along with the following skills:
Using compute, networking, storage, and database AWS services as well as AWS deployment and management services.
Experience deploying, managing, and operating workloads on AWS as well as implementing security controls and compliance requirements
Familiarity with using both the AWS Management Console and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI)
Understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework, AWS networking, security services, and the AWS global infrastructure
Ability to identify which AWS services meet a given technical requirement and to define technical requirements for an AWS-based application

Exam tips to prepare for AWS SAA-C03 exam
We can’t deny one thing here: passing this industry-relevant and most demanding certification is not a cakewalk. Besides work experience, the exam dictates a list of skills you have to gain before diving headlong into preparation. You need to be absolutely on your toes with concepts like: 
AWS deployment and management services.
AWS CLI and management console.
AWS services for computing, storage, networking, and database
Deploy, handle and operate workloads in AWS
Implement governance and security controls.
These are just a few to name. 
But you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. It can be difficult, but not impossible. With the help of proper strategy, you can make this journey as seamless as a breeze. Let’s discuss each step one by one.
Step 1: Study the AWS SAA-C03 exam study guide thoroughly
Understanding the exam objectives is always critical. Download the AWS SAA-C03 exam guide and dive deeper into exam content. Make sure to check out the AWS resources first. Then identify if you need materials and resources in addition to the AWS learning paths. Similarly, map your skills with those of your prerequisites. 
If there’s a gap, you need to focus on those skills apart from theoretical preparation. 
Step 2: Allocate study time in your calendar
Earning certifications while working full-time can be a little tedious. Unfortunately, you need to dedicate a particular time of the day to studying for the exam. You also have to be careful of the fact that you are not leaving out any portion of the prerequisites or domains. 
So the best way is t