Prepare for AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate through an RDE certification-preparation route focused on designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-optimised AWS solutions, with the official exam booked separately.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate is an associate-level AWS certification for professionals who design solutions based on the AWS Well-Architected Framework. RDE provides a certification-preparation route aligned to the current AWS assessment objectives.
What the preparation covers
The route focuses on designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-optimised architectures using AWS services. Learners develop understanding of architectural decision-making, identity and access, networking, compute, storage, databases, reliability, performance and cost considerations across cloud solutions.
Exam and certification
RDE does not currently include an AWS exam voucher with this preparation route. Candidates register for and pay for the official AWS examination separately through AWS's current authorised exam-booking process. AWS awards the certification after successful completion of the applicable assessment.
Who this route is for
This route is suitable for cloud practitioners, infrastructure and platform professionals, technical consultants and learners who already understand basic AWS concepts and want to develop solution-architecture capability.
Entry guidance
AWS recommends around a year of hands-on experience designing AWS solutions. Learners without an IT background can build cloud foundations first.
Practical preparation
Draw an architecture for a sample service, then explain your decisions about resilience, access, performance and cost. These are suggested practice activities. RDE will confirm the preparation format and any available lab access before enrolment.
Assessment format
The current SAA-C03 assessment has 65 questions and 130 minutes. Questions use multiple-choice and multiple-response formats. Check the current AWS booking page for test-centre or online-proctored delivery and identification requirements.
Validity and renewal
The credential is valid for three years. AWS lists renewal through the current Associate exam or Solutions Architect - Professional. Its eligible Skill Builder maintenance option extends validity by one year. Check the official policy for current eligibility and subscription requirements.
Career development
Combine certification preparation with practical evidence and relevant experience. Discuss your current skills and target role with RDE when selecting a route.
Official resources
Verify current AWS certification
Check AWS renewal and maintenance options
Next step
Register your interest and RDE will confirm current preparation availability and whether a foundational AWS route is recommended first.
Issuer guidance reviewed: 6 October 2026. Next scheduled review: 6 January 2027.