Introduction
Are you considering taking the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam (SAA-C03)? In this post, I’ll walk you through why I decided to take it, how I studied, and what the exam day was like. I hope it helps others who are preparing or curious about the exam!
What Is the AWS SAA Certification?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) is a mid-level certification that tests your ability to design and operate systems on AWS.
Here’s what the exam focuses on:
- Designing architectures that meet specific requirements
- Improving availability and cost-efficiency
- Making architectural decisions related to security and operations
If the Cloud Practitioner feels too basic, and you want practical, hands-on cloud design skills, this is a great next step.
Why I Decided to Take the SAA Exam
Before studying for the certification, I had only basic hands-on experience with services like EC2, Lambda, and S3—mostly using them based on online tutorials. I had a general idea of what they did but not much practical understanding.
Then, my work responsibilities began shifting. I was likely to be involved in migrating on-premises systems to AWS.
That made me realize:
“It’s time to seriously learn AWS.”
At first, I aimed for the Cloud Practitioner exam. But as I studied, I realized that SAA was more practical and more valuable for proving my skills, so I switched focus mid-way.
Also, I knew that having the SAA cert would make a strong addition to my resume and portfolio, which could help with freelance opportunities.
How I Studied & What I Used
1. Books (Building a Foundation)
I started by reading AWS-related books on Kindle Unlimited.
These books had diagrams and easy-to-follow explanations, which helped me understand each service’s use cases and characteristics.
Since it’s a subscription model, I could browse and compare several titles freely. That flexibility really helped in the early phase.
2. Practice Questions (Ping-t)
Next, I used a Japanese platform called Ping-t, which offers comprehensive question banks for AWS certifications.
Note: Ping-t is a Japanese-language study platform with detailed explanations and mock exams. It’s very popular among Japanese AWS learners.
I started with basic questions, reviewing explanations carefully and researching any unfamiliar topics. I also took handwritten notes to reinforce what I learned.
After clearing the basics, I moved on to full-difficulty questions. These were challenging, and at times I felt discouraged—but I stuck to a cycle of:
Solve → Read Explanation → Research → Understand
Some personal study tips that helped me:
- Use small pockets of time to do just a few questions
- Solve at least one question daily, even on busy days
- When I started memorizing answers, I would ask:
“Why is this the correct answer? Why are the others wrong?”
3. Mock Exams for Final Confirmation
Once I consistently scored 90% or higher on Ping-t’s mock exams, I decided I was ready.
I didn’t set a strict deadline and studied at a relaxed pace, so my preparation took about six months in total.
Exam Day Experience
I took the exam at a test center. I made sure to research the procedures in advance—including what the room would be like and what to bring.
Since I took the test in the summer, I read online that test centers can be overly air-conditioned. I brought a light jacket just in case—and I’m glad I did!
How the Exam Felt
The real exam felt very similar in difficulty to Ping-t’s practice questions, so I was able to stay calm and focused.
The time limit was generous, so I had enough time to review my answers thoroughly.
I took the exam in the afternoon and got the results via email that same evening.
Score: 816 / 1000 (Passing: 720)
I was relieved to pass on my first attempt—especially since the exam isn’t cheap!
What I Gained from Studying
Studying for the SAA exam helped me deepen my knowledge of AWS’s core services and gave me more tools when designing systems.
I also gained practical understanding in areas I hadn’t focused on before:
- Security, IAM, and network design
- High availability and scalability concepts
- Cost-aware architectural decision-making
- Operational and monitoring practices
Now, when I design system architectures, I have more perspectives and considerations in mind.
Final Thoughts
Passing the AWS SAA exam didn’t just give me a certificate—it helped me build real-world architectural thinking.
I’d especially recommend it to people who:
- Want to take their AWS skills to the next level
- Expect to design or migrate systems on AWS
- Want a strong credential for resumes or freelance profiles
If you’re preparing for the exam, I hope my experience helps you stay motivated and focused.
Good luck with your certification journey!
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