How I Passed the AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) Certification

Overview
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In this blog, I’ll tell you what I studied, share the links I used, give some easy tips, and explain how I passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam, so you can do it too! Before moving forward I would like to clarify that I have 1+ year of experience in AWS and Cloud Operations.

What is AWS Solutions Architect - Associates?
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The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) certification validates a candidate’s ability to design secure, cost-effective, and scalable solutions on the AWS platform. It covers a broad range of AWS services and architectural best practices, focusing on areas such as compute, storage, networking, databases, monitoring, security, and cost optimization. The exam tests your skills in building resilient and high-performing architectures, implementing secure applications, and designing solutions that meet customer requirements while following the AWS Well-Architected Framework. It’s ideal for individuals with hands-on experience in AWS architecture and who are looking to demonstrate their proficiency.

My 3-Week Prep Plan
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Week	Focus	What I did	Dedicated Hours
1 & 2	Learn	Watch the udemy course at 1.5x speed, each section has their own sub-sections. Finish a sub-section and create notes in your own wording noting down main concepts behind a service. And try to use those services (Most of them are free)	2 Hours daily
3	Practice	Took 2 test daily from the set of 7 sets averaging a score of 75+, updated or rectified concepts referencing the incorrect questions from test sets	2 Hours per Test

Resources I Recommend
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Learn from Udemy Course
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associates (SAA-C03)

CheatSheets:
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Practice
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Free Practice Exams:
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Key Study Tips
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Service-to-Requirement Mapping is Crucial. The single biggest skill this exam tests is your ability to match business or technical requirements to the right AWS service (e.g., S3 for durable object storage, RDS for managed relational databases, CloudFront for low-latency global content delivery). As you study, constantly ask yourself “Which service solves this use-case, and why?”

Use Elimination of Options. When a question feels ambiguous, first cross out services that obviously don’t fit the requirement (e.g., storage vs. compute). Narrowing the field often reveals the best answer—even if you’re unsure at first glance.

Think in benefits & limitations (cost, scalability, elasticity, managed vs. unmanaged) rather than memorizing every feature flag.

Use practice questions to sharpen both mapping and elimination skills—review why wrong choices don’t fit the requirement, not just why the right one does.