As you can see from the AWS Console, new services are being added or updated frequently, in order to keep the content of the AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification aligned with the latest features and services AWS has decided to release the new (2020) version of the AWS SAA exam SAA-C02 and will replace the SAA-C01 as of 23 March 2020.
So what are the things to keep in mind if you intend to pass the new SAA-C02 exam?
1- The exam blueprint changes
1-1 the content outline
let’s start by breaking down what changes will affect the domains covered by the SAA exam, bellow is a table containing domains and their weighting of the old exam:
| THE OLD EXAM (SAA-C01) | |
|---|---|
| Domain | % of Examination |
| Domain 1: Design Resilient Architectures | 34% |
| Domain 2: Define Performant Architectures | 24% |
| Domain 3: Specify Secure Applications and Architectures | 26% |
| Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures | 10% |
| Domain 5: Define Operationally Excellent Architectures | 6% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
the same table for the new exam:
| THE NEW EXAM (SAA-C02) | |
|---|---|
| Domain | % of Examination |
| Domain 1: Design Resilient Architectures | 30% |
| Domain 2: Design High-Performing Architectures | 28% |
| Domain 3: Design Secure Applications and Architectures | 24% |
| Domain 4: Design Cost-Optimized Architectures | 18% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
- the first point you could make is that domain 5 is missing from the second table (“Define Operationally Excellent Architectures” domain has been removed) as a result the percentages of other domains were changed.
- more importance is giving to the “Design Cost-Optimized Architectures” domain you should expect 18% of total questions to be cost & billing related.
- more information about the covered domains visit this page.
1-2 the type of questions
the questions will remain at the same format, multiple-choice, multiple answer, scenario-based questions (1, 2 or 3 lines) followed by answer options, you either have Multiple-choice questions that Have one correct response and three incorrect responses (distractors) or Multiple response questions: Have two or more correct responses out of five or more options. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect and there is no penalty for guessing.
Your exam may contain some questions that will not affect your score as they are placed on the test to gather statistical information for AWS.
2- The exam preparation.
although the exam blueprint has changed, the preparation content of the old exam will still be valid but you do have to expect some new content on some services such as Amazon FSx, AWS Global Accelerator, AWS DataSync, AWS Directory Service…
here is a list of some recommended courses that will help you to prepare for the new (2020) version of the AWS SAA exam (SAA-C02) (bestseller on Udemy).
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 2020 by A Cloud Guru
- Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate 2020 by Stephane Maarek
The practice is essential to obtain AWS SAA certification, and we have practice exams to help you prepare. They are totally free and come with the exam simulator, allow you to follow the progression of your scores, get help from the AWSBOY community, get feedback from candidates who already passed the exam. If you still are not an AWSBOY member go ahead and join us (no ads, no tons of prompt windows)
That’s it, folks! Go ahead, don’t think too much… take a course of your choice, practice exams, and go smash that exam.
GOOD LUCK.
AWSBOY
