Both come from AWS — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate compare, and how to choose.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| CLF-C02AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | SAA-C03AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundational | Associate |
| Exam length | 1h 30m | 2h 10m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~65 | ~65 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 72% |
| In a sentence | The entry point to the AWS Cloud — four domains, 65 questions, 700/1000 to pass. | The most-requested cloud certification — secure, resilient, high-performing, cost-optimized designs. |
| Free practice | 70 sample questions | 70 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official AWS site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with AWS.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CLF-C02facts as of September 2026 | SAA-C03facts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee: $100 Retake: Full exam fee (14-day wait after a failed attempt) Recertification: Every 3 years — 50% voucher for the renewal exam |
Exam fee: $150 Retake: Full exam fee (14-day wait after a failed attempt) Recertification: Every 3 years — 50% voucher for the renewal exam |
| Study time | commonly reported 20–40 hours for candidates new to AWS (AWS publishes no official figure) | commonly reported 80–120 hours, less with daily hands-on AWS work (AWS publishes no official figure) |
| Renewal | AWS certifications are valid for 3 years; renew by passing the latest version of this exam or a higher-level AWS exam (50% recertification voucher), or maintain for 1 year at a time through AWS Skill Builder | valid for 3 years; renew by passing the latest version of SAA or a Professional-level AWS exam (50% voucher), or maintain for 1 year at a time through AWS Skill Builder |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — anyone can register through AWS Training and Certification (Pearson VUE). | No prerequisites and no required lower-level certification — you can book SAA-C03 directly. |
| Body of knowledge | the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Exam Guide and AWS documentation | the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) Exam Guide and AWS documentation |
| Full fact pages | CLF-C02 cost · format · eligibility | SAA-C03 cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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The entry point to the AWS Cloud — four domains, 65 questions, 700/1000 to pass.
Practice CLF-C02 free → SAA-C03The most-requested cloud certification — secure, resilient, high-performing, cost-optimized designs.
Practice SAA-C03 free →Both come from AWS. CLF-C02 (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) is a Foundational credential, while SAA-C03 (AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate) is a Associate credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.
The CLF-C02 exam runs about 1h 30m with ~65 questions; the SAA-C03 exam runs about 2h 10m with ~65 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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