AWS Solutions Architect exam-day guide
AWS Solutions Architect · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, physical ID you registered with (passport or driver's license are typical). The name on the ID must match your registration exactly - if your registration name differs from your ID, fix it before exam day. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider, since requirements vary by country and delivery method.
Second form of ID
Some test centers or jurisdictions ask for a second ID. Check your appointment confirmation from the provider rather than assuming one is enough.
Appointment confirmation and candidate number
Have your confirmation email, appointment time, and any candidate/registration ID accessible (printed or on paper, not only on a phone you may have to put away).
Test center logistics
Know the address, which entrance is open, parking or transit options, and typical security/check-in time. Do a dry run the day before if the location is unfamiliar.
Online-proctoring system check
If testing remotely, run the provider's system test on the same computer, webcam, microphone, and network you will use, at least 24 hours ahead. Confirm browser version and any required software installs.
A quiet, cleared testing space (remote)
Desk cleared of everything except permitted items, door closed, no other people or pets entering, external monitors disconnected. Proctors commonly require a room scan - confirm the exact rules in your provider's candidate handbook.
Know what is provided vs. prohibited
Expect no personal notes, books, phones, or smart devices in the testing room. Scratch materials, if any, are usually supplied by the test center - do not bring your own. Confirm permitted items with the provider.
Time budget and arrival plan
Plan to arrive well before your slot (many centers recommend ~30 minutes early for check-in) and allow buffer for traffic and ID verification. Late arrival can forfeit your seat and fee - confirm the cutoff with the provider.
Review account and current exam guide
Re-read the official exam guide for your exam code: domain weightings, question count, duration, and passing score. Version and pricing change over time - verify in your AWS Certification account.
Practice-exam score review
Bring a one-page summary of your weakest domains from practice tests (e.g., networking, cost optimization, migration) so your final review is targeted rather than a full re-read.
Logistics for the rest of the day
Clear your calendar after the exam, arrange childcare/transport, and plan a meal - testing sessions are long and you do not want to be rushed or hungry.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment date, time, delivery method (test center vs. online proctored), and that the name on your registration matches your ID. Reschedule now if anything is wrong - last-minute changes may incur fees or be disallowed.
Take one full-length timed practice exam under exam conditions. Score it, list your three weakest domains, and build a short review plan for the remaining days.
Shift your sleep schedule so you are alert at your actual exam start time, especially for morning slots.
Light review only: your one-page summary of weak areas, key service comparisons, and design trade-offs. Do not learn new services or start a fresh deep-dive topic.
Remote: run the system test again, update the OS/browser if required, charge devices, and confirm your internet connection. Test center: confirm address, parking, and travel time; check for local closures or transit disruptions.
Pack your ID, confirmation details, and directions. Set two alarms. Aim for a normal night's sleep - cramming past midnight costs more points than it earns.
Eat a proper meal, hydrate, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are already anxious. Skim your one-page summary, then stop studying.
Leave with buffer. For remote testing, log in early, complete check-in, close extra applications, and silence notifications and phones.
Read the full question stem and the actual ask ('most cost-effective', 'most operationally efficient', 'least operational overhead'). Take a first pass answering what you know, flag long scenario questions, and return to them.
Work at roughly 1.5-2 minutes per question; if you are stuck past that, eliminate two options, pick the best remaining, flag it, and move on.
Reserve the last 10-15 minutes to revisit flagged questions and confirm you have answered every question - unanswered questions score as wrong.
Note your provisional result if shown, then record which domains felt weak while it is fresh. Official score reports and any credential issuance follow per the provider's stated timeline.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature; the name must match your registration exactly. Requirements differ by country - confirm with the provider before exam day.
Do not bring notes, books, phones, smartwatches, or other devices into the testing room. Lockers are typically provided at test centers; possession of prohibited items can void your result.
Follow all proctor instructions, including room scans, desk clear requirements, and remaining in webcam view if testing remotely. Do not talk to anyone or read aloud during the session.
Scheduled breaks are generally not offered on associate-level exams and the timer does not pause. If you leave the room or the view of the camera, the session may be terminated - confirm break policy for your specific exam with the provider.
Scoring is reported on a scaled basis with a passing threshold set per exam; the score report shows pass/fail and domain-level performance. Confirm the current passing score and score validity period in the official exam guide, as these can change.
Use the flag-and-review feature rather than leaving questions blank; unanswered questions are scored as incorrect. You may change answers before submitting.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content - you accept a nondisclosure agreement at the start of the session, and violations can result in score cancellation and loss of certification eligibility.
If a technical problem occurs mid-exam, stop and notify the proctor or support immediately before continuing; most providers have incident procedures, and unreported issues are hard to remedy afterward.