The exam is 90 minutes long with 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. You need a score of 700 or higher (on a scale of 100-1000) to pass. The questions test your ability to identify AWS services, understand pricing models, recognize security best practices, and apply cloud concepts to real-world scenarios. Time management is critical—most test-takers spend about 80 seconds per question, so practicing with timed mock exams helps you build confidence and pacing strategy.

Most candidates prepare for 4-8 weeks with consistent study, though your timeline depends on your existing cloud knowledge and IT background. If you're new to AWS, expect closer to 8 weeks; if you have some cloud exposure, 4-6 weeks may be sufficient. A structured study plan that includes reviewing AWS documentation, taking practice tests weekly, and focusing on weak areas helps you stay on track and identify gaps before exam day.

Students commonly struggle with AWS pricing models and cost optimization (understanding reserved instances, savings plans, and billing), distinguishing between similar services (EC2 vs. Lightsail, RDS vs. DynamoDB), and grasping security and compliance concepts. Many also find the breadth of services overwhelming since the exam covers 200+ AWS services at a high level. Personalized tutoring helps you focus on these specific weak areas and develop strategies to remember service differences and use cases.

Practice tests are essential—they familiarize you with question formats, reveal knowledge gaps, and build test-taking stamina. Aim to score 750-800 on practice exams before attempting the real exam, which gives you a comfortable buffer above the 700 passing score. Taking at least 3-4 full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you identify which domains need more review and builds confidence in your pacing and decision-making.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who create personalized study plans based on your background and target score. Tutors break down complex topics like AWS architecture and pricing into digestible lessons, review your practice test results to pinpoint weak areas, teach test-taking strategies specific to AWS question formats, and provide accountability to keep you on schedule. This personalized approach helps you study efficiently and avoid wasting time on topics you already understand.

Your first session is an assessment and planning meeting. The tutor will discuss your IT background, current AWS knowledge, exam timeline, and learning goals. You'll likely take a diagnostic quiz or review your practice test results to identify strengths and gaps. From there, the tutor creates a customized roadmap covering the exam domains, recommends study resources, and establishes a regular schedule that fits your availability—whether you need weekly sessions or intensive prep closer to exam day.

Test anxiety is common, especially with certification exams. A tutor helps by breaking material into manageable chunks so you feel prepared, simulating exam conditions during practice tests to reduce surprise and stress, and teaching relaxation and focus techniques specific to high-stakes testing. Regular practice with feedback also builds confidence—when you see yourself improving on practice tests, you develop trust in your preparation and enter the real exam with a calmer mindset.