RegisteringTaking an exam for the first time What to know Demo

Welcome to this detailed walkthrough of registering for your first AWS Solutions Architect – Associate exam. I'm Michael Forrester, and in this lesson, I'll guide you through each step of the registration process, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for exam day. If you’ve already become familiar with the AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) process, you’ll notice several similarities. Otherwise, congratulations on taking this crucial step in advancing your AWS certification journey!

Overview of the Exam Registration Process

Start by searching for “AWS Certified Solutions Architect” on Google. This will lead you to a comprehensive certification page providing exam details and scheduling options.

The image shows a webpage for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification, detailing information about the certification and offering options to schedule an exam. There are also video thumbnails and a description of who should take the exam.

After arriving on the training and certification overview page, click the "schedule an exam" button. If you’re not signed in, the page may display differently. I was already signed in, which allowed me to proceed seamlessly to the next step.

The image shows a webpage for AWS Certification, offering options to schedule or prepare for an exam, with additional information on certification paths and exam details. There's also a small video overlay of a person speaking in the bottom right corner.

Logging In and Navigating the AWS Portal

When you click "sign in", you will be prompted to log in. I chose "log in with Amazon" because I maintain a dedicated Amazon account for AWS training separate from my retail account. If your account has multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled, be prepared to verify your credentials. After logging in, you’ll either return to the AWS training page or be redirected to the CertMetrics page where you can view your exam history and certifications.

The image shows an AWS Certification webpage with options to sign in and manage exams, view certification history, access digital badges, and view certification benefits. There's also a small video overlay of a person speaking.

Scroll down on the CertMetrics page until you locate the SAA C03 exam, which is the most current version of the Solutions Architect Associate exam. Here, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.

The image shows a list of eligible AWS certification exams with details such as exam names, codes, active dates, expiration dates, and scheduling links. A person is visible in the bottom right corner of the screen.

From CertMetrics to Pearson VUE

At this point, AWS redirects you from its website to CertMetrics and then to the Pearson VUE portal. Pearson VUE provides two primary exam delivery options:

Testing Center: Schedule an exam at a physical testing location.
Online Proctored Exam: Take your exam remotely from your preferred location.

In this demonstration, I selected the online exam option, which involves additional steps compared to an in-person exam.

Online Exam Setup

On the Online Exam Options page, you will find detailed instructions regarding:

Performing system tests
Meeting computer requirements
Adhering to testing space rules
Presenting acceptable IDs

The image shows a webpage for selecting exam options with OnVUE, including instructions for preparing a computer, testing space, and photo ID. A person is visible in a small video call window at the bottom right corner.

Exam Environment Restrictions

Ensure you follow these guidelines strictly: no breaks, no electronics allowed nearby (other than the approved computer), no personal items within reach, and no external communication. Violating these rules may lead to exam cancellation or further disciplinary actions.

Proceed by clicking "Next" and then select your preferred exam language. The Solutions Architect Associate exam is available in multiple languages including Chinese, English, and French. For this demo, I selected English.

The image shows a webpage for selecting the exam language for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam, with options like English, French, and others. A person is visible in a small video overlay at the bottom right corner.

Reviewing Policies and Exam Instructions

After selecting your language, review and agree to several policies covering:

Facial recognition and data processing
Online proctoring parameters

Make sure you read each agreement carefully.

The image shows a webpage with text about Pearson VUE's data processing and privacy policies, including checkboxes for agreement. There's also a small video feed of a person in the bottom right corner.

Next, go through the exam instructions page. Here, guidelines include the rescheduling policy (only two reschedules are allowed; a third will require cancellation and re-registration) and the strict exam day protocols.

The image shows a webpage with instructions for AWS certification exam procedures, including name change requests, exam day guidelines, and rescheduling policies. There is also a small video overlay of a person speaking in the bottom right corner.

Additional details cover cancellation and conduct policies.

The image shows a webpage detailing the cancellation policy and online proctored exam policies for AWS certification exams, with rules about personal items, communication, and exam conduct.

The strict exam environment rules are outlined clearly: no personal items within arm’s reach, no standing or taking breaks, no scratch paper, and absolutely no audible conversations—even self-talking is discouraged. Breaching these rules can lead to exam cancellation or revocation of your certification if any third-party assistance is detected.

The image shows a webpage detailing the cancellation policy and online proctored exam policies for AWS certification exams, with specific rules about personal items and conduct during the exam.

Before the exam begins, you will also select the spoken language for your proctor. Options include Japanese, Mandarin, Latin American Spanish, and English. For this demonstration, I chose English.

The image shows a webpage for selecting a proctor language for an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam, with options for English, Japanese, Spanish-Latin America, and Mandarin. A person is visible in the bottom right corner, possibly explaining the process.

Scheduling Your Exam Appointment

The next step is choosing an appointment time for your exam. Your time zone is automatically detected, but adjustments can be made if necessary. I opted for a Saturday appointment at 9:45 a.m.—using the 24-hour format can reduce the risk of scheduling confusion.

The image shows an online appointment scheduling interface with a calendar for selecting a date in August 2023 and options for choosing a time zone and appointment start time. A person is visible in the bottom right corner.

Review the available time slots and confirm your selection.

The image shows an online appointment scheduling interface with available time slots for selection. A person is visible in a small circular inset at the bottom right corner.

After selecting your preferred time, proceed to book your appointment. The checkout page will display all exam details and the total registration cost (in my case, $150.00).

The image shows a checkout page for an AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam appointment, with details and a total due of $150.00.

If you have a voucher or promo code, enter it on the billing page. Once applied, if the voucher covers the full cost, your total will show as $0. If not, provide the required billing information to complete your order.

The image shows a payment and billing page for AWS training and certification, with an order total of $150 and options to enter a voucher or promotion code. Various payment methods are displayed at the bottom.

After verifying your billing details, enter your credit card information and confirm the order. In my example, my system autofilled the details using a virtual card. Once your payment is processed, you will receive confirmation emails. Be sure to mark the exam date and time in your calendar immediately.

Completing the Registration with a System Test

The final step involves running a system test, which confirms that your computer complies with the exam environment requirements. During this process, you will download a binary and receive an access code. For instance:

587-210-689

This access code, along with other important exam details such as receipts and policy reminders, will appear on your confirmation page.

The image shows a Pearson VUE exam confirmation page for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam, scheduled for August 12, 2023, with a total fee of USD 150.00.

After confirming your registration and completing the system test, you’re ready for exam day. Expect to receive several emails with your appointment details and exam policies, all of which you should review carefully.

The image shows a confirmation page for an AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam appointment, with details about the exam and a prompt to run a system test.

Need Help or More Information?

If you have any questions, feel free to join our Slack channel or participate in our forums under AWS courses. I'm frequently available to help and ensure you have a smooth exam experience.

Enjoy the course and best of luck on your exam!

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