AWS Certification Passing Scores Explained: What You Need

AWS certification exams use a scaled scoring system from 100 to 1000. The passing score varies by exam. Understanding how scoring works helps you set realistic study targets and interpret practice exam results.

How AWS Scoring Works

AWS uses scaled scoring rather than simple percentage-correct scoring. This means the difficulty of individual questions is factored into your final score. Two candidates answering the same number of questions correctly may receive different scaled scores.

Passing Scores by Exam

• CLF-C02 Cloud Practitioner: 700 out of 1000
• SAA-C03 Solutions Architect Associate: 720 out of 1000
• DVA-C02 Developer Associate: 720 out of 1000
• SAP-C02 Solutions Architect Professional: 750 out of 1000
• DOP-C02 DevOps Professional: 750 out of 1000
• SCS-C03 Security Specialty: 750 out of 1000

Understanding Scaled Scores

The 100-1000 scale does not directly correspond to percentage correct. A passing score of 700 does not mean you need exactly 70% correct. Due to scaled scoring, the actual percentage required varies slightly per exam version.

Domain Weighting

Each exam domain has a different weight. For example, SAA-C03 weights "Designing Resilient Architectures" at 26% and "Designing Cost-Optimised Architectures" at 10%. Focus more study time on heavily weighted domains.

What Score Should You Target?

Aim for at least 80% on practice exams consistently before sitting the real exam. This provides a comfortable buffer above the passing threshold and accounts for exam-day nerves.

Tips for Reaching the Pass Mark

Focus on weak domains identified in practice exams. Use our study tips and first-try pass guide for comprehensive strategies.