AWS Practice Test

Candidates preparing for AWS Associate certifications take these exams to validate their cloud skills. While there are no formal prerequisites, prior cloud or on-premises IT experience is recommended. This page provides free practice questions across core topics such as computing, networking, and deployment. You can test your recall, review step-by-step question breakdowns generated with AI tools, and check official scheduling and scoring rules before test day.

AWS Exam at a Glance

What the AWS is and how it works

According to Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification, “65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response”^[1]

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification offers Associate-level exams to validate technical knowledge across cloud roles. There are no prerequisites to register, though prior cloud or on-premises IT experience is recommended. Candidates take the test at a Pearson VUE test center or through an online proctored session. Testing center availability and identification requirements can vary by location, so consult Pearson VUE or official AWS policies when scheduling.

The exam consists of 65 questions, presented as multiple choice or multiple response items. Candidates have a time limit of 130 minutes to complete the test. The passing score is a scaled score of 720. Final results are posted to your AWS Certification Account within 5 business days following the exam. The credential remains valid for 3 years.

If you need to change your appointment, AWS allows you to reschedule up to 24 hours before the exam. If an attempt is unsuccessful, you must wait 14 calendar days before you can retake the test. Specific scheduling fees and accommodation guidelines vary by testing territory; review official AWS policies for administration rules.

Worked examples: how to reason through AWS questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which AWS service is used to process large amounts of data using Apache Hadoop and Spark frameworks?

1. Amazon Kinesis
2. Amazon EMR
3. AWS Glue
4. Amazon Athena

Answer: B. Amazon EMR

Explanation:

Amazon EMR is correct because it provides managed clusters designed specifically to run big data frameworks such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark. Amazon Kinesis is incorrect because it is designed for collecting, processing, and analyzing real-time streaming data rather than running Hadoop clusters. AWS Glue is incorrect because it is an automated serverless data integration and extract, transform, and load service rather than a framework cluster host. Amazon Athena is incorrect because it is an interactive serverless query service that analyzes data in object storage using standard SQL. Remember that when big data tasks specify running open-source distributed frameworks like Hadoop or Spark, Amazon EMR is the designated AWS service.

Example 2

Question: In AWS Step Functions, what is the difference between Standard and Express Workflows?

1. Standard supports more states; Express has fewer state types
2. Standard is for long-running workflows up to 1 year; Express is for high-volume, short-duration workflows
3. Standard is free; Express has per-execution charges
4. Standard uses JSON; Express uses YAML

Answer: B. Standard is for long-running workflows up to 1 year; Express is for high-volume, short-duration workflows

Explanation:

Option B is correct because Standard Workflows support executions running up to 1 year for auditable, long-running processes, whereas Express Workflows handle high-volume, short-duration events. Option A is incorrect because both workflow models support identical state types and task transitions. Option C is incorrect because both types have pricing associated with execution usage, so Standard is not free. Option D is incorrect because both workflow definitions rely on Amazon States Language structured in JSON, not YAML. As a general rule for AWS Step Functions, select Standard Workflows for long-running processes requiring durable execution history up to 1 year, and select Express Workflows for rapid, high-throughput event processing.

Example 3

Question: How should risk be managed in Deployment and Management?

1. Through identification, assessment, mitigation strategies, and ongoing monitoring of potential risks
2. By avoiding all risk entirely
3. By ignoring potential problems
4. Risk management is not necessary

Answer: A. Through identification, assessment, mitigation strategies, and ongoing monitoring of potential risks

Explanation:

Option A is correct because proper operational risk management requires identifying vulnerabilities, assessing their potential impact, applying mitigation strategies, and maintaining continuous monitoring throughout deployment lifecycles. Option B is incorrect because eliminating all risk entirely is impossible in dynamic cloud environments, where operational change is normal. Option C is incorrect because ignoring potential problems exposes architectures to preventable outages and security lapses. Option D is incorrect because risk management is essential for system reliability and regulatory compliance. As a general operational rule, manage cloud risk through proactive detection, structured remediation, and ongoing observation rather than attempting total avoidance or neglecting emerging threats.

How to use these practice tests

Begin your preparation by establishing baseline knowledge with official documentation from Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification. Pair your reading with targeted review using our practice sets.

Structure your review around core technical domains:

• Start with fundamental concepts by reviewing AWS Cloud Computing Fundamentals and foundational knowledge in AWS Associate General Knowledge and Prerequisites.
• Practice infrastructure topics using AWS Compute and Storage Services and AWS Networking and Security.
• Review data and automation topics through AWS Database and Analytics Services, AWS Serverless Architecture and AWS Lambda, and AWS Deployment and Management.
• Align your focus with your target credential, whether that is the Solutions Architect Associate, Developer Associate, or SysOps Administrator Associate practice set.

Simulate exam conditions by timing your sessions to answer 65 questions within the official 130 minutes time limit. Review every incorrect answer to clarify architectural distinctions before your scheduled test date.

Sources & last verified

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification — number of questions, time limit, validity, delivery (official source). “65 questions; either multiple choice or multiple response” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification — passing score, retake policy, score release (official source). “The passing standard is represented by a scaled score of 700 for Foundational-level exams, 720 for Associate-level exams.” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
3. home.pearsonvue.com — eligibility (official source). “Role-based certifications that showcase knowledge and skills on AWS and build your credibility as an AWS Cloud professional. Prior cloud and/or strong on-premises IT experience…” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Training and Certification — registration deadline (official source). “You can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your scheduled exam time.” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.