Exam Comparison
AWS SAA vs Terraform Associate
Comparing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate (SAA-C03) and the HashiCorp Terraform Associate (003). Both fall under IT Certifications. Both are covered by the Cloud Cert Exam Prep: AWS, Azure & GCP app.
AWS SAA vs Terraform Associate: At a Glance
| Detail | AWS SAA | Terraform Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate (SAA-C03) | HashiCorp Terraform Associate (003) |
| Governing Body | AWS | HashiCorp |
| Number of Questions | 65 | 57 |
| Time Limit | 130 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Passing Score | 720/1000 (scaled) | 70% (approx 40/57) |
| Exam Fee | $150 USD | $70 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | Cloud Cert Exam Prep: AWS, Azure & GCP Soon | Cloud Cert Exam Prep: AWS, Azure & GCP Soon |
Content Areas Compared
AWS SAA Domains
- Design Secure Architectures(30%)
- Design Resilient Architectures(26%)
- Design High-Performing Architectures(24%)
- Design Cost-Optimized Architectures(20%)
Terraform Associate Domains
- Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Concepts(~7%)
- Understand Terraform's Purpose (vs Other IaC)(~7%)
- Understand Terraform Basics(~25%)
- Use Terraform Outside the Core Workflow(~7%)
- Interact with Terraform Modules(~12%)
- Use the Core Terraform Workflow(~10%)
- Implement and Maintain State(~10%)
- Read, Generate, and Modify Configuration(~12%)
- Understand Terraform Cloud Capabilities(~10%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AWS SAA and Terraform Associate?
The AWS SAA (AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate (SAA-C03)) is administered by AWS and consists of 65 questions. The Terraform Associate (HashiCorp Terraform Associate (003)) is administered by HashiCorp and consists of 57 questions. Both are IT Certifications credentials.
Can I take both the AWS SAA and the Terraform Associate?
Yes, the AWS SAA and Terraform Associate are separate credentials with separate eligibility requirements. Each is awarded by a different governing body (AWS and HashiCorp respectively). Check the official requirements for each before registering.
Which should I take first, AWS SAA or Terraform Associate?
The right sequence depends on your career goals and current credentials. The AWS SAA is offered by AWS with a passing score of 720/1000 (scaled), while the Terraform Associate is offered by HashiCorp with a passing score of 70% (approx 40/57). Review the eligibility requirements for each with the respective governing bodies before deciding.
Does C3RT cover both the AWS SAA and the Terraform Associate?
C3RT is building apps for both the AWS SAA and the Terraform Associate. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate (SAA-C03) (AWS SAA) is administered by AWS. The HashiCorp Terraform Associate (003) (Terraform Associate) is administered by HashiCorp. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.