SAP-C03 vs. SAP-C02: AWS Solutions Architect Professional Exam Update 2026

AWS is updating its AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional exam, with registration for the new SAP-C03 version opening October 27, 2026. Candidates planning to take SAP-C02 should note the announced retirement deadline, while those preparing for the updated exam can look forward to revised exam objectives and preparation resources.

The new SAP-C03 exam is scheduled to become available on November 17, 2026, introducing updated coverage of cloud-native architecture, generative AI, security, resilience, cost optimization, and operational automation. AWS plans to release the updated exam guide on October 27, giving candidates more information to plan their preparation.

For professionals pursuing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification, the key decision is whether to complete SAP-C02 before its retirement or prepare for SAP-C03 using the updated exam guide.

AWS SAP-C02 vs. SAP-C03: Key Dates and Differences

The most important consideration for candidates is the transition timeline. SAP-C02 and SAP-C03 represent two versions of the same professional-level certification exam, but candidates must plan around the retirement of the existing version.

Important dates candidates should remember

● October 27, 2026: Registration opens for SAP-C03. AWS is expected to provide the updated exam guide and related preparation information.

● November 16, 2026: Final day to take SAP-C02.

● November 17, 2026: SAP-C03 general availability exam delivery begins.

Candidates should not confuse the SAP-C03 registration opening date with its first general availability exam date. Registration opens three weeks before the end of October, while the new exam becomes available for delivery beginning November 17.

What Is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional Certification?

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification validates advanced skills in designing optimized AWS Cloud solutions for complex business and technical requirements. It focuses on architectural decision-making across security, performance, cost, reliability, and operational efficiency.

The certification is particularly relevant to experienced solutions architects, cloud architects, infrastructure architects, senior cloud engineers, and technical leads responsible for enterprise cloud environments, workload migrations, and large-scale modernization projects.

AWS recommends at least two years of experience designing and implementing AWS Cloud solutions. This is a recommended experience level, not a mandatory certification prerequisite.

What Is New in the SAP-C03 Exam?

SAP-C03 retains the core architectural competencies of the Professional certification while updating the skills assessed to reflect modern cloud architecture practices.

AWS has announced five exam domains:

Key technology updates to watch

According to AWS, the updated exam reflects several emerging areas of cloud architecture:

● Generative AI and agentic AI: Amazon Bedrock integrations, AI agent architectures, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), guardrails, and human oversight.

● Cloud-native architecture: Serverless data pipelines, durable workflows with AWS Step Functions, service connectivity, container security, and multi-tenant designs.

● Resilience engineering: AWS Fault Injection Service, AWS Resilience Hub, AWS Application Recovery Controller, and automated recovery runbooks.

● DevSecOps and observability: Pipeline vulnerability scanning, multi-account deployment, container monitoring, and application observability.

● Data and cryptography: Data lakehouse architectures, real-time analytics, cross-account data sharing, and post-quantum cryptography using AWS Key Management Service capabilities.

These topics are intended to help candidates understand the direction of the update. The official SAP-C03 exam guide, expected on October 27, should remain the definitive source for exam objectives and task statements.

Should You Take SAP-C02 or Wait for SAP-C03?

The right choice depends on how much preparation you have completed and whether you can take SAP-C02 before its final testing date.

If you are already exam-ready, taking SAP-C02 before retirement may be the most straightforward option. If you need substantial additional preparation, rushing into the current exam simply to meet the deadline may be counterproductive.

Candidates with existing SAP-C02 appointments should confirm their schedules and any applicable changes through their AWS Certification account or Pearson VUE. Do not assume that an existing appointment will automatically transfer to SAP-C03.

SAP-C03 Exam Format, Cost, and Certification Validity

AWS has announced the following general availability exam details for SAP-C03:

The US$300 fee is the standard listed price; local pricing, currency conversion, and taxes may vary. Candidates should verify the final registration details before booking.

Retirement of SAP-C02 does not automatically invalidate certifications already earned through that exam. Existing credentials remain subject to their original expiration dates and AWS recertification policies. Current certification holders do not need to retake SAP-C03 solely because AWS has introduced an updated exam version.

How to Prepare for AWS SAP-C03 Exam

Candidates should begin with the official AWS certification page and use the updated SAP-C03 exam guide as the foundation of their preparation once it is released.

A practical preparation plan should include:

1. Review the exam guide. Understand all five domains, their task statements, and the skills covered.

2. Build hands-on experience. Practice designing secure, resilient, cost-effective AWS architectures and evaluating trade-offs between alternative solutions.

3. Study scenario-based questions. Focus on why one architecture is more appropriate than another given business requirements, cost constraints, security needs, and operational complexity.

4. Practice emerging technologies. Review AI-integrated architectures, cloud-native patterns, automated recovery, DevSecOps, and modern data platforms in line with the official exam objectives.

5. Assess your readiness. Use reliable SAP-C03 practice questions and official preparation resources to identify gaps before scheduling the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does AWS SAP-C03 registration open?

Registration opens October 27, 2026. AWS plans to provide updated exam information and preparation resources on that date.

When is the last day to take SAP-C02?

November 16, 2026, according to the AWS Training and Certification announcement. Candidates should confirm scheduling details on the official certification website.

When does SAP-C03 become available?

General availability exam delivery begins November 17, 2026.

Is SAP-C03 suitable for beginners?

SAP-C03 is a Professional-level certification intended for experienced cloud architects. AWS recommends at least two years of experience designing and implementing AWS Cloud solutions.

Will SAP-C02 certification holders need to take SAP-C03?

No. An existing certification does not become invalid simply because the exam version is retired. Holders should follow their credential's original expiration date and applicable AWS recertification requirements.

Where can I find SAP-C03 preparation resources?

Visit the official AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional page and check again on October 27, 2026, for updated exam information.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your AWS Certification Journey Before the Transition

The transition from SAP-C02 to SAP-C03 is an important update for professionals pursuing the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. Candidates who are already prepared should evaluate whether they can complete SAP-C02 by November 16, while those who need more time can plan around the updated SAP-C03 exam and its new preparation resources.

Mark October 27, 2026, on your calendar, review the official exam guide when it becomes available, and choose the exam version that best aligns with your experience and certification goals.