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Snowflake · Data & Analytics · Professional

SnowPro Advanced: Architect exam guide

Exam ARA-C01

SnowPro Advanced: Architect validates the ability to design end-to-end Snowflake solutions: account and security architecture, data engineering patterns, data sharing and replication, and performance optimization. It is the senior design credential in the SnowPro track.

Questions65
Time limit115 minutes
Passing score750 (0-1000 scale)
Exam fee$375 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryPearson VUE: online proctored or test center

Format: Multiple choice, multiple select and interactive items. Fee note: $300 in India.

Who it's for

Data architects and senior engineers with 2+ years designing Snowflake solutions in production.

What the exam covers

Snowflake Architecture30%
Accounts and Security25%
Data Engineering25%
Performance Optimization20%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: Active SnowPro Core certification.

Recommended: 2+ years as a Snowflake architect in production, hands-on SQL, complex ELT pipelines, security and compliance, and data modeling.

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years. Renew through Snowflake's Continuing Education program (eligible instructor-led training or a qualifying higher SnowPro certification) or by passing the shorter, lower-cost recertification exam within the window before expiry.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Multi-account and organization design
  • RBAC, network and encryption architecture
  • Replication, failover and business continuity
  • Data sharing and Marketplace architecture
  • ELT pipeline design patterns
  • Performance and cost optimization at scale

Job roles

Data ArchitectSnowflake Solutions ArchitectCloud Data ArchitectPrincipal Data EngineerData Platform Lead

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Weeks 1-2: Architecture: organizations, accounts, editions, regions, replication and failover groups, client redirect.
  2. Weeks 3-4: Accounts and security: RBAC design, SSO/SCIM, network policies, private connectivity, encryption and Tri-Secret Secure.
  3. Week 5: Data engineering patterns: ingestion options, streams and tasks, external and Iceberg tables, data sharing.
  4. Week 6: Performance: clustering, caching, warehouse strategy, query acceleration, cost governance.
  5. Week 7: Timed practice exams and review.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Snowflake Architecture is the largest domain at 30%; know replication, failover and cross-region sharing in detail.
  • Expect 'best design' questions with several workable answers; pick the one that meets every stated constraint with the least overhead.
  • Know edition-specific features (Business Critical vs Enterprise) since they often decide the answer.
  • Confirm the current exam version on Snowflake's page before booking in case a new version has been released.

Key terms for this exam

All 52 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does SnowPro Architect cost?

$375 per attempt ($300 in India).

What is the passing score?

750 on a 0-1000 scaled score.

Is Data Engineer required before Architect?

No. Only an active SnowPro Core is required, but many candidates take Data Engineer first.

How long is it valid?

Two years; Snowflake offers a shorter recertification exam within six months of expiry.

How hard is ARA-C01?

It is one of the harder SnowPro exams because questions are design trade-offs; 2+ years of real Snowflake design work is recommended.

Official page: learn.snowflake.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.