AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.