AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to design and optimise cloud architectures, not just operate them
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to AWS Solutions Architect Associate if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$18,000/yr).
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
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.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect Associate complement each other within cloud computing. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.