AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →CAPM
Entry-level PMI certification validating foundational project management knowledge and terminology for those new to the field.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs CAPM
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | CAPM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 150 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | PMI |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
CAPM
High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education
- 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're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on PMI and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS Cloud Practitioner and CAPM lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs project management. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with AWS Cloud Practitioner — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best CAPM courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than CAPM?
Both AWS Cloud Practitioner and CAPM are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CAPM?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while CAPM has +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CAPM?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CAPM.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and CAPM?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and CAPM complement each other, covering cloud computing and project management respectively. 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 CAPM?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; CAPM offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.