AWS Cloud Practitioner vs CISSP
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 →(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $749 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | (ISC)² |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Advanced |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
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 CISSP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from (ISC)²
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best CISSP courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than CISSP?
CISSP is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CISSP?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while CISSP has +$22,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or CISSP?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISSP.