AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- 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 +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
AWS Cloud Practitioner and Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
Both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Professional Scrum Master I are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Professional Scrum Master I?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. Professional Scrum Master I has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Professional Scrum Master I?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Professional Scrum Master I.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. Professional Scrum Master I has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.