AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
- 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
- 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
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 Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
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 Solutions Architect Associate and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS Cloud Practitioner 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 Solutions Architect Associate or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.