AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
- 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 have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- Your role involves managing cloud identity, storage, networking, and compute day-to-day
Both are at the intermediate level in cloud computing. AWS Solutions Architect Associate carries the higher salary impact (+$18,000/yr vs +$15,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose Azure Administrator if you prefer credentials from Microsoft or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Azure Administrator?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Administrator are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Administrator?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Administrator?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Administrator 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 Azure Administrator?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Administrator offers +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.