AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →CAPM
Entry-level PMI certification validating foundational project management knowledge and terminology for those new to the field.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs CAPM
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | CAPM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 150 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | PMI |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
CAPM
High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education
- 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 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 Solutions Architect Associate 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 CAPM — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best CAPM courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than CAPM?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CAPM?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while CAPM has +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CAPM?
CAPM 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 CAPM?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate 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 Solutions Architect Associate or CAPM?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; CAPM offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.