AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | EC-Council |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
- 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 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CEH lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with AWS Solutions Architect Associate — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best CEH courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than CEH?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CEH are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CEH?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CEH?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CEH?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CEH complement each other, covering cloud computing and cybersecurity 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 CEH?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; CEH offers +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.