AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →EC-Council
CEH
CEH v13
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | EC-Council |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
CEH — Prerequisites
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get CEH if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from EC-Council
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best CEH courses
Frequently asked questions
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.