AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →CompTIA CySA+
Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs CompTIA CySA+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | CompTIA CySA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$12,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
CompTIA CySA+
Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security 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 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$12,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to work in defence — SOC analysis, threat detection, or incident response
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA CySA+ 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 CompTIA CySA+ courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than CompTIA CySA+?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA CySA+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CompTIA CySA+?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while CompTIA CySA+ has +$12,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CompTIA CySA+?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA CySA+.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA CySA+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA CySA+ 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 CompTIA CySA+?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA CySA+ offers +$12,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.