AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →CompTIA Network+
Foundational networking certification covering infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs CompTIA Network+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | CompTIA Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $358 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 90 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 Network+
CompTIA A+ or 9-12 months networking experience recommended
- 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 entering IT security and need a globally recognised, vendor-neutral credential
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- You prefer credentials that work across vendors, not tied to one platform
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA Network+ 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 CompTIA Network+ — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best CompTIA Network+ courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than CompTIA Network+?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CompTIA Network+?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while CompTIA Network+ has +$6,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or CompTIA Network+?
CompTIA Network+ 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 CompTIA Network+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA Network+ 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 Network+?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA Network+ offers +$6,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.