AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs PMI-ACP
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 180 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
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile 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 have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMI-ACP 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 AWS Solutions Architect Associate — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than PMI-ACP?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMI-ACP are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or PMI-ACP?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or PMI-ACP?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMI-ACP?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMI-ACP 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 PMI-ACP?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; PMI-ACP offers +$15,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.