AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs PMI-ACP
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 →PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | PMI |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
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 PMI-ACP 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 PMI
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Frequently asked questions
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.