AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →PMP
The gold-standard project management certification recognized globally — validates ability to lead projects across any methodology.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs PMP
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | PMP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$300 USD | $555 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$18,000/yr | ✓+$25,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 230 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
PMP
4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education (or 60 months with high school diploma)
- 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 a seasoned PM targeting the most globally recognised credential
- You want a potential +$25,000/yr salary uplift
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMP 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 PMP courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than PMP?
PMP is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or PMP?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while PMP has +$25,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or PMP?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMP.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMP?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and PMP 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 PMP?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; PMP offers +$25,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.