AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 85/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
- 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 new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Professional Scrum Master I?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Professional Scrum Master I?
Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Professional Scrum Master I offers +$9,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.