CAPM vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
PMI
CAPM
CAPM
Entry-level PMI certification validating foundational project management knowledge and terminology for those new to the field.
Full guide →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 →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CAPM | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 150 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
CAPM — Prerequisites
High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Get CAPM if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
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
Best CAPM courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CAPM harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CAPM or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
CAPM has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CAPM or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
CAPM is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.