CAPM
Entry-level PMI certification validating foundational project management knowledge and terminology for those new to the field.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →CAPM vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CAPM | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 150 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
CAPM
High school diploma + 23 hours of project management education
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on PMI and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- 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
CAPM and AWS Solutions Architect Associate lead to entirely different careers — project management vs cloud computing. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with CAPM — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CAPM courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
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.
Can I get both CAPM and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CAPM and AWS Solutions Architect Associate complement each other, covering project management and cloud computing respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CAPM or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. CAPM offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.