CISSP vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CISSP | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $749 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | (ISC)² | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Get CISSP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from (ISC)²
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Best CISSP courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CISSP harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
CISSP is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — CISSP or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
CISSP has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISSP or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISSP.