CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+ vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CompTIA PenTest+ | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$14,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 750/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
CompTIA PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
CompTIA PenTest+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — cybersecurity 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 AWS Cloud Practitioner — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is CompTIA PenTest+ harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
CompTIA PenTest+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA PenTest+ or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
CompTIA PenTest+ has an average salary uplift of +$14,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA PenTest+ 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 CompTIA PenTest+.
Can I get both CompTIA PenTest+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CompTIA PenTest+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner complement each other, covering cybersecurity 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 — CompTIA PenTest+ or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. CompTIA PenTest+ offers a +$14,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.