PMI-ACP vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
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 | PMI-ACP | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $495 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Get PMI-ACP if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
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 PMI-ACP courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
Is PMI-ACP harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
PMI-ACP is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — PMI-ACP or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
PMI-ACP has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMI-ACP 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 PMI-ACP.