PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →PMI-ACP vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | PMI-ACP | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $495 USD | ✓$300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$15,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 180 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- You have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
- 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
PMI-ACP 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 PMI-ACP — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best PMI-ACP courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Is PMI-ACP harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both PMI-ACP and AWS Solutions Architect Associate are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — PMI-ACP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
PMI-ACP has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMI-ACP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
PMI-ACP is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
Can I get both PMI-ACP and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. PMI-ACP 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 — PMI-ACP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. PMI-ACP offers a +$15,000/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.