PMP
The gold-standard project management certification recognized globally — validates ability to lead projects across any methodology.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →PMP vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | PMP | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $555 USD | ✓$300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$25,000/yr | +$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 70/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 230 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | PMI | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
PMP
4-year degree + 36 months leading projects + 35 hours PM education (or 60 months with high school diploma)
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- You're a seasoned PM targeting the most globally recognised credential
- You want a potential +$25,000/yr salary uplift
- 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
PMP 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 AWS Solutions Architect Associate — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best PMP courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Is PMP harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
PMP is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — PMP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
PMP has an average salary uplift of +$25,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — PMP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMP.
Can I get both PMP and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. PMP 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 — PMP or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. PMP offers a +$25,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers +$18,000/yr. PMP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.