CertPath

Professional Scrum Master I vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.

Scrum.org

Professional Scrum Master I

PSM I

BeginnerAvg salary uplift: +$9,000/yr

Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.

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Amazon Web Services

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

SAA-C03

IntermediateAvg salary uplift: +$18,000/yr

The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.

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Side-by-side comparison

CategoryProfessional Scrum Master IAWS Solutions Architect Associate
Exam cost$200 USD$300 USD
Avg salary uplift+$9,000/yr+$18,000/yr
Exam duration60 min130 min
Renewal periodEvery 3 yearsEvery 3 years
Issued byScrum.orgAmazon Web Services
Difficulty
Beginner
Intermediate

Professional Scrum Master I — Prerequisites

None required

AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites

AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience

Get Professional Scrum Master I if…

  • You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
  • You want a +$9,000/yr salary boost
  • You prefer credentials from Scrum.org

Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…

  • You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
  • You want a +$18,000/yr salary boost
  • You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services

Best Professional Scrum Master I courses

Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses

Frequently asked questions

Is Professional Scrum Master I harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?

AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.

Which pays more — Professional Scrum Master I or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?

Professional Scrum Master I has an average salary uplift of +$9,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.

Which should I get first — Professional Scrum Master I or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?

Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.

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