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AWS Solutions Architect Associate

AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs 3 alternatives compared

Exam fee, level, duration, validity and salary side by side. Blank cells mean we do not have verified data yet.

AWS Solutions Architect AssociateAWS Cloud PractitionerMicrosoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
VendorAmazon Web ServicesAmazon Web ServicesMicrosoftMicrosoft
LevelIntermediateBeginnerBeginnerIntermediate
Exam fee$150$100$99$165
Duration————
Passing score————
Valid for————
Typical salary$130K–$165K$90K–$115K$85K–$105K$110K–$140K
Prerequisites————

Which should you choose?

Should I take AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS Cloud Practitioner first?

AWS Cloud Practitioner is the lower-level certification (Beginner vs Intermediate), so it is usually the better first step.

Should I take AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AZ-900 first?

AZ-900 is the lower-level certification (Beginner vs Intermediate), so it is usually the better first step.

Should I take AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AZ-104 first?

Both are rated Intermediate. Pick the one whose exam domains match the job you want, and check which one employers in your area ask for.