Certifications > AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional vs. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Many IT professionals grapple with choosing the right certification to boost their career. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are both valuable, but cater to different career paths within the tech industry. Understanding their distinct focuses is key to making an informed decision.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
For professionals aiming to excel in cloud solutions architecture, the AWS certification is the clear choice. Those seeking a career in cybersecurity, particularly in ethical hacking, should pursue the CEH. Consider your career goals and current expertise when deciding.
- The AWS certification validates skills in cloud architecture and deployment on AWS.
- The CEH certification focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.
- AWS certification is crucial for cloud-focused roles, while CEH is vital for cybersecurity positions.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional if:
Individuals focused on designing and implementing cloud solutions on AWS, seeking roles as cloud architects or engineers.
Choose Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) if:
Those aiming for cybersecurity roles, particularly in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Experienced solutions architects with 2+ years of AWS experience, cloud security, and application architects. | IT professionals in penetration testing, network security, and cyber defense roles. |
| Prerequisites/Experience Required | 2+ years designing cloud architecture on AWS; AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification. | 2+ years in information security or EC-Council training; strong IT fundamentals. |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Highly challenging; requires in-depth knowledge and application to complex scenarios. | Challenging; requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. |
| Exam Cost | $300 | Varies widely; ~$950 for exam voucher, additional fees may apply. |
| Renewal Requirements | Recertification every 3 years. | 120 ECE credits every 3 years; annual membership fee. |
| Job Roles Supported | Solutions architect, cloud architect, cloud engineer, enterprise architect, and related roles. | Penetration tester, security analyst, security consultant, and various cybersecurity positions. |
| Salary Expectations | $94,000 - $175,000 annually (US) | Averages vary; ~$86,000 - $147,000 annually (US) |
| Industry Recognition and Reputation | Highly sought-after in cloud computing; demonstrates expertise in AWS. | Globally recognized; often preferred or required for cybersecurity roles. |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
- Enhances marketability
- Leads to higher earning potential
- Positions individuals at the forefront of technological innovation
- Demonstrates deep expertise in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.
- No major disadvantages reported.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Globally recognized credential
- Respected by many organizations
- Often preferred or required for certain job roles
- Enhances career advancement by validating knowledge and skills in ethical hacking
- Can lead to higher compensation and open doors to various cybersecurity positions
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
- Validates skills in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, fault-tolerant, and reliable applications on AWS
- Validates skills in migrating complex applications and implementing cost-control strategies
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certification is harder to obtain?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional is generally considered more challenging due to its breadth and depth of AWS knowledge required.
Which certification leads to higher earning potential?
Earning potential varies based on experience and location, but both certifications can significantly increase salary prospects within their respective fields.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: August 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.