Both the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications are valuable, but they cater to different career paths. The AWS certification is best for those deeply involved in AWS cloud solutions architecture, while the PMP is ideal for project managers seeking to validate their skills and advance their careers across various industries. Choosing between them depends on your current role, career goals, and industry focus.
| Attribute | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Project Management Professional (PMP) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional | Project Management Professional (PMP) |
| Target Audience | Individuals performing a solutions architect role with 2 or more years of experience designing and deploying cloud solutions on AWS. They should be able to evaluate cloud application requirements, make architectural recommendations, and provide expert guidance across multiple applications within complex organizations. | Experienced project managers and professionals working on project teams, including project managers, program managers, project leaders, PMO leaders, project executives, project engineers, associate project managers, team managers, team leads, consultants, senior executives, IT managers, and PMO staff. Best suited for professionals with at least three years of project management experience. |
| Prerequisites | AWS recommends having the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification and at least two years of hands-on experience designing distributed systems on AWS. Familiarity with AWS CLI, AWS APIs, AWS CloudFormation templates, AWS Billing Console, AWS Management Console, scripting languages, and Windows/Linux environments is also recommended. | With a four-year degree: 36 months of project management experience. With a high school diploma/associate's degree: 60 months of project management experience. All candidates: 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM certification. |
| Exam Cost | $300 USD | PMI Members: $425. Non-members: $675. PMI membership: $159 per year. |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice and multiple-response questions | Computer-based test with multiple-choice, multiple response, matching, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank questions. |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes | 230 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes). |
| Number of Questions | Approximately 75 (some sources mention 65 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions) | 180 questions. |
| Passing Score | A scaled score of 750 out of 1000 is required to pass | Not available (determined based on exam difficulty; scoring around 80% is generally considered sufficient to pass). |
| Renewal Requirements | Recertification can be achieved by retaking the current Professional-level exam | Valid for three years; requires earning 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) and paying a renewal fee. |
| Job Role Alignment | The certification validates the ability to design, deploy, and evaluate applications on AWS within diverse and complex requirements. It also demonstrates skills in providing complex solutions, optimizing security, cost, and performance, and automating manual processes. | Validates knowledge, skills, and experience in project management, covering project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Demonstrates ability to lead and direct projects. |
| Industry Recognition | This certification is highly valued within the industry and by employers. It is often listed among the top-paying IT certifications. | Globally recognized credential applicable across various industries, including health, construction, IT, and business. |
| Study Resources Availability | AWS Skill Builder, online learning centers, practice question sets, digital courses, Builder Labs, Cloud Quest, AWS Jam, flashcards, and practice exams are available. | PMP certification training courses, online courses and lectures, exam prep coursebooks and strategy guides, practice questions and mock exams, and the PMBOK Guide. |
| Salary Expectations | AWS Solutions Architects can expect attractive salaries, with the average annual income in the United States around $114,350. Salaries can range from $94,000 to $148,000 annually. More experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn significantly more. | PMP-certified professionals earn higher salaries; median annual salary in the United States is around $120,000 (33% higher than non-certified counterparts). |