AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Professional
Compare AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) and Professional (SAP-C02) certifications.
AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02)
Amazon Web Services
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) | AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Professional |
| Exam Duration | 130 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $150 USD | $300 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 questions | 75 questions |
| Prerequisites | 1+ year AWS experience | SAA-C03 + 2 years experience |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Cloud architects starting with AWS | Senior cloud architects |
| Salary Range | $130,000 - $165,000 | $160,000 - $220,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) Focus Areas
- Core Services
- High Availability
- Cost Optimization
- Security Basics
AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) Focus Areas
- Complex Architectures
- Migration
- Cost Control
- Organizational Complexity
Our Recommendation
Associate is the foundation; Professional validates expert-level architecture skills.
Choose AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
Start with Associate to build foundational AWS architecture knowledge.
Choose AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02)
Pursue Professional after 2+ years for senior architect roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) or AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02)?
Associate is the foundation; Professional validates expert-level architecture skills.
What are the salary differences between AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)?
AWS Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03) typically offers salaries around $130,000 - $165,000, while AWS Solutions Architect - Professional (SAP-C02) offers $160,000 - $220,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Start with Associate to build foundational AWS architecture knowledge. Pursue Professional after 2+ years for senior architect roles.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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