AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect: Which One First?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to dominate the cloud computing space, making AWS certifications some of the most sought-after credentials in tech. But when starting your AWS journey, one critical question arises: AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect – which one should you pursue first?

This blog breaks down the differences, benefits, and career impact of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certifications, helping you decide where to begin.

Understanding the AWS Certification Landscape

AWS offers multiple certifications across foundational, associate, professional, and specialty levels. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an entry-level certification designed for beginners, while the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is more technical and targeted toward professionals with some experience in cloud computing.

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – An Overview

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is the most accessible certification in the AWS ecosystem. It validates a candidate’s overall understanding of AWS cloud concepts, billing, pricing models, security basics, and the AWS ecosystem. It is ideal for:

• Non-technical roles like sales, marketing, and finance professionals
• Project managers and decision-makers
• Beginners looking to break into cloud computing

Key Topics Covered:

• Basic AWS architectural principles
• Billing and pricing models
• AWS services and their use cases
• Security and compliance basics
• Cloud value proposition

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate – An Overview

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is a more technical certification aimed at individuals who want to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS. It’s intended for professionals with some hands-on AWS experience.

Key Topics Covered:

• Designing resilient architectures
• High availability and fault tolerance
• Storage and database solutions
• Security and networking
• Cost-optimized design strategies

AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect: The Key Differences

Which One Should You Take First?

Start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner if:

• You are completely new to AWS or cloud computing.
• You want to build a strong foundational understanding before moving into technical roles.
• Your role involves cloud-adjacent responsibilities (e.g., project management, sales, support).
• You’re looking for a quick win to validate your AWS knowledge and boost confidence.

Start with AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate if:

• You have a basic understanding of IT concepts like networking, databases, and security.
• You’re a developer, system administrator, or engineer aiming to work directly with AWS infrastructure.
• You are confident with hands-on learning and are comfortable with higher exam difficulty.
• You want to jumpstart a career in cloud architecture or engineering.

Career Impact: What Do You Gain?

Benefits of AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:

• Establishes cloud literacy for those new to tech or transitioning careers.
• Enhances your resume for entry-level roles like Cloud Support, IT Coordinator, or Business Analyst.
• Great stepping stone to other AWS certifications.

Benefits of AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate:

• Demonstrates your ability to design real-world AWS solutions.
• Qualifies you for roles like Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, and DevOps Engineer.
• Sets the foundation for advanced certifications like the Professional-level Architect or DevOps Engineer certifications.

Can You Skip the AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Yes, many professionals go straight for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate without taking the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner first. If you already have IT experience or a strong grasp of cloud fundamentals, jumping directly to the Solutions Architect exam can save time and money.

However, if you’re unsure about AWS, or prefer a slower learning curve, the Cloud Practitioner certification can serve as a low-risk introduction.

How to Prepare for Each Certification

Preparing for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:

• Study AWS whitepapers and FAQs, especially the Well-Architected Framework.
• Use official AWS training like “AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials”.
• Try practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format.

Preparing for AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate:

• Follow a hands-on course like AWS CloudGuru or Tutorials Dojo.
• Practice with AWS Free Tier and create basic architectures.
• Understand key services like EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, RDS, and Lambda.
• Review AWS documentation and use flashcards for service limits and best practices.

Conclusion: AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS Solutions Architect – Which One First?

The choice between AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate depends on your background and goals.

• If you’re just entering the cloud world or lack a technical background, start with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
• If you’re already technical or motivated to dive deep, go straight for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.

Both certifications are highly valuable and serve different purposes. Many professionals ultimately pursue both, starting with the foundational certification and progressing to associate and beyond.

No matter which you choose first, you’re taking a critical step into the world of cloud computing—one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology.

About CloudThat

Established in 2012, CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer cloud training and consulting services for individuals and enterprises worldwide. Recently, it won Google Cloud’s New Training Partner of the Year Award for 2025, becoming the first company in the world in 2025 to hold awards from all three major cloud giants: AWS, Microsoft, and Google. CloudThat notably won consecutive AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) awards in 2023 and 2024 and the Microsoft Training Services Partner of the Year Award in 2024, bringing its total award count to an impressive 12 awards in the last 8 years. In addition to this, 20 trainers from CloudThat are ranked among Microsoft’s Top 100 MCTs globally for 2025, demonstrating its exceptional trainer quality on the global stage.  

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, Google Cloud Platform Partner, and collaborator with leading organizations like HPE and Databricks, CloudThat has trained over 850,000 professionals across 600+ cloud certifications, empowering students and professionals worldwide to advance their skills and careers.