Cloud Practitioner vs Solution Architect in 2025

The AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect roles represent two distinct levels of expertise in the cloud computing field. The Cloud Practitioner certification is an entry-level credential designed for individuals new to AWS and cloud computing. It focuses on foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, AWS services, pricing, security, and architecture at a high level. Cloud Practitioners typically hold roles in sales, marketing, or business management, where understanding AWS offerings and how they can benefit a business is essential.

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The job requires basic knowledge of AWS services like EC2, S3, and IAM but does not require deep technical skills. On the other hand, the Solutions Architect certification is a more advanced technical role that involves designing, building, and deploying scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions using AWS services. A Solutions Architect needs deep technical expertise, including knowledge of cloud architecture, system design, and best practices for AWS deployment. 

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They work closely with clients to understand their needs and create customized cloud solutions. This role requires expertise in services like EC2, RDS, VPC, and Lambda nd demands proficiency in architecture design, security, and cost optimization. While the Cloud Practitioner is a foundation, the Solutions Architect role requires more specialized, hands-on experience.

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Cloud Practitioner vs Solutions Architect: Table of Comparison

The following table clearly compares the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect roles. It highlights key differences in experience level, responsibilities, skills, and certification focus to help you better understand which path suits your career goals and expertise in AWS cloud computing.

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Cloud Practitioner vs Solutions Architect: Detailed Comparison

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When comparing the roles of AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect, it's important to consider their differing levels of expertise, responsibilities, and career paths. Both certifications focus on cloud computing, but they cater to different audiences and serve distinct purposes within an organization.

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1. Role & Focus

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: This is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who are new to AWS and cloud computing. The focus is on understanding fundamental cloud concepts, basic AWS services, security, pricing, and the AWS shared responsibility model. It's ideal for those in non-technical roles like business, sales, or marketing who need a broad understanding of AWS and cloud technology to support business decisions.

• AWS Solutions Architect: The Solutions Architect role is more advanced and technical. Solutions Architects are responsible for designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective architectures using AWS services. They work with clients or internal teams to create customized cloud solutions based on specific business requirements. This role requires in-depth technical knowledge, including architecture design, security best practices, and optimization strategies for cost, performance, and reliability.

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2. Experience Level

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: The Cloud Practitioner exam is aimed at individuals with little to no prior experience in AWS. It is designed to validate foundational cloud knowledge, making it ideal for those who are just starting in the cloud computing field.

• AWS Solutions Architect: The Solutions Architect certification requires a more technical background. While there are no strict prerequisites, AWS recommends having a deeper understanding of cloud architecture and hands-on experience with AWS services. It’s suitable for individuals with a background in IT infrastructure, cloud engineering, or development.

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3. Key Responsibilities

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: The primary responsibility of a Cloud Practitioner is to understand the general landscape of AWS services and how they can be applied to solve business challenges. Cloud Practitioners typically assist in sales, marketing, and strategy roles by promoting the benefits of AWS. They may also help clients or stakeholders with basic cloud inquiries and facilitate the adoption of AWS technologies.

• AWS Solutions Architect: Solutions Architects design, build, and deploy AWS-based solutions tailored to meet a client’s specific business needs. They work closely with customers or internal teams to ensure that cloud infrastructures are reliable, scalable, and optimized for performance and cost. They also play a key role in troubleshooting complex issues and ensuring that AWS services are integrated effectively.

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4. Skills Required

1. AWS Cloud Practitioner:

• Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts.

• Familiarity with AWS core services like EC2, S3, IAM, RDS, and VPC.

• Knowledge of AWS pricing models and billing tools.

• Awareness of cloud security principles, including the shared responsibility model.

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2. AWS Solutions Architect:

• Deep technical knowledge of cloud architecture and design principles.

• Expertise in AWS services such as EC2, Lambda, S3, VPC, RDS, and CloudFormation.

• Ability to design scalable and resilient architectures for a variety of applications.

• Knowledge of security best practices and cost optimization techniques.

• Experience in deploying complex infrastructure, including multi-region, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.

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5. Certification and Exam Details

1. AWS Cloud Practitioner:

• Certification Level: Entry-level.

• Exam Duration: 90 minutes.

• Number of Questions: 65 multiple-choice questions.

• Cost: USD 100.

• Passing Score: Approximately 700/1000.

• Valid for: 3 years.

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2. AWS Solutions Architect:

• Certification Level: Associate-level, technical certification.

• Exam Duration: 130 minutes.

• Number of Questions: 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.

• Cost: $USD 150

• Passing Score: Varies (typically around 720/1000).

• Valid for: 3 years.

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6. Career Path and Job Roles

1. AWS Cloud Practitioner

• Cloud Support Associate

• Cloud Sales Specialist

• IT Support Technician (Cloud Focus)

• Cloud Project Coordinator

• Technical Account Manager (Entry Level)

• Cloud Trainer (Entry Level)

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These roles often focus on understanding the business value of cloud technologies and communicating AWS benefits to customers or stakeholders.

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2. AWS Solutions Architect:

• Solutions Architect

• Cloud Architect

• Cloud Consultant

• Cloud Engineer (with a focus on architecture)

• Senior Cloud Consultant

• AWS Infrastructure Architect

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Solutions Architects are typically responsible for designing and optimizing enterprise-level solutions and solving complex technical problems related to cloud infrastructure.

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7. Salary Expectations

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: The average salary for entry-level roles like Cloud Support Associate or IT Support Technician is typically in the range of $50,000 to $70,000 per year. This can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

• AWS Solutions Architect: Solutions Architects earn significantly higher salaries due to the technical expertise required. The average salary for an AWS Solutions Architect is between $90,000 to $130,000+ per year, with senior-level architects or those with specialized expertise earning more, especially in tech hubs.

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8. Ideal Candidates for Each Role

1. AWS Cloud Practitioner:

• Individuals who are new to AWS and cloud computing.

• Business professionals, salespeople, marketers, or anyone in a non-technical role who needs to understand AWS basics.

• Individuals looking to shift into the cloud industry without needing to code or manage complex systems.

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2. AWS Solutions Architect:

• IT professionals with experience in infrastructure, cloud, or software engineering.

• Individuals who enjoy problem-solving and designing complex systems.

• Those looking to develop advanced technical skills and take on a leadership role in cloud solution design.

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How Are AWS Cloud Practitioners and SolutionsArchitectst Similar?

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While the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect roles differ significantly in terms of technical depth, responsibilities, and career requirements, there are several key similarities between them:

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1. AWS Foundation Knowledge

Both certifications share a foundation in AWS Cloud services. At the core, both the Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect are built around a common understanding of AWS services, cloud computing principles, and the broader AWS ecosystem.

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• Cloud Practitioner introduces these concepts at a high level, while the Solutions Architect dives deeper into the technical aspects of deploying and managing those services.

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2. Cloud-First Focus

Both roles focus on the concept of cloud computing, nd specifically the AWS cloud platform. Understanding cloud benefits such as scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness is essential in both certifications.

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Whether you're at the beginner level (Cloud Practitioner) or designing complex cloud systems (Solutions Architect), the emphasis is always on leveraging the AWS Cloud.

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3. Understanding AWS Core Services

Both certifications require a basic understanding of key AWS services like EC2, S3, IAM, and VPC:

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• Cloud Practitioner: You’ll learn the services conceptually what they do and how they can benefit an organization.

• Solutions Architect: You’ll learn these services at a much deeper level, focusing on how to implement and optimize them for specific use cases.

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While the depth of knowledge varies, both certifications involve an understanding of AWS's core offerings.

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4. Focus on Security and Compliance

Security is a critical component of both roles. For the Cloud Practitioner, you’ll learn about AWS’s shared responsibility model and basic security best practices.

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The Solutions Architect, on the other hand, requires more in-depth knowledge of securing architectures, implementing security controls, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Both roles emphasize the importance of securing cloud environments but from different levels of responsibility.

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5. Career Advancement via AWS Certifications

Both certifications can serve as stepping stones to further AWS certifications and career advancement. Starting with the AWS Cloud Practitioner provides a solid foundation for individuals looking to move into more technical roles, such as Solutions Architect or Cloud Developer.

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Similarly, the Solutions Architect certification helps develop deeper technical expertise and can lead to more senior or specialized roles within cloud computing.

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6. Impact on Organizations

Whether you're a Cloud Practitioner or a Solutions Architect, both roles are instrumental in helping organizations leverage AWS effectively:

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• Cloud Practitioners play a vital role in promoting AWS within an organization, supporting cloud adoption at a high level, and ensuring key stakeholders understand cloud benefits.

• Solutions Architects work on designing the actual infrastructure and solutions that support the business’s technical needs, ensuring that the cloud is used efficiently and effectively.

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In both cases, your role contributes to the organization’s successful use of AWS, though at different levels.

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What Should You Choose Between AWS Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect?

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The decision to choose between AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect largely depends on your career goals, current skill level, and the type of role you want to pursue in the cloud computing field. Below are some key considerations to help you decide which certification is right for you:

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1. Career Stage and Experience Level

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing or AWS and have limited or no prior experience with these technologies. It serves as an introductory certification to help you understand the foundational aspects of AWS and cloud computing at a high level. You don’t need technical expertise to start preparing for this certification, and it’s ideal for those in business, sales, or marketing roles who need to understand the core offerings of AWS to make informed business decisions or communicate with technical teams.

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On the other hand, the AWS Solutions Architect certification is better suited for those who already have some experience in IT, software engineering, or cloud infrastructure. It’s a more advanced certification that requires a deeper understanding of cloud architecture, system design, and the practical application of AWS services. If you are looking to pursue a technical career in cloud architecture or cloud engineering, the Solutions Architect path is a better choice.

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2. Job Role and Responsibilities

For an AWS Cloud Practitioner, the role typically involves supporting business functions that need to leverage AWS for their operations but are not directly involved in the technical aspects of implementation. This includes roles like cloud sales, marketing, or project management, where understanding the value of cloud services and being able to speak to stakeholders about them is essential. A Cloud Practitioner will be expected to communicate high-level AWS concepts and help organizations or clients make informed decisions about adopting AWS solutions.

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In contrast, an AWS Solutions Architect is expected to design and implement complex cloud infrastructures. Solutions Architects need to understand a client’s specific needs and create tailored solutions using AWS services. Their role requires expertise in architecture, security, cost optimization, and designing scalable systems. Solutions Architects work with developers, IT teams, and clients to ensure the right cloud solutions are deployed and are responsible for the performance, scalability, and security of the cloud environments they design.

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3. Learning Curve and Technical Skills

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification has a gentler learning curve since it focuses on foundational knowledge. It’s perfect for those who want to get familiar with AWS core services and cloud concepts without getting into the technical details of deployment or architecture. You will learn about AWS pricing models, the shared responsibility model, and basic security concepts, but you don’t need to be concerned with configuring or managing AWS resources in detail. This certification doesn’t require deep technical skills and focuses more on understanding AWS at a high level.

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In contrast, the AWS Solutions Architect certification demands a higher level of technical skill. It requires a deep understanding of AWS services, how to design scalable architectures, and how to implement security and optimization strategies in a cloud environment. Solutions Architects need to be proficient in creating architectural blueprints using services like EC2, Lambda, VPC, RDS, and others, which requires practical experience and in-depth technical knowledge. The learning curve for Solutions Architects is steeper and requires more hands-on practice and application of AWS services.

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4. Salary and Job Prospects

Salaries for those with the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification typically range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, reflecting the entry-level nature of the certification. While it opens doors to cloud-related roles, they are usually in non-technical positions such as cloud sales specialist, IT support associate, or business analyst. These roles often involve facilitating cloud adoption and understanding the business value of AWS but don’t require in-depth technical expertise.

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On the other hand, an AWS Solutions Architect typically commands a higher salary range, between $90,000 and $130,000+ per year, depending on experience and location. Since Solutions Architects possess advanced technical skills and are responsible for designing and managing complex cloud infrastructures, they are valued highly within organizations. Their roles often come with greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities in cloud architecture, which is reflected in their earning potential.

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5. Long-Term Career Growth

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification can serve as the starting point for those looking to build a cloud career. After gaining foundational knowledge, Cloud Practitioners can choose to pursue more technical certifications like the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate or other AWS specialty certifications, allowing them to move into more hands-on roles in cloud architecture or development. The Cloud Practitioner certification is an entry-level stepping stone that can lead to further certifications and career growth in cloud-related roles.

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The AWS Solutions Architect certification, on the other hand, is a mid-level certification that offers a deeper understanding of AWS architecture and cloud best practices. It provides a strong foundation for those looking to become senior Solutions Architects, cloud consultants, or specialists in areas like security, DevOps, or machine learning. The Solutions Architect path has significant long-term growth potential, as expertise in cloud architecture is in high demand, and professionals with this skillset can move into leadership positions or take on enterprise-level projects.

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6. Personal Interests and Strengths

The choice between the AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect certifications also comes down to your interests and strengths. If you enjoy understanding big-picture concepts, business strategy, and the value of cloud technologies without the complexity of system design, the Cloud Practitioner path is ideal for you. This certification is perfect for individuals with a business mindset who want to bridge the gap between business and technology.

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On the other hand, if you are more interested in problem-solving, designing technical systems, and working with cloud infrastructure, the Solutions Architect certification is a better fit. This role demands a passion for technical challenges, designing cloud solutions, and optimizing systems to meet complex business needs. If you have a strong interest in building systems from the ground up and working with cutting-edge cloud technologies, the Solutions Architect path will likely align with your goals.

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Conclusion

The AWS Cloud Practitioner is ideal for beginners, offering foundational knowledge of AWS and cloud concepts. It suits non-technical roles like sales or business management. The Solutions Architect, on the other hand, is for those with technical skills, focusing on designing and implementing complex cloud architectures.