AWS SAA / AWS SAA vs Security+
AWS SAA vs Security+: Which Certification Fits Better?
AWS SAA suits system administrators and network engineers moving into cloud roles. Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. AWS SAA and Security+ sit at a similar level, so the order comes down to your target role: pick the one that matches the job you want next, and add the other later if the role calls for it. Many CISNET students complete both within a year.
| Category | AWS SAA | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | CompTIA |
| Exam | SAA-C03 | SY0-701 |
| Exam format | Associate-level architecture exam (multiple-choice and multiple-response) | Single proctored exam (multiple-choice + performance-based questions) |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years, renew by passing the latest SAA exam or the Solutions Architect Professional exam, or by maintaining it on AWS Skill Builder | 3 years, renew by earning 50 CEUs, passing CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX (formerly CASP+), or re-taking |
| Recommended experience | 1+ year of hands-on AWS plus networking and Linux fundamentals | Baseline IT literacy with some networking and systems exposure (Network+ recommended but not required) |
| Training hours | 40 hours | 30 hours |
| Course price | $799 | $699 |
| Typical Canadian salary band | $80K-$140K CAD | $55K-$100K CAD |
| Best-fit roles | Cloud Architect | Security Analyst |
| Recommended starting point | No formal prerequisite, but basic networking and Linux familiarity help a lot. | No formal prerequisite, but basic networking and systems knowledge help. |
When AWS SAA is the better choice
- System administrators and network engineers moving into cloud roles
- Students targeting cloud operations, architecture, or DevOps-adjacent jobs
- Professionals who need vendor-specific cloud credibility in the job market
When Security+ is the better choice
- IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume
- Students targeting SOC, analyst, compliance, or security operations roles
- Career changers who want a recognized baseline cybersecurity certification
What AWS SAA training covers
- Core AWS services and architecture patterns
- Identity, networking, and security controls
- Storage, compute, and resilience design
- Monitoring, automation, and cost awareness
What Security+ training covers
- Threats, attacks, and defensive controls
- Identity, access, and network security
- Risk management, governance, and response
- Security operations and practical hardening
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: AWS SAA or Security+?
Security+ is usually the easier starting point, while AWS SAA makes more sense once you already have stronger fundamentals.
How do the AWS SAA and Security+ exams compare?
AWS SAA is earned by passing one exam, Amazon Web Services SAA-C03. It has 65 questions in 130 minutes. The passing score is 720/1000 on Amazon Web Services's scaled scoring. Security+ is earned by passing one exam, CompTIA SY0-701. It has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The passing score is 750/900 on CompTIA's scaled scoring.
How should I choose between AWS SAA and Security+?
AWS SAA suits system administrators and network engineers moving into cloud roles. Security+ suits IT professionals who want to add security credibility to their resume. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Which pays more: AWS SAA or Security+?
Typical Canadian roles tied to AWS SAA run $80K-$140K CAD, while Security+-related roles run $55K-$100K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both AWS SAA and Security+?
AWS SAA and Security+ sit at a similar level, so the order comes down to your target role: pick the one that matches the job you want next, and add the other later if the role calls for it. Many CISNET students complete both within a year.
Need a direct recommendation between AWS SAA and Security+?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
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