CCNA / CCNA vs AWS SAA
CCNA vs AWS SAA: Which Certification Fits Better?
Choose CCNA if career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role. Choose AWS SAA if system administrators and network engineers moving into cloud roles. The better path is the one that lines up with your next job, current depth, and the kind of work you want to own after training.
When CCNA is the better choice
- Career changers targeting their first networking or infrastructure role
- Help desk or desktop support professionals ready to move into network operations
- Students who want a vendor-recognized certification with strong employer awareness
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
What CCNA training covers
- Network fundamentals and IP addressing
- Switching, VLANs, and spanning tree
- Routing, NAT, and basic services
- Security controls, automation, and wireless fundamentals
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
Planning to earn both?
If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into AWS SAA. Tackling AWS SAA first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Comparison FAQs
Which certification is better for beginners: CCNA or AWS SAA?
CCNA is the better entry point for most beginners, while AWS SAA usually fits students with more prior experience or a narrower goal.
Does CISNET offer training for both CCNA and AWS SAA?
Yes. CISNET offers live, instructor-led training for both CCNA and AWS SAA, so you can choose the path that best matches your current experience and target role.
How should I choose between CCNA and AWS SAA?
Choose the certification that aligns more directly with the role you want next, the depth you already have, and the type of hands-on work you expect to do after training.
Which pays more: CCNA or AWS SAA?
Typical Canadian roles tied to CCNA run $45K-$95K CAD, while AWS SAA-related roles run $80K-$140K CAD. Actual pay depends far more on the specific role, your experience, and the city than on the certification alone.
Can I earn both CCNA and AWS SAA?
If you plan to earn both, start with CCNA: it is the more foundational of the two, and the concepts it builds carry directly into AWS SAA. Tackling AWS SAA first usually means re-learning fundamentals under exam pressure.
Need a direct recommendation between CCNA and AWS SAA?
Talk to CISNET and get a recommendation based on your current skills, not generic internet rankings.
Get in Touch
