AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS AI Practitioner | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $100 USD | $100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
- You're new to AI/ML and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS AI Practitioner and AWS Cloud Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs cloud computing. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with AWS AI Practitioner — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is AWS AI Practitioner harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both AWS AI Practitioner and AWS Cloud Practitioner are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS AI Practitioner or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS AI Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS AI Practitioner or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Can I get both AWS AI Practitioner and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS AI Practitioner and AWS Cloud Practitioner complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and cloud computing respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS AI Practitioner or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS AI Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.