AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS AI Practitioner | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$7,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
Azure AI Fundamentals
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 AI/ML and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$7,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
Both are at the beginner level in AI and machine learning. AWS AI Practitioner carries the higher salary impact (+$8,000/yr vs +$7,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose Azure AI Fundamentals if you prefer credentials from Microsoft or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Is AWS AI Practitioner harder than Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both AWS AI Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS AI Practitioner or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS AI Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure AI Fundamentals has +$7,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS AI Practitioner or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure AI Fundamentals.
Can I get both AWS AI Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS AI Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals complement each other within AI and machine learning. 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 Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS AI Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure AI Fundamentals offers +$7,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.