AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS AI Practitioner | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$6,000/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 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 cloud and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS AI Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals 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 Azure Fundamentals courses
Is AWS AI Practitioner harder than Azure Fundamentals?
Both AWS AI Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS AI Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS AI Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS AI Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Fundamentals.
Can I get both AWS AI Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS AI Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals 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 Azure Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS AI Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Fundamentals offers +$6,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.