AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS AI Practitioner | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty |
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
- 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 an experienced ML engineer targeting senior MLOps or research roles
- You want a potential +$22,000/yr salary uplift
- You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
Both are in the AI and machine learning field but target different career stages. Start with AWS AI Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$22,000/yr).
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Is AWS AI Practitioner harder than Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS AI Practitioner or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS AI Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS AI Practitioner or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer.
Can I get both AWS AI Practitioner and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS AI Practitioner and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS AI Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer offers +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.