AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner vs PMI-ACP
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS AI Practitioner | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | PMI |
| Difficulty |
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
- 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 have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
AWS AI Practitioner and PMI-ACP lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs project management. 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 PMI-ACP courses
Is AWS AI Practitioner harder than PMI-ACP?
PMI-ACP is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS AI Practitioner or PMI-ACP?
AWS AI Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS AI Practitioner or PMI-ACP?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.
Can I get both AWS AI Practitioner and PMI-ACP?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS AI Practitioner and PMI-ACP complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and project management 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 PMI-ACP?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS AI Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; PMI-ACP offers +$15,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.