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