AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate
Validates ability to build, train, tune, and deploy ML models on AWS using SageMaker and other AWS AI services.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs AWS ML Engineer Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS ML Engineer Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $150 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
- 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 have ML or data experience and want to validate practical, hands-on skills
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while AWS ML Engineer Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS ML Engineer Associate.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS ML Engineer Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.