AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$7,000/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 Cloud Practitioner
None required
Azure AI Fundamentals
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 Microsoft
- You want a potential +$7,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals 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 Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure AI Fundamentals has +$7,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure AI Fundamentals.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure AI Fundamentals 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 Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure AI Fundamentals offers +$7,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.