AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
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 Cloud Practitioner vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner
None required
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
- 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 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
AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer 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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud 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.