AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →Side-by-side 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 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Advanced |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer — Prerequisites
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
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.