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 AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $150 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
- 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
- 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
Both are in the AI and machine learning field but target different career stages. Start with AWS AI Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to AWS ML Engineer Associate if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$18,000/yr).
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS AI 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 ML Engineer Associate and AWS AI Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS AI Practitioner complement each other within AI and machine learning. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS AI Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.