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
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | AWS Cloud 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 Cloud 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 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
AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Cloud Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs cloud computing. 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 ML Engineer Associate courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner?
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 ML Engineer Associate and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Cloud Practitioner complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and cloud computing respectively. 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 Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud 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.