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 Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$150 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$18,000/yr | +$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 130 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 Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- 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 have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to design and optimise cloud architectures, not just operate them
AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Solutions Architect Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Both AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Solutions Architect Associate are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
Can I get both AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and AWS Solutions Architect Associate 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 Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.