AWS ML Engineer Associate vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS ML Engineer Associate
MLA-C01
Validates ability to build, train, tune, and deploy ML models on AWS using SageMaker and other AWS AI services.
Full guide →Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Side-by-side 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 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS ML Engineer Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Get AWS ML Engineer Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Frequently asked questions
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.