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 →Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$150 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration 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 +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- Your role involves managing cloud identity, storage, networking, and compute day-to-day
AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Administrator 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 Azure Administrator courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than Azure Administrator?
Both AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Administrator are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Azure Administrator?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Azure Administrator?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.
Can I get both AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Administrator?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Administrator 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 Azure Administrator?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Administrator offers +$15,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.