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 Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$150 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
Azure Fundamentals
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 Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Fundamentals 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 Azure Fundamentals — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than Azure Fundamentals?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals 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 Azure Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and Azure Fundamentals 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 Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Fundamentals offers +$6,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.