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 →CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate vs CEH
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$150 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | EC-Council |
| Difficulty |
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
CEH
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
- 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 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
AWS ML Engineer Associate and CEH lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs cybersecurity. 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 CEH courses
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than CEH?
Both AWS ML Engineer Associate and CEH are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or CEH?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or CEH?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.
Can I get both AWS ML Engineer Associate and CEH?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS ML Engineer Associate and CEH complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and cybersecurity 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 CEH?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS ML Engineer Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; CEH offers +$15,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.