AWS ML Engineer Associate vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
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 →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ACE
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS ML Engineer Associate | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$150 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$16,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS ML Engineer Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
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 Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$16,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS ML Engineer Associate harder than Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both AWS ML Engineer Associate and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS ML Engineer Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has +$16,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS ML Engineer Associate or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.