AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to design and optimise cloud architectures, not just operate them
- You're new to AI/ML and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS AI Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs AI and machine learning. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with AWS AI Practitioner — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS AI Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS AI Practitioner complement each other, covering cloud computing and AI and machine learning respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS AI Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS AI Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.