AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs AWS ML Engineer Associate
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →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 →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | AWS ML Engineer Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$150 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$18,000/yr | +$18,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
AWS ML Engineer Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
Get AWS Solutions Architect 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 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
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS ML Engineer Associate are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while AWS ML Engineer Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS ML Engineer Associate.