AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →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 →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs AWS ML Engineer Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full 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 |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 130 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 ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
- 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 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
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 Solutions Architect Associate — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
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.
Can I get both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS ML Engineer Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.