AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$7,000/yr |
| Passing score | 720/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Azure AI Fundamentals
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 Microsoft
- You want a potential +$7,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure AI Fundamentals 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 Azure AI Fundamentals — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure AI Fundamentals?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Azure AI Fundamentals has +$7,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure AI Fundamentals?
Azure AI Fundamentals 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 Azure AI Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure AI Fundamentals 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 Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers a +$18,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure AI Fundamentals offers +$7,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.