AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
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 →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$18,000/yr | ✓+$22,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Advanced |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer — Prerequisites
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
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 Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs intermediate.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has +$22,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer.