Azure Administrator vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Amazon Web Services
AWS AI Practitioner
AIF-C01
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
AWS AI Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get AWS AI Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Administrator harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator 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 Azure Administrator.