Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure AI Fundamentals | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$7,000/yr | ✓+$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Azure AI Fundamentals
None required
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
- 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
- You're new to AI/ML and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
Both are at the beginner level in AI and machine learning. AWS AI Practitioner carries the higher salary impact (+$8,000/yr vs +$7,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose Azure AI Fundamentals if you prefer credentials from Microsoft or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Is Azure AI Fundamentals harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
Both Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure AI Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$7,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure AI Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS AI Practitioner.
Can I get both Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner complement each other within AI and machine learning. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure AI Fundamentals offers a +$7,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS AI Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.