Azure AI Fundamentals vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure AI Fundamentals
AI-900
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
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 AI Fundamentals | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$7,000/yr | ✓+$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
Azure AI Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
AWS AI Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Get Azure AI Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$7,000/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 AI Fundamentals courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
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.