Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure AI Fundamentals | AWS Cloud 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 Cloud 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 cloud 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
Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs cloud computing. 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 Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is Azure AI Fundamentals harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure AI Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$7,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure AI Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Can I get both Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure AI Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and cloud computing respectively. 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 Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure AI Fundamentals offers a +$7,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.