Azure AI Fundamentals vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
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 Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure AI Fundamentals | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$7,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
Azure AI Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
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 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
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure AI Fundamentals harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Azure AI Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$7,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure AI Fundamentals or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Azure AI Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.