Azure Fundamentals vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
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 Fundamentals | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/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 Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
AWS AI Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Get Azure Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/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 Fundamentals courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
Both Azure Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS AI Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS AI Practitioner.