Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/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 Fundamentals
None required
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/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
Azure Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs AI and machine learning. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Azure Fundamentals — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
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.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and AWS AI Practitioner complement each other, covering cloud computing and AI and machine learning respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Fundamentals or AWS AI Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/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.