Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS ML Engineer Associate
Validates ability to build, train, tune, and deploy ML models on AWS using SageMaker and other AWS AI services.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs AWS ML Engineer Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | AWS ML Engineer Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$150 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
- 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 have ML or data experience and want to validate practical, hands-on skills
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
Azure Fundamentals and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while AWS ML Engineer Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS ML Engineer Associate.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and AWS ML Engineer Associate 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 ML Engineer Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS ML Engineer Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.