Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
Advanced Google Cloud certification for designing and building ML models that scale — covers MLOps, Vertex AI, and responsible AI.
Full guide →AWS AI Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational knowledge of AI, ML, and generative AI concepts on AWS.
Full guide →Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer vs AWS AI Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer | AWS AI Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 120 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Google Cloud | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer
3+ years industry experience + 1 year Google Cloud experience + ML background
AWS AI Practitioner
None required
- You're an experienced ML engineer targeting senior MLOps or research roles
- You want a potential +$22,000/yr salary uplift
- You build, train, and deploy ML models in production environments
- 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
Both are in the AI and machine learning field but target different career stages. Start with AWS AI Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$22,000/yr).
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Best AWS AI Practitioner courses
Is Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer harder than AWS AI Practitioner?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer or AWS AI Practitioner?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while AWS AI Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer or AWS AI Practitioner?
AWS AI Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer.
Can I get both Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer and AWS AI Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer and AWS AI Practitioner complement each other within AI and machine learning. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer or AWS AI Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer offers a +$22,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS AI Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.