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 Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer | AWS Cloud 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 Cloud 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 cloud 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
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer and AWS Cloud Practitioner lead to entirely different careers — AI and machine learning vs cloud computing. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with AWS Cloud Practitioner — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Cloud 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 Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer and AWS Cloud Practitioner complement each other, covering AI and machine learning and cloud computing respectively. 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 Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Google Cloud Professional ML Engineer offers a +$22,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud 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.