Professional Scrum Master I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
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 →Professional Scrum Master I vs AWS ML Engineer Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Professional Scrum Master I | AWS ML Engineer Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $200 USD | ✓$150 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$9,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 85/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 60 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Scrum.org | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Professional Scrum Master I
None required
AWS ML Engineer Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner or equivalent + basic ML knowledge recommended
- You're new to project management or switching careers from another field
- You want a potential +$9,000/yr salary uplift
- You work in agile teams and want to formalise Scrum Master skills
- 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
Professional Scrum Master I and AWS ML Engineer Associate lead to entirely different careers — project management 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 Professional Scrum Master I — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Best AWS ML Engineer Associate courses
Is Professional Scrum Master I harder than AWS ML Engineer Associate?
AWS ML Engineer Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Professional Scrum Master I or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Professional Scrum Master I has an average salary uplift of +$9,000/yr, while AWS ML Engineer Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS ML Engineer Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Professional Scrum Master I or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Professional Scrum Master I 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 Professional Scrum Master I and AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Professional Scrum Master I and AWS ML Engineer Associate complement each other, covering project management 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 — Professional Scrum Master I or AWS ML Engineer Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. Professional Scrum Master I offers a +$9,000/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.