AWS MLS-C01 vs AI-102: which certification should you get?
AWS MLS-C01: AWS retired this exam: the last test date was March 31, 2026. Existing holders stay certified until expiry.
AI-102: Microsoft retired this exam on June 30, 2026. Existing holders keep the credential until it expires; Microsoft has not named a direct replacement — check Microsoft Learn before studying.
| Metric | AWS MLS-C01 | AI-102 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam / Program Cost | $300 | $165✓ |
| Study Hours | ~200h | ~120h✓ |
| Exam Duration | 180 min | 100 min |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice | MC + Performance |
| Level | Specialist | Associate |
| Overall Score | 9/10✓ | 8.8/10 |
| Domain | AI / ML | AI / ML |
| Validity | 3 yrs | 1 yrs |
| Industry Standard | Yes✓ | No |
Choose AWS MLS-C01 if...
- →Data scientists working in AWS environments
- →ML engineers deploying models on AWS
Choose AI-102 if...
- →Developers building AI apps on Azure
- →Engineers working with Azure OpenAI or Cognitive Services
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