AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
Compare entry-level cloud certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) vs Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). Perfect for cloud beginners.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Fundamentals |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $100 USD | $99 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 multiple choice questions | 40-60 questions |
| Prerequisites | None (6 months cloud exposure recommended) | None |
| Validity Period | 3 years | Does not expire |
| Ideal For | Sales, managers, beginners entering AWS ecosystem | Anyone starting with Microsoft Azure |
| Salary Range | $75,000 - $110,000 | $70,000 - $105,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Focus Areas
- Cloud Concepts
- AWS Services
- Security
- Pricing
- Support
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Focus Areas
- Cloud Concepts
- Azure Services
- Security
- Pricing
- Governance
Our Recommendation
Both are excellent entry points to cloud computing. AWS has more jobs, Azure doesn't expire.
Choose AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner for broader job market opportunities.
Choose Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Choose AZ-900 if you work with Microsoft technologies or want a non-expiring cert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)?
Both are excellent entry points to cloud computing. AWS has more jobs, Azure doesn't expire.
What are the salary differences between AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner typically offers salaries around $75,000 - $110,000, while Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) offers $70,000 - $105,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner for broader job market opportunities. Choose AZ-900 if you work with Microsoft technologies or want a non-expiring cert.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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