How we compared these:
Both platforms were enrolled in independently. We assessed curriculum, pricing, certificate quality, and employer recognition using a consistent rubric. Commission rates vary between platforms and do not influence our rankings. See our methodology →
The Real Differentiator: Target Employer Type
AWS and Azure split the market by sector more than anything else. Your target employer type should drive this decision more than any other factor.
Full Comparison Table
| Factor | ☁️ AWS Cloud Practitioner | 🔷 Azure AZ-900 |
|---|---|---|
| Market share | ~31% — market leader Winner | ~23% — strong #2 |
| Dominates in | Startups, tech companies, digital | Enterprise, government, healthcare |
| Exam fee | $100 Cheaper | $165 |
| Free study materials | AWS Skill Builder (free) | Microsoft Learn (free) Both free |
| Beginner friendliness | Moderate | Slightly easier exam Winner |
| Renewal | Every 3 years | Every 1 year (free online) |
| Integration with Microsoft | None | Works with Office 365, Active Directory Winner |
| Job volume (US) | Higher overall job count Winner | Very strong in enterprise sectors |
| Next certification | AWS Solutions Architect (SAA-C03) | AZ-104 Azure Administrator |
Score Breakdown
☁️ AWS: 8.9
🔷 Azure: 8.7
Job Market Volume9.38.7
Employer Recognition9.59.0
Beginner Friendliness7.88.2
Value for Money9.18.7
Career Pathway9.08.8
Blue = AWS Cloud Practitioner · Grey = Azure AZ-900
Who Should Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner?
- Career changers targeting tech companies, startups, or digital businesses
- Anyone wanting the largest overall job market — AWS has more roles globally
- People on a tighter budget — $100 exam vs $165
- Learners planning to pursue AWS Solutions Architect next (biggest cloud salary jump)
- IT professionals in companies that have migrated or are migrating to AWS
Who Should Choose Azure AZ-900?
- Career changers targeting enterprise corporations, government, healthcare, or finance
- IT professionals who already work in Microsoft environments (Windows Server, Active Directory, Office 365)
- People in regions where Azure adoption is dominant (particularly Europe and enterprise UK)
- Learners who want the AZ-104 Administrator path (strong enterprise cloud admin salary)
- Anyone whose employer uses Microsoft 365 and is moving workloads to Azure
Long-Term: Get Both
Multi-cloud is increasingly the norm. Having both AWS and Azure foundational certifications makes you more versatile. Many cloud professionals hold both — AWS first, Azure second, or vice versa depending on their current employer's stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do AWS or Azure first?
It depends on your target employers. Startups and tech companies — do AWS first. Enterprise, government, healthcare, or financial services — do Azure first. If genuinely unsure, AWS has the larger total job market so gives you more options.
Which is easier — AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900?
Both are foundational certifications that most candidates pass after 4–8 weeks of study. AZ-900 is generally considered slightly more approachable. AWS Cloud Practitioner is slightly more technical in its coverage of services. Neither is significantly harder than the other.
Is AWS or Azure more in demand?
AWS has higher overall job volume globally (~31% market share vs Azure ~23%). However, Azure is dominant in enterprise and government sectors. The relevant comparison is what types of roles you're targeting, not just raw numbers.
Can I get a cloud job with just the foundational cert?
The foundational cert alone is rarely enough for cloud engineering roles. It opens doors and validates foundational knowledge. The real salary jumps come at Associate level (AWS Solutions Architect Associate, AZ-104 Azure Administrator). Most career changers use the foundational cert to get a foot in the door, then pursue the Associate cert.
How long does it take to get both AWS and Azure certifications?
AWS Cloud Practitioner: 4–8 weeks of study. Azure AZ-900: 3–6 weeks of study (some overlap). Many candidates complete both foundational certifications within 3–4 months, often while in their first cloud role.
📬 Get Certificate Comparisons Weekly
Honest reviews, comparisons, and salary data every week. Free.