AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
Get AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Amazon Web Services
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Azure Administrator?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Administrator?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Administrator?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.