AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
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 Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
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 Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner harder than Azure Fundamentals?
Both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS Cloud Practitioner has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Fundamentals.