AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$100 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$8,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
Azure Fundamentals
None required
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from AWS
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on AWS and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
Both are at the beginner level in cloud computing. AWS Cloud Practitioner carries the higher salary impact (+$8,000/yr vs +$6,000/yr), making it the stronger long-term investment. Choose Azure Fundamentals if you prefer credentials from Microsoft or need a faster, lower-cost path.
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
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.
Can I get both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals complement each other within cloud computing. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. AWS Cloud Practitioner offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Fundamentals offers +$6,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.