AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Azure Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Amazon Web Services
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
SAA-C03
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
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 Solutions Architect Associate | Azure Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $300 USD | ✓$165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$18,000/yr | +$6,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 130 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
AWS Solutions Architect Associate — Prerequisites
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$18,000/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 Solutions Architect Associate courses
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Solutions Architect Associate harder than Azure Fundamentals?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Fundamentals?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate has an average salary uplift of +$18,000/yr, while Azure Fundamentals has +$6,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Azure Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Solutions Architect Associate.