Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Azure Administrator vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- Your role involves managing cloud identity, storage, networking, and compute day-to-day
- 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
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Azure Administrator if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$15,000/yr).
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is Azure Administrator harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.
Can I get both Azure Administrator and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Administrator and AWS Cloud Practitioner 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 — Azure Administrator or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Administrator offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.