Azure Administrator vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Amazon Web Services
AWS Cloud Practitioner
CLF-C02
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
AWS Cloud Practitioner — Prerequisites
None required
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
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
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Frequently asked questions
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.