Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS Cloud Practitioner
Entry-level AWS certification validating foundational cloud concepts, core services, security, and pricing models.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs AWS Cloud Practitioner
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | AWS Cloud Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | ✓$100 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$8,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
AWS Cloud Practitioner
None required
- 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
- 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 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 Azure Fundamentals courses
Best AWS Cloud Practitioner courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both Azure Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while AWS Cloud Practitioner has +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals 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 Fundamentals or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Cloud Practitioner offers +$8,000/yr. AWS Cloud Practitioner has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.