Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →AWS Solutions Architect Associate
The most sought-after cloud certification — covers designing resilient, high-performing, cost-optimised AWS architectures.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | AWS Solutions Architect Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $300 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$18,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 130 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Cloud Practitioner recommended, 1 year hands-on AWS experience
- 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 have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$18,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to design and optimise cloud architectures, not just operate them
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with Azure Fundamentals if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to AWS Solutions Architect Associate if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$18,000/yr).
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best AWS Solutions Architect Associate courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
AWS Solutions Architect Associate is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while AWS Solutions Architect Associate has +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
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.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and AWS Solutions Architect Associate?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and AWS Solutions Architect Associate 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 Solutions Architect Associate?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; AWS Solutions Architect Associate offers +$18,000/yr. AWS Solutions Architect Associate has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.