Deciding between AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals is one of the most common questions for professionals entering cloud computing. Both certifications serve as excellent entry points into the two dominant cloud platforms, but choosing the right one can significantly impact your career trajectory. This AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals comparison guide breaks down everything you need to know—from exam details and difficulty levels to career prospects and salary expectations—so you can make an informed decision in 2026.
Table of Contents
- AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals Overview
- Side-by-Side Exam Comparison
- AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Details
- Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Details
- Which Exam is Harder?
- Career Paths and Job Opportunities
- Salary Comparison
- Recommended Study Resources
- Which Certification Should You Choose?
- Can You Get Both Certifications?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Cloud computing has fundamentally transformed how businesses operate, and the demand for certified cloud professionals continues to surge. According to recent data, AWS holds approximately 30% of the global cloud infrastructure market, while Microsoft Azure commands around 20% as of Q2 2025. Together, these two platforms account for over half of the entire cloud market, making certifications from either provider highly valuable. Whether you’re a complete beginner, an IT professional looking to pivot into cloud roles, or a business stakeholder wanting to understand cloud technology, this AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals guide will help you chart your path forward.
AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals: Overview
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand what each certification represents and who it’s designed for.
What is AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner?
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) is Amazon Web Services’ foundational certification designed to validate overall knowledge of the AWS Cloud, independent of any specific job role. This certification demonstrates that you can explain the value of AWS, understand the shared responsibility model, comprehend security best practices, and describe core AWS services. It’s the ideal starting point for anyone beginning their AWS journey, regardless of their technical background.
Target audience for AWS Cloud Practitioner:
- IT professionals new to cloud computing
- Business analysts and project managers
- Sales and marketing professionals working with AWS clients
- Finance professionals managing cloud costs
- Students and career changers entering cloud computing
What is Microsoft Azure Fundamentals?
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts and Microsoft Azure services. This certification proves you can describe Azure architectural components, Azure services for compute, networking, and storage, as well as features and tools for securing, governing, and administering Azure. It’s particularly valuable for those already working within Microsoft ecosystems.
Target audience for Azure Fundamentals:
- Professionals familiar with Microsoft products (Office 365, Windows Server, Active Directory)
- IT administrators in enterprise environments
- Developers working with .NET and Microsoft technologies
- Business decision-makers evaluating Azure solutions
- Anyone wanting to demonstrate foundational Azure knowledge
Side-by-Side Exam Comparison: AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
Understanding the structural differences between these certifications helps you plan your preparation effectively. Here’s a comprehensive AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals comparison table:
| Element | AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) | Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Code | CLF-C02 | AZ-900 |
| Number of Questions | 65 questions (50 scored, 15 unscored) | 40-60 questions |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam Cost | $100 USD | $99 USD |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, multiple response | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies |
| Prerequisites | None (6 months AWS exposure recommended) | None |
| Certification Validity | 3 years | Does not expire (recommended renewal) |
| Delivery Format | Online proctored or test center | Online proctored or test center |
| Available Languages | English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and more | English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Spanish, German, French, and more |
| Retake Policy | 14-day wait period | 24 hours for first retake |
💡 Pro Tip: While both exams have the same passing score of 700/1000, the scoring is scaled, meaning you don’t necessarily need to answer exactly 70% of questions correctly. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing numbers.
AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Exam Details
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam was updated to the CLF-C02 version in September 2023, with increased emphasis on security and the Cloud Adoption Framework. Here’s what you need to know about the current exam structure:
AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam Domains and Weighting
| Domain | Weighting | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Domain 1: Cloud Concepts | 24% | AWS Cloud value proposition, Well-Architected Framework, Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF), migration strategies |
| Domain 2: Security and Compliance | 30% | Shared Responsibility Model, IAM, encryption, AWS security services (Shield, WAF, GuardDuty) |
| Domain 3: Cloud Technology and Services | 34% | EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, VPC, CloudFront, and deployment methods |
| Domain 4: Billing, Pricing, and Support | 12% | Pricing models, Free Tier, Cost Explorer, Budgets, Support Plans |
Key AWS services to know:
- Compute: EC2, Lambda, Elastic Beanstalk, ECS
- Storage: S3, EBS, Glacier, EFS
- Databases: RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, Redshift
- Networking: VPC, CloudFront, Route 53, API Gateway
- Security: IAM, AWS Shield, AWS WAF, GuardDuty, KMS
- Management: CloudWatch, CloudTrail, AWS Config, Systems Manager
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Exam Details
The Azure Fundamentals exam focuses on cloud concepts alongside Azure-specific architecture, services, and management tools. Microsoft updates this exam periodically to reflect platform changes.
Azure Fundamentals Exam Domains and Weighting
| Domain | Weighting | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Describe Cloud Concepts | 25-30% | Cloud computing benefits, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, public/private/hybrid cloud, consumption-based model |
| Describe Azure Architecture and Services | 35-40% | Azure regions, availability zones, VMs, App Service, containers, storage, networking |
| Describe Azure Management and Governance | 30-35% | Cost management, Azure Policy, RBAC, Azure Monitor, Microsoft Entra ID |
Key Azure services to know:
- Compute: Virtual Machines, Azure Functions, App Service, Container Instances
- Storage: Blob Storage, Azure Files, Azure Disks, Storage Tiers
- Databases: Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL
- Networking: Virtual Networks, Azure VPN Gateway, Azure DNS, Content Delivery Network
- Identity: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), RBAC, MFA
- Management: Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, Azure Resource Manager, Cost Management
💡 Pro Tip: If you have experience with Microsoft products like Windows Server, Office 365, or Active Directory, many Azure concepts will feel familiar. Azure deeply integrates with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem, giving Microsoft-experienced professionals an advantage.
Which Exam is Harder: AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when comparing AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals. Based on candidate feedback and exam analysis, here’s what you should expect:
AWS Cloud Practitioner Difficulty
The CLF-C02 exam is generally considered slightly more challenging in terms of question phrasing. AWS questions often include scenario-based problems that require you to differentiate between similar services. The longer exam duration (90 minutes for 65 questions) provides more time per question, but the broader service coverage means more material to study.
Challenging aspects:
- Questions may be “tricky” with multiple correct-sounding answers
- Strong emphasis on the Shared Responsibility Model
- Need to understand when to use specific services for use cases
- Billing and pricing questions can be detailed
Azure Fundamentals Difficulty
The AZ-900 exam covers a broader scope of topics in a shorter time frame. Many candidates report that Azure Fundamentals includes more governance, compliance, and enterprise-focused questions. The exam uses more diverse question formats, including drag-and-drop and case study scenarios.
Challenging aspects:
- Shorter time per question (45 minutes for 40-60 questions)
- More varied question formats require adaptability
- Heavy emphasis on governance and compliance features
- Requires familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID concepts
The Verdict on Difficulty
Most candidates who have taken both exams report they are comparable in difficulty. Your personal experience matters more—if you’ve worked with Microsoft products, Azure Fundamentals may feel more intuitive. If you’ve used AWS services or prefer more time-focused exams, AWS Cloud Practitioner might suit you better. The good news? Both are designed for beginners and have high pass rates with proper preparation.
Career Paths and Job Opportunities
Both certifications open doors to entry-level cloud positions, but the specific opportunities vary based on market dynamics and your existing skills.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Career Paths
AWS certifications align with the world’s largest cloud provider. Companies across all industries use AWS, from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. The AWS Cloud Practitioner serves as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like Solutions Architect, Developer, or SysOps Administrator.
Common job roles:
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- Technical Account Manager
- Cloud Sales Representative
- IT Support Specialist (Cloud)
Azure Fundamentals Career Paths
Azure certifications are particularly valued in enterprise environments that rely on Microsoft’s ecosystem. Many large corporations, government agencies, and healthcare organizations prefer Azure due to its integration with Microsoft 365 and Active Directory. This certification leads to advanced paths like Azure Administrator, Developer, or Solutions Architect.
Common job roles:
- Azure Support Specialist
- Junior Azure Administrator
- Cloud Operations Analyst
- Microsoft Cloud Consultant
- Enterprise IT Specialist
⚠️ Important Note: While Microsoft Azure’s market share is growing faster than AWS in recent quarters (Azure’s 21% Y-o-Y growth vs AWS’s 17% in late 2025), AWS still maintains the largest overall market share. Both platforms offer excellent career opportunities—choose based on your target industry and existing skills rather than market share alone.
Salary Comparison: AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals
Salary expectations are a crucial factor when choosing your certification path. While both entry-level certifications command competitive salaries, there are some variations to consider.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Salary
According to recent salary data from ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor:
- Entry-level average: $85,866 per year
- Experienced practitioners: $96,260 – $130,000+ per year
- Hourly rate: $41-63 per hour average
- Top earning potential: Up to $166,000+ in high-demand markets
AWS certifications are associated with a 27% average salary increase after certification, according to industry research.
Azure Fundamentals Salary
Based on ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor data:
- Entry-level average: $98,735 per year
- Average for certified professionals: $101,526 – $125,000 per year
- Hourly rate: $52-66 per hour average
- Top earning potential: Up to $150,000+ in senior roles
Salary Factors to Consider
Keep in mind that salary depends on multiple factors beyond your certification:
- Geographic location: Tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York offer 15-25% higher salaries
- Experience level: Each additional year of cloud experience significantly increases earning potential
- Additional certifications: Combining foundational certifications with associate or professional levels multiplies your value
- Industry: Finance, healthcare, and technology sectors typically pay premium rates
AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals Study Resources
Proper preparation is essential for passing either exam. Here are the recommended official resources for each certification:
Official AWS Cloud Practitioner Resources
AWS provides comprehensive free and paid resources through their official channels:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials – Free digital course covering all exam domains
- AWS Skill Builder – Official learning platform with practice questions and labs
- AWS Whitepapers: “Overview of Amazon Web Services” and “AWS Well-Architected Framework”
- AWS Free Tier – Hands-on practice with real AWS services
- Official AWS Practice Exam – Available through AWS Certification portal
Official Azure Fundamentals Resources
Microsoft offers extensive free learning resources:
- Microsoft Learn AZ-900 Learning Path – Complete free course with hands-on exercises
- Azure Fundamentals Virtual Training Days – Free instructor-led training events
- Microsoft Learn Sandbox – Practice with Azure services at no cost
- Official Microsoft Practice Assessment – Free practice questions on Microsoft Learn
- Azure Free Account – $200 credit and 12 months of free services
Practice Tests: CertifHub Resources
After studying the fundamentals, practice tests are essential for exam readiness. CertifHub offers comprehensive practice question banks for both certifications:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner: 2,148+ practice questions with detailed explanations
- Azure Fundamentals: 2,859+ practice questions covering all exam domains
Practice tests help you identify knowledge gaps, become familiar with question formats, and build confidence before exam day. For more detailed preparation guidance, check out our complete AWS Cloud Practitioner study guide or Azure Fundamentals certification guide.
Practice with Realistic AWS Cloud Practitioner Questions
Test your knowledge with 2,148+ realistic AWS Cloud Practitioner practice questions on CertifHub featuring detailed explanations that mirror real exam scenarios. Join 814+ certified professionals who prepared with our platform. Build confidence, identify knowledge gaps, and master the CLF-C02 exam format before test day.
Which Certification Should You Choose in 2026?
Making the right choice between AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals depends on several personal and professional factors. Here’s a decision framework to guide you:
Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner If:
- Your target employer or current company uses AWS
- You’re interested in startups, web companies, or tech-first organizations
- You prefer learning the most widely-adopted cloud platform first
- You want the broadest range of job opportunities across industries
- You’re planning to specialize in DevOps, serverless, or modern architectures
- You have no particular affinity for Microsoft products
Choose Azure Fundamentals If:
- Your organization or target employer uses Microsoft technologies extensively
- You work in enterprise IT, government, or healthcare sectors
- You’re already familiar with Windows Server, Active Directory, or Office 365
- Your career path involves Microsoft-focused roles
- You want to leverage existing Microsoft skills for a faster learning curve
- You’re targeting large enterprise or regulated industry positions
Industry Considerations
| Industry | Recommended Certification | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Startups/Tech Companies | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS dominates the startup ecosystem |
| Enterprise IT | Azure Fundamentals | Strong Microsoft 365 integration |
| Government | Azure Fundamentals | Azure Government compliance features |
| Healthcare | Either (lean Azure) | Both offer HIPAA compliance; Azure integrates with healthcare systems |
| E-commerce | AWS Cloud Practitioner | AWS powers major e-commerce platforms |
| Financial Services | Either | Both are widely used; check specific employer preferences |
Can You Get Both Certifications?
Absolutely! Many cloud professionals hold certifications from multiple vendors, and this multi-cloud expertise is increasingly valuable. Here’s why getting both AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals makes sense:
Benefits of Dual Certification
- Enhanced marketability: You’re qualified for positions at companies using either platform
- Multi-cloud understanding: Many organizations use both AWS and Azure for different workloads
- Deeper cloud knowledge: Learning both platforms reinforces fundamental concepts
- Competitive advantage: Few candidates hold both entry-level certifications
- Career flexibility: You can pivot between ecosystems as opportunities arise
Recommended Approach for Both Certifications
If you decide to pursue both, here’s an efficient strategy:
- Start with the platform your employer uses (or the one most relevant to your target job)
- Complete certification within 4-6 weeks of focused study
- Begin studying for the second certification immediately while cloud concepts are fresh
- Leverage overlap: Core cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, regions, availability) are nearly identical
- Complete second certification within 3-4 weeks (faster due to existing knowledge)
The overlap between these certifications means you can realistically earn both within 2-3 months of dedicated study. This AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals dual approach sets a strong foundation for advanced certifications on either platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS Cloud Practitioner easier than Azure Fundamentals?
Both exams are designed for beginners and have similar difficulty levels. AWS Cloud Practitioner gives more time per question (90 minutes vs 45 minutes), while Azure Fundamentals has fewer questions overall. Your background matters most—Microsoft-experienced professionals often find Azure easier, while those new to both ecosystems typically find them equally challenging.
Which certification pays more: AWS or Azure?
Entry-level salaries are comparable, with both averaging $85,000-$100,000 depending on location and experience. At higher certification levels, both platforms offer excellent earning potential. The specific salary depends more on your role, location, and experience than the certification itself.
How long does it take to prepare for each exam?
Most candidates require 2-6 weeks of preparation for either exam. Complete beginners should plan for 4-6 weeks, while those with some IT or cloud experience may be ready in 2-3 weeks. Consistent daily study of 1-2 hours is more effective than weekend cramming.
Do these certifications expire?
AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is valid for 3 years. Azure Fundamentals does not technically expire, but Microsoft recommends staying current with updates. For career relevance, plan to recertify or earn higher-level certifications within 2-3 years.
Can I take these exams online from home?
Yes, both AWS and Microsoft offer online proctored exams that you can take from home. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection and a webcam-equipped computer.
Which certification is more recognized by employers?
Both are equally recognized in the industry. AWS certifications may have slight preference in startup and web-native companies, while Azure certifications are often preferred in enterprise IT environments. Always check job postings in your target field to see which is mentioned more frequently.
Is AWS harder to learn than Azure?
Neither platform is inherently harder to learn. AWS has more services to remember at advanced levels, while Azure integrates more deeply with Microsoft products. At the foundational level, both have similar learning curves for absolute beginners.
Can I get a cloud job with just a foundational certification?
Yes, many entry-level cloud positions accept candidates with foundational certifications, especially when combined with relevant IT experience or personal projects. However, advancing to higher-level certifications will significantly expand your opportunities and earning potential.
Should I learn cloud fundamentals before choosing between AWS and Azure?
Core cloud concepts (scalability, elasticity, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS) are transferable between platforms. You can start with either certification—the fundamentals you learn will apply regardless of which platform you use later.
How do I decide if my experience is better suited for AWS or Azure?
If you’ve worked extensively with Windows Server, Active Directory, SQL Server, or Microsoft 365, Azure will feel more familiar. If you’ve used Linux environments, containerization, or have web development experience, AWS might feel more intuitive. Both are learnable regardless of background.
Conclusion: Making Your AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals Decision
Choosing between AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure Fundamentals doesn’t have to be stressful. Both certifications provide an excellent foundation for cloud computing careers, and either choice positions you well for the growing cloud job market. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner if: You want the most widely-adopted cloud platform, target startups or web-focused companies, or have no particular Microsoft background.
Choose Azure Fundamentals if: You work in enterprise IT, your organization uses Microsoft products, or you want to leverage existing Microsoft experience.
Consider getting both if: You want maximum career flexibility, work in multi-cloud environments, or want to stand out from other candidates.
Whichever path you choose, remember that consistent preparation is the key to success. Use official documentation, practice with realistic exam questions, and don’t rush the learning process. Both AWS and Azure will continue to dominate the cloud market for years to come, making either certification a solid investment in your career.
Ready to start your certification journey? Explore our comprehensive study guides for both certifications:
Download Free Practice Exam PDFs
Ready to start your cloud certification preparation? Download our free AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam PDF with 66 sample questions and detailed answer explanations. Also available: Azure Fundamentals PDF with 71 sample questions. Test your current knowledge level and identify areas to focus on before exam day.
