AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Azure AZ-900: Which Cloud Cert Should You Get First? (2026)
Choosing your first cloud certification? Two options dominate the entry-level tier: the AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) and the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). Both are affordable, both are beginner-friendly, and both will get you into the cloud computing field.
But they're not interchangeable. The right choice depends on your career goals, your employer's cloud stack, and how you learn best. Let's break down the differences so you can make an informed decision — and start studying today with our free practice test tool.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) | Azure AZ-900 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
| Level | Foundational | Fundamentals |
| Exam Cost | $100 USD | $99 USD |
| Questions | 65 (scored) | 40-60 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 65 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Format | Multiple choice, multiple response | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies |
| Prerequisite | None | None |
| Renewal | Every 3 years | No expiration (but updates) |
| Market Share | ~31% (largest) | ~25% (second largest) |
| Best For | Startups, DevOps, general cloud | Enterprise, Microsoft shops, hybrid cloud |
AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02): Deep Dive
What It Covers
The CLF-C02 tests your understanding of AWS cloud concepts across four domains:
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Concepts | 24% | Benefits of cloud, deployment models, AWS global infrastructure |
| Security & Compliance | 30% | Shared responsibility model, IAM, compliance programs |
| Cloud Technology & Services | 34% | Compute (EC2, Lambda), Storage (S3), Database (RDS, DynamoDB), networking |
| Billing, Pricing & Support | 12% | Pricing models, Cost Explorer, support plans |
Who Should Take It
- You work at a startup or tech company that runs on AWS
- You're interested in DevOps, serverless, or container technologies
- You want the broadest market appeal — AWS has the most job listings
- You plan to pursue AWS Solutions Architect or AWS Developer next
Azure AZ-900: Deep Dive
What It Covers
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Concepts | 25-30% | Cloud models, benefits, service types (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) |
| Azure Architecture | 35-40% | Regions, availability zones, resource groups, Azure Resource Manager |
| Azure Management & Governance | 30-35% | Cost management, Azure Policy, RBAC, Azure Monitor |
Who Should Take It
- Your employer uses Microsoft 365, Active Directory, or SharePoint
- You work in an enterprise or government environment
- You're interested in hybrid cloud (on-prem + cloud)
- You plan to pursue AZ-104 (Administrator) or AZ-204 (Developer) next
Job Market Comparison (2026)
| Metric | AWS CCP | AZ-900 |
|---|---|---|
| LinkedIn Job Listings | ~45,000 | ~38,000 |
| Average Salary Boost | +$5,000-$10,000 | +$5,000-$8,000 |
| Industry Adoption | Tech/startups/SaaS | Enterprise/finance/government |
| Pathway Certs | Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer | AZ-104, AZ-204, AZ-305 |
Key insight: AWS leads in total job count, but Azure dominates in enterprise and regulated industries. If you're targeting Fortune 500 companies or government contracts, AZ-900 may give you a better edge. For startups and tech companies, AWS is the clear winner.
Study Resources (All Free)
| Resource | AWS CCP | AZ-900 |
|---|---|---|
| Official Training | AWS Skill Builder (free tier) | Microsoft Learn (100% free) |
| Practice Tests | Upload VCE on CertQuiz | Upload VCE on CertQuiz |
| Free Tier Access | AWS Free Tier (12 months) | Azure Free Account ($200 credits) |
| Community | r/AWSCertifications | r/AzureCertification |
Pro tip: Microsoft occasionally offers free AZ-900 exam vouchers at their virtual training days. Check the Microsoft Events page regularly — this can save you $99.
Which Should You Take First?
Take AWS Cloud Practitioner if:
- You don't know which cloud to specialize in (AWS has the broadest market)
- Your company uses AWS or you're targeting startup/SaaS roles
- You want the highest number of follow-up certification options
Take Azure AZ-900 if:
- Your company runs Microsoft 365 or Active Directory
- You're in enterprise IT, finance, healthcare, or government
- You plan to specialize in hybrid cloud or identity management
Take Both if:
- You want to be a multi-cloud professional (increasingly common in 2026)
- You're early in your career and exploring options
- You have time — each takes only 2-4 weeks of part-time study
FAQ
Can I take AZ-900 and AWS CCP back to back?
Yes, and many people do. The cloud concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, shared responsibility model) overlap significantly. Study for one first, then pivot to the other — you'll find the second exam much easier because the fundamentals are the same.
Which certification pays more?
At the foundational level, there's no significant salary difference. The pay gap appears at associate and professional levels. AWS Solutions Architect Professional and Azure Solutions Architect Expert both command $130K-$180K+ salaries.
Do these certifications expire?
AWS CCP expires after 3 years. AZ-900 technically doesn't expire, but Microsoft periodically updates the exam objectives. Both are easy to renew (AWS offers a discounted renewal exam; Microsoft has free renewal assessments on Microsoft Learn).
Start Practicing Today
Whichever exam you choose, practice tests are the single best way to prepare. Upload your practice exam files to our free VCE player — no signup, no fees, 100% private. Or try our built-in Security+ quiz to see how CertQuiz works.
Good luck with your certification journey. You've got this.
Need help with CompTIA first? Read our complete Security+ SY0-701 study guide.
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