When starting a career in cloud computing, one of the first questions you might ask is: Should I get AWS or Azure certification? As the two most popular cloud platforms, AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure (Microsoft Azure) dominate the industry. Choosing the right certification can significantly impact your career, especially if you are just starting out. In this guide, we’ll compare AWS vs Azure certifications to help you make an informed choice in 2025.

Why Get Certified in Cloud Computing?

The demand for cloud skills continues to surge as businesses of all sizes migrate to the cloud. According to Gartner, global cloud spending is expected to reach $723 billion by 2025, with AWS and Azure leading the market. An entry-level cloud certification not only enhances your technical skills but also boosts your resume, giving you an edge in the job market.

AWS vs Azure Certification: An Overview

When it comes to certifications for beginners, the two most popular options are:

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Both are designed to validate foundational cloud knowledge, but they cater to slightly different audiences and career goals.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)

Overview:
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is an entry-level certification that covers AWS core services, security, and pricing. As of 2025, the updated CLF-C02 exam tests your understanding of AWS’s global infrastructure and cloud concepts.

• Exam Format: 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Passing Score: 700/1000

• Cost: $100 USD

Who Should Get It?
This certification is ideal for beginners seeking to understand AWS services and cloud fundamentals. It’s popular among those aiming for roles like Cloud Support Associate or AWS Sales.

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Overview:
Azure Fundamentals is designed for those new to Azure or cloud computing in general. It covers core Azure concepts, services, and pricing models.

• Exam Format: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Passing Score: 700/1000

• Cost: $99 USD

Who Should Get It?
This certification is best for beginners who plan to work with Microsoft technologies or enterprises that heavily rely on Azure.

Which Certification Is More in Demand?

AWS Certification:
AWS remains the most widely used cloud platform, holding about 32% of the market share as of early 2025. Startups and tech companies particularly value AWS skills due to its scalability and extensive service offerings.

Azure Certification:
Azure is gaining ground, especially among large enterprises and government sectors, with about 25% market share. Organizations that already use Microsoft products often prefer Azure-certified professionals.

Career Prospects:

• AWS Roles: Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer

• Azure Roles: Cloud Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer

AWS-certified professionals typically command higher average salaries due to the platform’s dominance, but Azure skills are increasingly valuable, particularly in enterprise environments.

AWS vs Azure Certification Difficulty: Which Is Easier?

One of the most common questions is: Which certification is harder: AWS or Azure?
The truth is, both exams are considered relatively beginner-friendly, but their formats differ:

• AWS Cloud Practitioner: Primarily multiple-choice, straightforward if you have studied AWS basics.

• Azure Fundamentals: Mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and scenario-based questions. Slightly more varied, but manageable with practice.

Pro Tip: Choose based on your comfort with each platform. If you’re already familiar with Microsoft products, Azure might feel easier. Conversely, if you’ve worked with AWS before, stick with it.

AWS vs Azure: Which Is Right for You in 2025?

Choosing between AWS and Azure certifications largely depends on your career goals and the job market in your region.

When to Choose AWS:

• You aim to work in tech startups or companies heavily invested in AWS.

• You prefer a certification that is widely recognized across industries.

• You plan to continue with AWS certifications like the AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02).

When to Choose Azure:

• Your target employers are enterprises using Microsoft ecosystems.

• You want to specialize in Azure’s cloud and data services.

• You plan to progress to the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).

What’s Next After the Fundamentals?

Once you complete your entry-level certification, consider moving on to more advanced certifications to deepen your skills:

• AWS: AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C02)

• Azure: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

These certifications build on foundational knowledge and are highly valued in the job market.

FAQs

1. Can I get both AWS and Azure certifications?
Yes, many professionals do so to increase their marketability. This is especially useful if you plan to work in multi-cloud environments.

2. Is AWS certification better than Azure?
Neither is inherently better. AWS dominates the market, but Azure is growing rapidly, particularly among large enterprises. Choose based on your career goals.

3. How long does it take to prepare?
Typically, 1–3 months with consistent study. Use online courses, practice exams, and official guides for the best preparation.