Cloud computing has become one of the most in-demand skills in the IT industry. Organizations across the world are rapidly moving their infrastructure, applications, and data to the cloud. As a result, professionals who understand cloud technologies are highly valued.

For beginners who want to start a career in cloud computing, two popular entry-level certifications are Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) from Microsoft and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner from Amazon Web Services.

Both certifications are designed for individuals who are new to cloud computing and want to build a solid foundation. However, many learners often ask the same question: Which certification is better – Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) or AWS Cloud Practitioner?

In this blog, we will compare these two certifications in detail, including exam structure, difficulty level, career opportunities, and which one is best suited for beginners.

 

Understanding Cloud Certifications

Before comparing the two certifications, it’s important to understand why cloud certifications matter.

Cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services dominate the cloud computing market. Companies rely on these platforms to build, deploy, and manage applications at scale.

A cloud certification helps you:

• Learn the fundamentals of cloud computing
• Understand cloud services and architecture
• Improve job opportunities in IT
• Build credibility as a cloud professional

For beginners, entry-level certifications like AZ-900 and AWS Cloud Practitioner are the perfect starting point.

 

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

 

What is AZ-900?

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is an entry-level certification that introduces candidates to the basics of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure services.

This certification is designed for individuals who want to learn:

• Cloud concepts
• Azure core services
• Azure security and governance
• Pricing and support models

The AZ-900 exam does not require any technical background, making it ideal for beginners, students, and non-technical professionals.

Key Topics Covered in AZ-900

The certification focuses on the following areas:

1. Cloud Concepts

• Benefits of cloud computing
• Types of cloud models (public, private, hybrid)

2. Core Azure Services

• Virtual Machines
• Azure Storage
• Azure Networking

3. Security, Compliance, and Governance

4. Azure Pricing and Support
The goal is to provide a strong understanding of how Microsoft Azure works.

 

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

 

What is AWS Cloud Practitioner?

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the beginner-level certification offered by Amazon Web Services.

This certification validates basic knowledge of AWS cloud services, pricing models, and cloud architecture.

It is suitable for:

• Beginners in cloud computing
• Non-technical professionals
• Business and sales professionals working with cloud technologies

Key Topics Covered in AWS Cloud Practitioner

The exam covers:

• Cloud Concepts
• AWS Core Services
• Security and Compliance
• Billing and Pricing
• Cloud Architecture Basics

The certification provides a basic understanding of how AWS cloud services work.

Azure Fundamentals vs AWS Cloud Practitioner

Now let’s compare both certifications based on important factors.

 

1. Cloud Platform Popularity

Both Azure and AWS are leading cloud platforms.

• AWS has a strong global presence and a large number of services.
• Azure is widely used by enterprises and companies already using Microsoft technologies.

Organizations that rely on Microsoft tools such as Windows Server, Active Directory, and Office 365 often prefer Azure.

 

2. Difficulty Level

Both certifications are considered beginner-friendly.

AZ-900 Difficulty

• Very beginner friendly
• Focuses on conceptual understanding
• Minimal technical knowledge required

AWS Cloud Practitioner Difficulty

• Slightly broader service coverage
• Requires familiarity with AWS services

Overall, both exams are manageable with proper preparation.

 

3. Exam Format

AZ-900 Exam Format

• Exam duration: 60 minutes
• Question types: Multiple choice and case-based questions
• Passing score: 700/1000

AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam Format

• Exam duration: 90 minutes
• Question types: Multiple choice
• Question:  65 Total questions (50 scored + 15 unscored)

Both exams test theoretical understanding rather than deep technical implementation.

 

4. Career Opportunities

Both certifications can open the door to several cloud-related job roles.

Jobs After AZ-900

• Cloud Support Associate
• Azure Administrator (after advanced certification)
• Cloud Consultant
• Azure Developer

Jobs After AWS Cloud Practitioner

• Cloud Support Associate
• Cloud Sales Specialist
• Cloud Consultant
• AWS Solutions Architect (after advanced certification)

These certifications serve as a foundation for advanced cloud certifications.

 

5. Learning Path

Another important factor is the certification path available after completing the beginner exam.

Azure Certification Path

After AZ-900, you can move to:

• Azure Administrator
• Azure Developer
• Azure Security Engineer
• Azure Solutions Architect

AWS Certification Path

After AWS Cloud Practitioner, the next certifications include:

• AWS Solutions Architect Associate
• AWS Developer Associate
• AWS SysOps Administrator

Both platforms offer strong career growth opportunities.

Which Certification Should You Choose?

The best certification depends on your career goals and interests.

Choose Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) if:

• You want to work with Microsoft technologies
• Your organization uses Azure cloud
• You want an easier starting point in cloud computing

Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner if:

• You want to learn the AWS ecosystem
• You plan to work with companies using AWS cloud
• You want to explore the world’s largest cloud platform

Both certifications are valuable and recognized globally.

 

Why Cloud Certifications Are Important in 2026

Cloud computing demand continues to grow every year. Businesses are investing heavily in cloud infrastructure to improve scalability, security, and performance.

Because of this trend, cloud professionals are among the most in-demand IT specialists.

Learning cloud technologies can help professionals:

• Increase their salary potential
• Access global job opportunities
• Work with modern technologies

Entry-level certifications like AZ-900 and AWS Cloud Practitioner are the first step toward building a successful cloud career.

 

How to Prepare for AZ-900

If you decide to pursue the Azure Fundamentals certification, here are some preparation tips:

1. Learn Cloud Basics

Start by understanding core cloud concepts such as:

• IaaS
• PaaS
• SaaS

2. Study Azure Core Services

Focus on Azure services such as:

• Virtual Machines
• Storage
• Networking

3. Practice with Mock Tests

Practice exams help you understand the exam pattern and improve confidence.

4. Use Hands-On Labs

Practical learning helps you understand how Azure services work in real scenarios.

Final Thoughts

 

Both Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner are excellent entry-level certifications for beginners in cloud computing.

If you want to build a strong foundation in cloud technologies, either certification can help you get started. The choice mainly depends on your career goals, preferred cloud platform, and the technologies used in your organization.

For beginners who want to start their cloud journey with Microsoft technologies, Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is a great starting point.

As cloud computing continues to evolve, professionals with cloud skills will remain in high demand. Starting with the right certification today can help you build a successful career in the cloud industry.

 

Start Your Cloud Certification Journey Today

Ready to begin your career in cloud computing? Whether you want to learn Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services, earning a cloud certification can help you build strong fundamentals and open doors to high-demand IT roles.

At TestoMeter, we provide expert-led training, practical learning, and certification guidance to help you succeed in your cloud career.

Explore the certification programs below and start learning today:

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification: https://www.testometer.co.in/certification/microsoft-azure-fundamentals
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification: https://www.testometer.co.in/certification/aws-certified-cloud-practitioner

Why choose TestoMeter?

• Industry-experienced trainers
• Practical cloud learning approach
• Certification-focused training
• Career guidance and skill development

Take the first step toward becoming a cloud professional. Enroll today and build your future in cloud computing!

 

FAQs 

 

1. What is the difference between Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) and AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) focuses on cloud concepts and services within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, while AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner introduces the fundamentals of cloud computing using the AWS platform. Both certifications are designed for beginners but focus on different cloud providers.

 

2. Which certification is easier: AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner?

Both certifications are beginner-friendly. However, many learners find AZ-900 slightly easier because it focuses more on cloud concepts and fewer services compared to AWS Cloud Practitioner.

 

3. Is AZ-900 certification good for beginners in cloud computing?

Yes, AZ-900 is an excellent starting point for beginners. It helps candidates understand cloud concepts, Azure services, security, compliance, and pricing without requiring prior technical experience.

 

4. What job roles can you get after AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner?

After earning these certifications, you can explore entry-level roles such as:

• Cloud Support Associate
• Cloud Operations Analyst
• Cloud Consultant
• Junior Cloud Administrator 

These certifications also prepare you for advanced cloud certifications.

5. Is Azure or AWS better for starting a cloud career?

Both platforms are widely used. Amazon Web Services currently has the largest global market share, while Microsoft Azure is widely adopted by enterprises that use Microsoft technologies. The best choice depends on your career goals and the technologies used by the companies you want to work with.