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AZ-900 vs AWS Cloud Practitioner: Which First?

The two most popular entry-level cloud certifications — one for Azure, one for AWS. Here's an honest comparison to help you pick (or take both).

✔ Last updated: August 2026 · Sources: official Microsoft Learn & Microsoft exam outline

The short answer

Pick based on which cloud you want to work with: AZ-900 for Microsoft/Azure ecosystems, AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) for AWS ecosystems. Both are entry-level, similar cost, and never expire. If your job market or company uses one cloud more, choose that one.

AZ-900 vs AWS CCP: full comparison

FactorAZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
VendorMicrosoft AzureAmazon Web Services
DifficultyEasyEasy
Cost$99 USD$100 USD
Questions40–6065
Duration45 minutes90 minutes
Passing score700/1000700/1000
ExpiryNever3 years (renewable)
Renewal cost—$25 renewal

Key differences

  • Content: AZ-900 covers Azure services (compute, storage, networking, governance). CCP covers AWS services (EC2, S3, IAM) plus billing and pricing.
  • Market share: AWS is #1 globally; Azure is #2 but growing fast and dominant in enterprise/Microsoft shops. In Pakistan/India, both are in demand.
  • Renewal: AZ-900 never expires; CCP needs renewal every 3 years ($25).
  • 2026 freshness: AZ-900 was refreshed in Jan 2026 (AI/Copilot content); CCP was updated in 2023–2024.

Which should you take?

  • Company/ecosystem uses Microsoft: AZ-900
  • Company/ecosystem uses AWS: AWS CCP
  • No preference: Check local job listings — whichever appears more, take that one
  • Ambition: Many cloud pros hold both — they're each ~1–2 weeks of study
💡 Multi-cloud tip: The concepts (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, shared responsibility, regions) are 80% identical. Studying for one makes the other much easier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier: AZ-900 or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Both are entry-level and similarly easy. AZ-900 is 45 min/40–60 questions; CCP is 90 min/65 questions.
Which cloud cert is more valuable: Azure or AWS?
It depends on your market. AWS has the largest market share; Azure dominates Microsoft-centric enterprises. Check local job demand.
Should I take both AZ-900 and AWS CCP?
Yes, if you want a multi-cloud foundation — the concepts overlap heavily, so the second one is much faster.
Does AWS Cloud Practitioner expire?
Yes — after 3 years (renewal costs $25). AZ-900 never expires.