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AWS Cloud Practitioner

AWS Cloud Practitioner vs 3 alternatives compared

Exam fee, level, duration, validity and salary side by side. Blank cells mean we do not have verified data yet.

AWS Cloud PractitionerAWS Solutions Architect AssociateMicrosoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
VendorAmazon Web ServicesAmazon Web ServicesMicrosoftMicrosoft
LevelBeginnerIntermediateBeginnerIntermediate
Exam fee$100$150$99$165
Duration————
Passing score————
Valid for————
Typical salary$90K–$115K$130K–$165K$85K–$105K$110K–$140K
Prerequisites————

Which should you choose?

Should I take AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS Solutions Architect Associate first?

AWS Cloud Practitioner is the lower-level certification (Beginner vs Intermediate), so it is usually the better first step.

Should I take AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900 first?

Both are rated Beginner. Pick the one whose exam domains match the job you want, and check which one employers in your area ask for.

Should I take AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-104 first?

AWS Cloud Practitioner is the lower-level certification (Beginner vs Intermediate), so it is usually the better first step.