AWS vs Azure: Which Certification Wins?
Hey! I am Ayush Tiwari, Career Blogger | Online Earning Enthusiast | Job Market Researcher.
If you want to learn from home and add value to your profile, go through this blog. In today’s world, cloud computing is a hot skill. Many companies are moving their work to the cloud. Two big names in the cloud world are Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Both offer certifications to help people learn and get good jobs. But many students, freshers, and even working professionals ask: “Which one should I choose – AWS or Azure?”
Let’s break it down together in this simple guide.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Before we compare AWS and Azure, let’s understand cloud computing. Cloud computing is using internet servers to store, manage, and process data, instead of using your personal computer. It helps companies save time, money, and space.
So instead of keeping everything on their own computers, companies use the cloud to do all the work faster and safer.
What Is AWS Certification?
AWS stands for Amazon Web Services. It is the most popular cloud platform in the world. It has been around since 2006 and has a big market share. AWS offers many certifications like:
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AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Beginner level)
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate and Professional level)
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AWS Certified Developer
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AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
These certifications help you learn cloud skills and get jobs in IT, DevOps, and Cloud Engineering.
Official site: AWS Certification
What Is Azure Certification?
Azure is Microsoft’s cloud platform. It is the second most popular cloud service after AWS. Azure started in 2010 and has been growing fast. Microsoft offers many certifications such as:
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
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Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer
These are great for people who want to work in IT support, administration, and system development.
Official site: Microsoft Azure Certification
AWS vs Azure Certification: Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s look at some main points that will help you decide.
1. Popularity and Market Demand
AWS is still the leader in the cloud market, so its certifications are more in demand worldwide. But Azure is more common in companies that already use Microsoft products like Office 365 and Windows.
If you want global job opportunities, AWS has a slight edge.
If you want a job in companies using Microsoft tools, Azure is better.
2. Learning Curve and Ease
For beginners, AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals are both easy to start with. AWS uses its own system, while Azure is more integrated with other Microsoft services.
If you have worked with Windows or Office tools, Azure may feel easier.
If you’re new to everything, AWS may be more flexible and useful in various situations.
3. Job Roles and Salaries
After completing AWS or Azure certifications, you can get roles like:
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Cloud Engineer
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Solutions Architect
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DevOps Engineer
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System Administrator
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Security Analyst
According to Glassdoor:
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect: ₹10-20 LPA in India
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Azure Administrator: ₹8-18 LPA in India
Salaries depend on your experience, location, and skills, but AWS often gives a slightly higher average.
4. Community and Support
AWS has a larger community and more tutorials available online. Azure is catching up and has strong support from Microsoft’s learning platform.
Both have learning portals, forums, and practice tests.
If you want tons of YouTube videos and Udemy courses, AWS has more.
5. Exam Cost and Structure
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AWS Cloud Practitioner: ~$100 USD (about ₹8,000)
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Azure Fundamentals: ~$99 USD (about ₹8,000)
Both offer online and in-person exams. You can study at home and book your test when you feel ready.
Real-Life Examples: AWS or Azure?
Let me tell you about my friend Ramesh. He was working as a desktop support guy in a small company. He took Azure Fundamentals, passed in one month, and got promoted to a system admin role.
On the other hand, my cousin Neha was into coding. She learned AWS Developer and got a remote job in a startup from Bangalore.
Moral of the story? Your choice should depend on your background, goals, and learning interest.
Which Certification Is Better for You?
Choose AWS If You:
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Want global job options
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Like open-source tools and DevOps
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Want to work with startups and cloud-native companies
Choose Azure If You:
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Are working in a Microsoft-heavy company
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Want a smooth learning path from Microsoft Office to cloud
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Prefer integration with Windows and .NET
My Personal Advice
If you’re still confused, start with both free fundamental courses:
Take a week and try them out. See which one feels easier and more enjoyable. Then go deeper.
FAQs: AWS vs Azure Certification
1. Which is easier to learn, AWS or Azure?
For many people, Azure feels easier because it is closely related to Microsoft tools they already use. But AWS has more flexible services and a larger learning community.
2. Which certification has more value in India?
Both are valuable, but AWS has a slightly higher demand overall. Still, many Indian companies use Azure due to Microsoft integration.
3. Can I learn both AWS and Azure together?
Yes, you can. But it’s better to focus on one first, get certified, then move to the next if needed. Start simple and grow step by step.
4. Is cloud certification worth it in 2025?
Yes! Cloud skills are growing in demand. Certifications prove you have those skills. They increase your chances of getting a job or promotion.
5. Do I need a technical background to learn AWS or Azure?
No. You can start from zero. Many people from non-IT backgrounds learn and pass the exams. Just stay consistent and practice.
Conclusion: Different People, Different Goals
There is no single winner in AWS vs Azure certification. Each one has its own strength. AWS is more popular globally, flexible, and full of opportunities. Azure is better for those already using Microsoft tools and working in enterprise IT environments.
My suggestion? Pick the one that matches your background and career dream. Both are great investments in your future. Start small, stay focused, and keep learning.
Need more help choosing your path? Feel free to email me at: epreparation62@gmail.com
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