Choosing between AZ-900 and SAA-C03 can be tricky, especially if you’re just starting your cloud journey. You might wonder, “Should I go for the easier one first, or jump straight into something more advanced?” Many people struggle with the same question when deciding how to break into cloud computing.
Both certifications have perks but are designed for different purposes and career paths. Whether you’re looking to build a solid foundation or aim for a more technical role, it’s important to know what each exam offers and how it fits into your plans.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: exam difficulty, career opportunities, salary potential, and which one makes the most sense to take first. Let’s get into it and figure out the best path for you.
Comparison
| Aspect | AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) | SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) |
| Certification Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Cloud Provider | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Target Audience | Beginners, non-technical roles | IT professionals, cloud practitioners |
| Key Focus | Cloud concepts, Azure services, pricing, compliance | AWS architecture, best practices, cost optimization |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 130 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 40-60 questions | 65 questions |
| Exam Cost | $99 | $150 |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Technical Difficulty | Low | Medium to High |
| Recommended Experience | No prior experience needed | 1 year of AWS experience recommended |
| Validity Period | 1 year | 3 years |
| Preparation Time Needed | 2-4 weeks | 2-3 months |
| Career Opportunities | Entry-level cloud roles, business-related roles | Cloud architect, solutions architect, cloud engineer roles |
Starting Out with Cloud Certs: AZ-900 and SAA-C03
If you’re thinking about cloud certs, AZ-900 and SAA-C03 probably pop up a lot. They both focus on cloud basics but in different ways. One leans towards Microsoft’s cloud world, while the other dives into AWS.
AZ-900 is more of an introduction to being an AWS-certified cloud practitioner, which is great if you’re just getting your feet wet. SAA-C03, on the other hand, expects you to know a bit more and gets into the nitty-gritty of AWS solutions.
What Each Exam Covers
Let’s break it down without overcomplicating things.
AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Certifications)
This one covers the basics of Azure’s cloud services. It’s mostly about understanding cloud concepts, pricing, and the types of services Microsoft offers. You will touch on security, governance, and compliance too, but nothing too technical. Think of it as an entry ticket to be an Azure administrator associate.
SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate)
Now, this is a different ballgame. AWS’s SAA-C03 goes deeper into cloud design and how to build solutions using AWS services. Expect to cover architecture best practices, high availability, security, and cost optimization. It’s not for beginners, you’ll need some hands-on experience or a solid grasp of cloud basics before diving in.
Choosing the Best Exam Based on Your Career Goals
Picking the right cloud cert isn’t just about what’s easier or more popular. It’s about figuring out where you want to go in your career and which fits better with your plans. AZ-900 and SAA-C03 can lead to solid career opportunities, but they’re designed for different paths.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Where Each Cert Can Lead You
If you plan to build a career in Azure, the AZ-900 cert is a solid place to start. It introduces you to core cloud concepts and helps you understand how Microsoft’s cloud services fit into business operations. From there, you can branch into more specialized areas like security, data management, or AI within the Azure ecosystem.
On the other hand, if AWS is more your style, the SAA-C03 cert is a stepping stone to becoming a cloud architect or engineer. AWS is widely used across industries, and gaining hands-on knowledge with SAA-C03 can put you on a technical track that focuses on designing and managing scalable cloud solutions.
Career Paths: Which One Matches Your Goals?
Let’s break down what kind of opportunities each cert might open up:
AZ-900 Cloud Certification Career Paths:
- Entry-level cloud roles in companies using Azure
- IT support and sales teams looking to understand cloud services
- Business professionals who need cloud knowledge for decision-making
- A foundation for moving into Azure Administrator, Security, or AI roles
SAA-C03 AWS Certification Career Paths:
- Cloud solutions architect roles in AWS-focused companies
- IT professionals looking to specialize in AWS infrastructure
- Cloud engineers aiming to build scalable, secure solutions
- A gateway to advanced AWS certs like Professional Architect or DevOps
If you’re aiming for a business-oriented role or something that touches the cloud without heavy technical demands, AZ-900 might be the right choice. But if you’re eyeing hands-on cloud engineering or architecture work, SAA-C03 can get you there faster.
What to Expect from AZ-900 and SAA-C03 – A Closer Look
Before you decide which cloud cert to go for, it’s a good idea to understand what each exam is really about. AZ-900 and SAA-C03 may fall under the same cloud computing certification category but focus on different skill levels and areas. Whether you’re looking for a broad intro or a technical deep dive, knowing what to expect will help you make the right choice.
AZ-900: Who Should Take It and Why?
If you’re just starting with cloud computing and want a structured introduction, AZ-900 Certification Guide is the perfect first step. It’s a great choice for:
- Absolute beginners: You don’t need any prior cloud experience to take it.
- Business professionals: If you’re in sales, marketing, or management and want to understand cloud concepts without diving too deep into technical details.
- IT newbies: Those looking to shift to cloud roles need a foundational understanding of Azure before moving to technical certifications.
- Students: If you’re exploring career paths and want to see if cloud computing is something you’d like to pursue.
Why AZ-900 is Worth It:
- Helps you understand the basics of cloud computing and how Microsoft Azure works.
- Builds confidence for more technical Azure certs like AZ-104 (Administrator) or AZ-305 (Solutions Architect).
- It’s relatively easy to pass with basic study, making it an ideal first step into cloud computing.
SAA-C03: Is It the Right Challenge for You?
On the other side, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) is more technical and best suited for those with an IT background. If you’re preparing for this exam, check out Guide for AWS SAA-C03 Exam for detailed insights and resources. It’s a good fit if:
- You have experience with AWS services: Even if it’s just hands-on practice, this exam builds on existing cloud knowledge.
- You’re an IT professional Looking to shift towards cloud architecture roles in AWS environments.
- You enjoy problem-solving: The exam focuses a lot on designing solutions for scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness.
- You want to advance in the AWS ecosystem: It’s a stepping stone for higher-level AWS certs like the Solutions Architect Professional (SAP-C02).
Why SAA-C03 is a Good Choice:
- It provides in-depth knowledge of AWS services and best practices for cloud architecture.
- There is a high demand for AWS-certified professionals in the job market.
- Opens doors to technical roles like Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, and DevOps Specialist.
How Do the Exam Structures Compare?
Both exams test cloud knowledge, but they do it in different ways. Here’s a comparison of the key exam details:
| Feature | AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) | SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) |
| Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Number of Questions | 40-60 questions | 65 questions |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 130 minutes |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice, true/false | Multiple-choice, multiple-response |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 720/1000 |
| Focus Areas | Cloud basics, Azure pricing, security | AWS services, architecture, security best practices |
| Prerequisites | None | Some cloud and AWS knowledge recommended |
| Renewal Period | 1 year | 3 years |
Topic Breakdown – What Each Exam Covers
AZ-900 Exam Topics:
- Cloud computing principles and models
- Core Azure services (compute, storage, networking)
- Security and compliance basics
- Azure pricing and support plans
- General cloud concepts like scalability and fault tolerance
SAA-C03 Exam Topics:
- AWS architectural best practices
- Designing resilient and scalable architectures
- Security and compliance on AWS
- Cost optimization strategies
- AWS services like EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, Lambda
Which Exam Should You Prepare For?
If you’re still unsure which exam suits you better, consider your current knowledge level and career interests. If you’re just testing the waters and want to get a feel for cloud concepts, AZ-900 is a safe bet. But if you already have some experience and want a challenge that can lead to hands-on cloud roles, SAA-C03 is the way to go.
At the end of the day, both exams can add value to your resume, but picking the right one will depend on where you are in your cloud journey.
Exam Difficulty – Which One Feels Tougher?
Choosing between AZ-900 and SAA-C03 often comes down to how challenging each certification exam really is and what kind of effort you’ll need to put in. While both certifications test cloud knowledge, they do it at different levels and with varying expectations. Let’s break it down so you can get a better idea of what you’re up against.
How Hard Is Each Exam?
If you compare them side by side, AZ-900 is the easiest. It’s designed for beginners and covers cloud fundamentals without diving too deep into technical concepts. Think of it as an overview—you’ll need to understand cloud concepts but not necessarily apply them in a hands-on way.
Conversely, SAA-C03 is much more detailed and requires a deeper understanding of AWS services, architectures, and real-world scenarios. You’ll need to know how to design solutions that meet specific business needs while considering scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. It’s not just about knowing terms but understanding how everything fits together.
AZ-900 vs SAA-C03: Complexity Breakdown
| Factor | AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) | SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) |
| Overall Difficulty | Easy – Basic cloud concepts | Moderate to Difficult – Architectural knowledge required |
| Technical Depth | Minimal – Focus on understanding services | High – Focus on practical application of AWS services |
| Question Style | Straightforward, definition-based | Scenario-based, real-world use cases |
| Hands-on Focus | Not required | Strongly recommended |
| Concept Coverage | General cloud terms and Azure features | Deep dive into AWS architecture and operations |
| Success Rate | High (with basic study) | Lower without hands-on practice |
If you’re completely new to cloud computing, AZ-900 should feel pretty manageable. But if you’re stepping into SAA-C03 without prior AWS experience, expect to struggle unless you put in significant study and hands-on time. To boost your chances of passing, you can practice with real exam questions from Cert Empire’s AZ-900 Exam Dumps or SAA-C03 Exam Dumps.
Practical vs Theoretical – How Each Exam Tests You
AZ-900 is mostly theoretical. You’ll be tested on definitions, concepts, and Azure-specific terms. The questions tend to be multiple-choice with some true/false options, focusing on recognizing Azure services and understanding their purposes. You don’t need hands-on experience to pass—just studying the course materials and practicing with sample questions should be enough.
SAA-C03, however, is a different story. It’s highly practical and scenario-driven. The questions require you to analyze business needs and design solutions that meet performance, availability, and security requirements. If you don’t have practical AWS experience, the exam might be overwhelming because it tests how well you can apply AWS best practices in real situations.
AZ-900 Exam Style:
- Theoretical, knowledge-based questions
- Mostly definitions and basic concepts
- No hands-on knowledge required
SAA-C03 Exam Style:
- Scenario-based questions that require analysis
- Requires applying knowledge to real-world use cases
- Understanding trade-offs between different AWS solutions
How AZ-900 and SAA-C03 Impact Your Salary and Career Prospects
Choosing a cloud cert isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about how it helps you in the job market. Whether you’re looking to get your foot in the door or boost your existing cloud career, understanding the value of AZ-900 and SAA-C03 can help you make a better decision.
What Kind of Salary Can You Expect?
Salary expectations vary depending on the cert you choose and your job after passing. While AZ-900 is more of an entry-level cert, SAA-C03 can open up more technical and higher-paying roles.
AZ-900 Salary Expectations
AZ-900 is an introductory cert, so salaries tend to align with entry-level cloud roles. You’re not likely to land high-paying technical positions just with this cert, but it does set you up for roles where basic cloud knowledge is needed. On average, professionals with AZ-900 can expect salaries in the range of:
- IT Support Specialist: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Cloud Sales Representative: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Cloud Analyst (Junior): $55,000 – $75,000 per year
Since AZ-900 is more of a stepping stone, combining it with other certs or experience will greatly improve salary potential.
SAA-C03 Salary Expectations
SAA-C03 is a more technical cert and is often required for a cloud architect or engineer roles. Employers recognize it as proof that you can design and implement AWS solutions, which translates to higher earning potential. Salaries with this cert can range from:
- Cloud Solutions Architect: $100,000 – $140,000 per year
- Cloud Engineer: $90,000 – $130,000 per year
- DevOps Engineer (with AWS experience): $110,000 – $150,000 per year
With the demand for AWS expertise constantly rising, those who pass the SAA-C03 exam can expect competitive salaries and strong job security.
What Job Opportunities Open Up After Certification?
Getting certified can make a big difference in your career, but the type of roles you qualify for depends on which specialty certifications you go for. Let’s break down the jobs you can expect with AZ-900 and SAA-C03.
AZ-900: Career Opportunities
AZ-900 is best for those who want to understand cloud technology and concepts but aren’t looking for deeply technical roles. Some positions you might land include:
- Cloud Administrator Assistant: Helping with basic cloud tasks and system monitoring.
- Technical Sales Representative: Selling Azure solutions and advising clients.
- Cloud Support Associate: Assisting with troubleshooting cloud-related issues.
- IT Business Analyst: Providing insights into cloud adoption for business processes.
In short, AZ-900 helps you step into cloud-related fields but doesn’t automatically qualify you for advanced cloud roles.
SAA-C03: Career Opportunities
SAA-C03 focuses on AWS architecture, a gateway to more technical roles. Some of the job titles you can expect include:
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Designing AWS environments for organizations.
- AWS Cloud Engineer: Managing cloud infrastructure and deployments.
- DevOps Engineer: Handling cloud automation and deployment pipelines.
- Infrastructure Engineer: Building scalable AWS environments for enterprises.
Since AWS dominates a significant portion of the cloud market, having these associate-level certifications can lead to job offers in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and tech startups.
Final Thoughts!
AZ-900 is an easy and low-risk way to get started if you’re just dipping your toes into cloud computing. But if you’re serious about cloud architecture and have an AWS-specific career in mind, skipping AZ-900 and heading straight to SAA-C03 might be the smarter, more efficient choice.
Ultimately, both certs have their value, but choosing the right one first depends on your experience, goals, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. If you need study materials, Cert Empire offers trusted resources for both AZ-900 and SAA-C03.
FAQs
Can you skip AZ-900 and go straight for SAA-C03?
Yes, if you have some IT experience or are comfortable with cloud concepts, you can go directly for SAA-C03 without taking AZ-900.
How much experience do you need for each exam?
AZ-900 requires no prior experience, while SAA-C03 recommends at least a year of hands-on AWS experience or equivalent study.
Which certification is better for beginners?
AZ-900 is the certification path is better for beginners as it covers fundamental cloud concepts in an easy-to-understand way, while SAA-C03 is more technical.
Does AZ-900 help with SAA-C03 preparation?
Not directly, since they focus on different cloud providers, but AZ-900 can help you understand basic cloud principles useful for any cloud platform.
What’s the validity period of both certifications?
AZ-900 is valid for 1 year, while SAA-C03 remains valid for 3 years before requiring renewal.
Last Updated on by Team CE
