If you’re looking at AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) and SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate), you’re probably wondering, which one is better? Which one helps you land a job faster? Which one pays more?
The truth is, both certifications are valuable, but they serve different purposes. AZ-104 is best for managing Azure environments, while SAA-C03 focuses on designing AWS solutions. One makes you a cloud administrator, the other turns you into a cloud architect. But which one gives you the best return on investment?
Let’s break it down and find out which certification is the right fit for your career.
A Quick Side-by-Side Comparison: AZ-104 vs SAA-C03
| Factor | AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) | SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) |
| Cloud Provider | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice, case studies | Multiple-choice, multiple-response |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 130 minutes |
| Ideal for | System admins, engineers, IT professionals | Cloud architects, developers, consultants |
| Cost | $165 USD | $150 USD |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 3 years (renewable) |
| Focus Areas | Managing Azure resources, networking, security | Architecting AWS solutions, scalability, reliability |
AZ-104: More Than Just an Azure Cert
Getting into cloud? You’ll see AZ-104 pop up everywhere. It’s one of Microsoft’s key certs, built for those handling Azure’s backbone, the storage, networks, security, and resource management that keep everything running smooth. If a company has Azure workloads, they need someone who knows how to set up, manage, and troubleshoot. That’s where AZ-104-certified pros step in. If you’re preparing for this exam, check out AZ-104 certification and exam guide for a deep dive into exam objectives and preparation tips.
Unlike high-level cloud architect certs that focus on theory, this one’s hands-on. Think of it as the go-to for Azure administrators, who make sure everything works under the hood. You won’t just learn about cloud concepts, you’ll be deploying, configuring, and securing cloud resources.
So, what does that mean for your career? Well, Azure is growing fast. Microsoft keeps pushing into enterprise and government sectors, making this cert a hot ticket for IT pros looking to specialize. This can be a natural step up if you’re already in IT, sysadmin, network engineer, help desk, or IT support. And if you’re new? It’s a solid entry point to cloud computing.
If you want the latest details on structure, scoring, and important exam trends, explore our AZ-104 certification key stats and exam insights before you start preparing.
What You’ll Be Tested On
Microsoft doesn’t make this easy. AZ-104 throws real-world scenarios at you, meaning you need to know how Azure exams actually work, not just memorize terms. Here’s what’s covered in Azure fundamentals:
- Managing Azure identities & governance – Handling Active Directory, setting up users, managing access.
- Implementing & managing storage – Configuring blob storage, file shares, encryption, backup.
- Deploying & managing Azure compute resources – Virtual machines, containers, autoscaling.
- Configuring & managing networking – Virtual networks, load balancers, firewalls, VPNs.
- Monitoring & backup – Setting up alerts, tracking resource usage, ensuring high availability.
Who’s This For?
This cert isn’t for cloud newbies who just heard about Azure yesterday. You’ll need some basic IT knowledge, networking, operating systems, security. If you’ve worked with Windows Server, PowerShell, or on-prem infrastructure, that’s a plus.
Best suited for:
- System admins who want to move into cloud
- Network engineers expanding into Azure networking
- Support engineers who want to level up
- IT pros looking for a higher-paying cloud job
Is It Worth It?
If your company runs on Azure or you want to work with Microsoft cloud tech, then yes. AZ-104 helps you stand out for admin and engineering roles, and it’s a great stepping stone to higher-level Azure certs like AZ-305 (Solutions Architect Expert). To boost your preparation, check out these AZ-104 exam dumps from Cert Empire for real-world practice questions.
SAA-C03: The Go-To Cert for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
When people think cloud, they think AWS. It’s got the biggest market share, and businesses everywhere rely on it. That’s why SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) is one of the most in-demand certifications. It is aws devops engineer certification that proves you can design, plan, and optimize AWS solutions, skills that companies hiring for cloud architects, engineers, and consultants want.
Unlike AZ-104, which is more about managing an existing cloud setup, SAA-C03 is all about building solutions from scratch. You’re not just handling virtual machines and storage, you’re deciding how everything fits together for performance, security, and cost efficiency.
What Makes SAA-C03 Stand Out?
AWS doesn’t just want you to memorize services, this cert is about understanding best practices. You’ll need to know how to design scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems that work across AWS’s massive infrastructure. For a complete breakdown of exam objectives and key AWS concepts, refer to Guide for AWS SAA-C03 Exam to get fully prepared.
So what’s covered?
- AWS Compute Services – EC2, Lambda, Auto Scaling, ECS, and EKS
- Storage & Databases – S3, EBS, RDS, DynamoDB
- Networking & Security – VPC, Load Balancers, IAM, Encryption
- High Availability & Disaster Recovery – Multi-AZ, Route 53, backups
- Cost Optimization & Performance Efficiency – Picking the right AWS tools to keep costs low
You’re not just clicking buttons, you both aws need to know why and when to use different AWS services. That’s what makes this cert valuable.
Who Should Go for SAA-C03?
This is the cert to get if you’re aiming for cloud architect, DevOps engineer, or cloud consultant roles. It’s also a great stepping stone for AWS’s Professional-level certifications.
It’s best for:
- Developers who want to understand AWS architecture
- Sysadmins & IT pros moving into cloud solutions design
- Consultants who advise businesses on AWS adoption
- Anyone who wants an AWS-focused career
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you’re going for high-paying AWS roles. AWS is still the most widely used cloud, and companies are willing to pay more for certified cloud architects who can build efficient AWS solutions.
If you’re aiming for Azure-focused roles, AZ-104 might be a better fit. But if you want to maximize career opportunities, SAA-C03 is the stronger bet.
Exam Structure: What You’re Getting Into
If you’re choosing between AZ-104 and SAA-C03, you need to know how these exams actually test you. They may both be cloud certs, but they focus on very different things. One is hands-on and practical, the other is big-picture and architectural.
AZ-104: You’re in the Driver’s Seat
This exam is for doers. Microsoft expects you to know how to manage Azure, not just what the services are. It’s full of real-world scenarios where you have to troubleshoot, configure, and manage Azure resources like a pro.
What to expect:
- Format: Multiple-choice, case studies, hands-on scenarios
- Time Limit: 120 minutes
- Question Type: Drag-and-drop, multiple-choice, and case studies
- Pass Score: Around 700/1000
- Focus: Practical knowledge, configuring VMs, setting up networks, securing data
If you’re coming from IT administration or networking, this structure will feel familiar. You’ll be tested on what you’d actually do in a real Azure environment, making it more hands-on than theory-heavy.
SAA-C03: Less Hands-On, More Big-Picture Thinking
AWS wants you to think like an architect, so the exam is built around choosing the best solution rather than just knowing how to configure it. Expect scenario-based questions that force you to compare AWS services, evaluate trade-offs, and design scalable systems.
What to expect:
- Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response
- Time Limit: 130 minutes
- Question Type: Scenario-based, multiple-choice, best-practice selection
- Pass Score: 720/1000
- Focus: Designing solutions, choosing the best AWS services for different situations
This isn’t about clicking buttons in the AWS console. You won’t be configuring EC2 or S3—instead, you’ll decide when and why to use them. If you’re someone who prefers strategy over execution, you might find this exam more interesting.
Which One’s Harder?
- AZ-104: Harder if you struggle with hands-on tasks and technical details
- SAA-C03: Harder if you’re not used to thinking in terms of high-level cloud architecture
SAA-C03 has a broader scope. AWS has hundreds of services, and this exam expects you to know how many of them work together. That’s what makes it tough—it’s less about memorization, more about understanding AWS’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, AZ-104 is deep, not wide. If you already work in Azure, the exam won’t be as challenging. But if you’re new to cloud computing, the hands-on nature can make it tricky.
Bottom Line:
- If you prefer practical problem-solving, AZ-104 might suit you.
- If you like architecting solutions and designing systems, SAA-C03 is the better pick.
Which One’s Tougher to Pass?
If you’re trying to decide between AZ-104 and SAA-C03, the big question is: Which one’s harder? You don’t want to spend months grinding for an exam that doesn’t pay off, but you also don’t want to underestimate how much effort it actually takes.
The answer? It depends on your background.
Along with dumps, don’t miss our AZ-104 exam proven tips and study resources, which provide step-by-step strategies and study plans to help you pass on the first try.
AZ-104: Get Ready for a Hands-On Challenge
Microsoft isn’t playing around with this one. AZ-104 is a deep dive into Azure administration, and the exam expects you to know how to deploy, configure, and troubleshoot cloud services. It’s not just theory, you’re tested on real-world scenarios, meaning you need actual experience or serious lab time.
What Makes It Tough?
- Practical focus – You won’t just pick the right answer; you’ll have to know how to configure and manage Azure resources.
- Scenario-based questions – Microsoft loves case studies, so you’ll get hit with questions that mimic real admin tasks.
- Time pressure – You’ve got 120 minutes to handle multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions.
- Heavy networking content – If you’re not comfortable with Azure networking, security, and identity management, expect a rough time.
How Much Prep Time Do You Need?
- If you already work in Azure → 1-2 months with hands-on practice.
- If you have IT experience but are new to Azure → 2-3 months, using labs and study guides.
- If you’re completely new to cloud → 4+ months with heavy practice.
Pro Tip: Labs are everything. You’ll struggle with scenario-based questions if you don’t practice in an actual Azure environment.
SAA-C03: A Different Kind of Hard
AWS wants cloud architects, not just admins, so SAA-C03 is about designing AWS solutions, not configuring them. The challenge? It covers a ridiculous number of AWS services. You’re not just learning about EC2 and S3, you need to understand how dozens of services work together.
What Makes It Hard?
- Broad scope – AWS has over 200 services, and the exam expects you to know which ones to use and why.
- Scenario-heavy – Most questions present a problem and ask you to choose the best AWS solution. There are often multiple “right” answers, but AWS wants the best one.
- No hands-on tasks – You won’t configure services like in AZ-104, but you will need to understand AWS design patterns and best practices.
- Performance-based scoring – Some questions weigh more than others, so missing a big one can tank your score.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
- If you already work with AWS → 2 months
- If you have IT/cloud experience but are new to AWS → 3-4 months
- If you’re new to cloud → 4-6 months
To get hands-on experience with realistic exam questions, these SAA-C03 exam dumps from Cert Empire can help sharpen your test-taking skills.
Pro Tip: Memorizing services isn’t enough. AWS loves to test how different services work together, so make sure you understand how they integrate.
Which One Takes More Effort?
- AZ-104 is tough because it’s hands-on and technical, so it’s harder for people without practical Azure experience.
- SAA-C03 is broader and requires architectural thinking, making it difficult for those who aren’t comfortable designing cloud solutions.
If you prefer hands-on admin tasks, AZ-104 might feel more natural. If you’re better at big-picture problem-solving, SAA-C03 might be easier to grasp.
Price & Renewal: What’s the Investment Like?
Before you jump into any cert, you gotta ask yourself, how much does it cost, and how long does it last? Some certs stay valid for years, while others require frequent renewals. And let’s be honest—no one wants to keep paying for the same cert every year.
AZ-104: Pay More, Renew More
- Exam Cost: $165
- Renewal: Every year (Yep, every single year)
- Retake Fee: Same price if you fail
Microsoft doesn’t let you sit back and relax after passing AZ-104. Since Azure evolves fast, they require annual renewals to make sure you’re still up to date. The good news? Renewal exams are free, and they’re usually shorter than the full certification exam. But still—it’s a yearly commitment.
SAA-C03: Less Frequent Renewals, Lower Cost
- Exam Cost: $150
- Renewal: Every 3 years
- Retake Fee: Same price if you fail
AWS is way more chill about renewals. Pass SAA-C03, and you’re good for three years. That means you get more time to actually use your cert in the job market before worrying about revalidating it. This makes SAA-C03 a better long-term investment if you don’t want to deal with constant renewals.
Bottom Line:
- If you don’t want to renew every year, SAA-C03 is the better deal.
- If you’re fine with annual updates and prefer Azure, AZ-104 is still a solid investment.
Career Path & Job Market: Which One Pays More?
A cert is only as good as the jobs it helps you land. Both AZ-104 and SAA-C03 can boost your resume, but they don’t open the same doors. So, which one gives better career growth and salary potential?
Salary Comparison: Who’s Making More Money?
| Certification | Expected Salary |
| AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) | $90,000 – $115,000 per year |
| SAA-C03 (AWS Solutions Architect – Associate) | $100,000 – $130,000 per year |
SAA-C03 has a higher earning potential, mostly because AWS certified solutions architect associate is still the market leader leading cloud computing industry. AWS architects make more than Azure admins, especially in tech-heavy job markets like the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
But don’t write off AZ-104 just yet. Azure is growing fast, especially in enterprise and government sectors where Microsoft already has strong partnerships. If your company runs on Microsoft products, AZ-104 can be just as valuable.
Industry Growth: Where’s the Demand?
- AWS still leads the cloud industry, with a huge market share and job openings worldwide. If you want maximum job options, SAA-C03 is the better bet.
- Azure administrator associates are catching up fast, especially in enterprise IT. If you’re targeting companies that rely on Microsoft, AZ-104 makes a lot of sense.
Which One Has More Job Openings?
- AWS-related jobs still dominate, AWS certs appear in more job listings than Azure services.
- Azure is more common in corporate settings, so if you’re working for a big company (finance, healthcare, government), AZ-104 can give you an edge.
Which One Should You Pick?
Still can’t decide? Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Pick AZ-104 if…
- Your company (or target employer) already runs on Microsoft and Azure.
- You enjoy hands-on administration (configuring, managing, troubleshooting).
- You’re aiming for a Cloud Administrator or IT Engineer role.
- You’re more familiar with Microsoft systems than AWS.
- Pick SAA-C03 if…
- You want broader career opportunities in AWS-heavy companies.
- You prefer cloud architecture & designing solutions over admin tasks.
- You’re aiming for Solutions Architect or Cloud Consultant roles.
- You want a higher-paying job in cloud computing.
At the end of the day, both certs are valuable, but AWS’s SAA-C03 has a broader reach in terms of salary and job availability. If you’re planning long-term, AWS experience will open more doors. But if you’re in a Microsoft-heavy environment, Azure is a rock-solid choice too. If you want the best study resources and authentic exam dumps, visit Cert Empire for trusted exam materials
Final Thoughts
Both AZ-104 and SAA-C03 can boost your career, but the best choice depends on your goals. If you’re aiming for cloud administration and Microsoft-focused roles, AZ-104 makes sense. But if you want higher-paying jobs with broader opportunities, SAA-C03 is the smarter bet. Either way, passing these exams takes solid prep, so make sure you use reliable study materials to increase your chances.
FAQs
Is AZ-104 harder than SAA-C03?
AZ-104 is hands-on and requires familiarity with Azure, while SAA-C03 covers broader theoretical concepts in AWS. Difficulty depends on your background.
Does AZ-104 have more job opportunities than SAA-C03?
SAA-C03 generally leads to higher-paying roles since AWS dominates the cloud market, but AZ-104 is great for companies using Azure.
How long does it take to prepare for each exam?
- AZ-104: 2-3 months with hands-on practice
- SAA-C03: 3-4 months due to the vast range of AWS services covered
Can I take both AZ-104 and SAA-C03?
Absolutely. Having both makes you highly employable across multi-cloud environments.
Last Updated on by Team CE
