Thinking about a cloud certification but not sure whether to go for AZ-104 or CLF-C02? Both are great choices, but they serve different purposes. AZ-104 is all about Microsoft Azure administration, while CLF-C02 covers AWS Cloud fundamentals. If you’re just starting with cloud computing, one might be easier than the other.
But if you already have some experience, the right choice depends on your goals. Let’s break it down so you can pick the best certification path for your career!
AZ-104 vs CLF-C02: Certification Comparison
| Feature | AZ-104 (Microsoft Azure Administrator) | CLF-C02 (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) |
| Cloud Provider | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Certification Level | Intermediate | Entry-Level |
| Target Audience | IT professionals, system administrators, cloud administrators | Beginners, business professionals, non-technical roles |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice, case studies | Multiple-choice, multiple-response |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Cost | $165 | $100 |
| Prerequisites | Basic Azure experience recommended | None |
| Exam Topics | Azure identity & governance, storage, networking, compute, monitoring | Cloud concepts, security, pricing, support, AWS core services |
| Ideal For | Professionals looking to manage Azure environments | Beginners seeking foundational cloud knowledge |
| Job Opportunities | Cloud administrator, Azure engineer, system administrator | Entry-level cloud roles, sales, marketing, non-technical positions |
AZ-104: What’s This Cert All About?
AZ-104 is all about getting serious with Azure administration. If your job involves setting up cloud services, keeping them running, and making sure nothing goes off the rails, this cert is the stamp of approval that says you know what you’re doing. Microsoft made this for IT folks who are already handling Azure in some way, whether it’s managing virtual machines, networking, storage, or security. It’s not an entry-level cert, so if you’ve never touched Azure before, you might want to start somewhere else.
A lot of companies rely on Azure for their cloud needs, and they need admins who can manage it without breaking things. That’s exactly what AZ-104 proves, you can handle the technical side of Azure without messing up costs, security, or uptime. For a detailed breakdown of exam structure, domains, and scoring, check out our AZ-104 Certification Key Stats and Exam Insights to better understand how Microsoft frames this test.
Who Should Get This Cert?
If you’re already working with Microsoft’s cloud, this is a no-brainer. It’s a must-have if your job involves:
- Managing Azure resources (like VMs, databases, and networks)
- Keeping cloud security in check
- Handling storage, backups, and disaster recovery
- Monitoring performance to make sure nothing crashes
It’s perfect for cloud admins, engineers, and IT professionals who need to prove they can run Azure environments effectively. If you’re eyeing a job in cloud computing and want to specialize in Azure, this cert gives you an edge.
What’s in the Exam?
Microsoft doesn’t keep things simple with AZ-104. This exam digs into Azure’s core admin tasks, making sure you know how to handle:
- Identity & Governance – Managing users, permissions, and security policies
- Storage Management – Working with Azure Blob, file shares, and backups
- Compute Resources – Setting up virtual machines, containers, and apps
- Networking – Configuring VNETs, load balancers, and security groups
- Monitoring & Maintenance – Using tools like Azure Monitor and Log Analytics
You’ll need to know how Azure works in real-world scenarios. This isn’t just theory, you’ll be tested on how you’d actually solve problems in a live Azure setup.
How Hard is AZ-104?
It’s not beginner-friendly, but it’s also not the hardest Azure cert. If you’ve been working with Azure for a while, you should be able to handle it. But if you’re new to Microsoft’s cloud, expect a learning curve.
The best way to prepare? Hands-on practice. Microsoft loves testing real-world skills, so just reading study guides won’t cut it. To prepare effectively, consider using AZ-104 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire, featuring real exam scenarios and hands-on practice questions. Set up an Azure free trial, play around with services, and actually try out the stuff covered in the exam.
CLF-C02: AWS Cloud Practitioner – A Beginner’s Gateway to Cloud Computing
AWS is everywhere in cloud computing, and the CLF-C02 cert is where a lot of people start. This one isn’t for engineers setting up virtual networks or admins managing databases, it’s for anyone who wants to understand AWS basics without diving too deep into the technical side.
If you’ve never worked with AWS before but need to grasp how it works, this cert makes sure you’re not lost when someone starts talking about EC2, S3, Lambda, or IAM policies. To fully understand what CLF-C02 covers and how to pass it, check out CLF-C02 Certification Guide. It’s all about AWS fundamentals, pricing, security, and basic cloud concepts making it perfect for people who aren’t engineers but still need cloud knowledge.
Why Does CLF-C02 Exist?
AWS created this cert because cloud is no longer just for IT teams. Sales, marketing, finance, and even project managers work with cloud-based products and services every day. But if you don’t understand how AWS operates, you can’t make informed decisions.
This cert is designed to:
- Introduce cloud computing basics in a simple way.
- Explain AWS services without overwhelming details.
- Help non-technical folks understand cloud solutions without coding or infrastructure work.
- Give beginners a starting point before jumping into tougher AWS certs like Solutions Architect or SysOps.
Unlike deep technical AWS certs that test your ability to configure, deploy, or troubleshoot services, CLF-C02 is about understanding AWS at a high level. You won’t be asked to set up virtual machines, write scripts, or optimize security policies. Instead, you’ll need to know what AWS offers, why companies use it, and how pricing and security work.
Who’s This Cert For?
CLF-C02 isn’t made for engineers, architects, or hardcore cloud admins. Instead, it’s for:
- Beginners who have never worked with AWS but want to understand it.
- Non-technical professionals in sales, finance, or project management who deal with cloud services.
- Students or job seekers who want to add cloud knowledge to their resume before moving to advanced certs.
- Business owners or decision-makers who use AWS services but don’t manage them directly.
What Do You Learn?
Since it’s an entry-level cert, CLF-C02 covers AWS topics without diving into hands-on technical work. The main areas include:
🔹 Cloud Concepts – What is cloud computing? How does AWS fit in? What’s the difference between on-premise and cloud?
🔹 AWS Services Overview – Compute (EC2, Lambda), Storage (S3, EBS), Databases (RDS, DynamoDB), Networking (VPC, CloudFront).
🔹 Security & Compliance – How AWS handles identity access, encryption, and compliance standards.
🔹 Billing & Pricing – AWS pricing models, cost optimization, free tier usage, and billing tools.
🔹 Cloud Deployment Models – Public, private, and hybrid cloud setups.
🔹 Basic Architecture Principles – How AWS services connect and interact.
This cert helps demystify AWS so that anyone, regardless of technical background, can understand how cloud services work and why businesses use them.
How Hard is CLF-C02?
Compared to most AWS certs, this one is the easiest. If you have zero cloud experience, it might take some study time, but it’s still very manageable. There’s no coding, no configuring, no troubleshooting—just concepts, services, and high-level understanding.
Most people can pass it with:
✔️ A few weeks of studying (if you’re completely new).
✔️ Basic cloud knowledge (if you’ve used AWS before, even just a little).
✔️ Common sense + good exam strategy, since many questions are about AWS best practices, security, and pricing.
If you want to boost your confidence and pass on the first attempt, check out CLF-C02 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire.
AZ-104 vs CLF-C02: Breaking Down the Exams
Choosing between AZ-104 and CLF-C02? These two certs couldn’t be more different. One’s an Azure admin-level exam, the other is an AWS beginner cert. The difficulty, exam format, cost, and preparation time are not even close. If you’re deciding which one to take, let’s break down what you’re in for.
Exam Formats: What’s the Test Like?
AZ-104: Not Your Average Multiple-Choice Exam
This one’s built for IT pros who already work with Azure. It’s not just about picking the right answer—you’ll be dealing with:
- Scenario-based questions – Given a problem, what’s the best Azure solution?
- Case studies – You get a business case and have to recommend the right Azure setup.
- Multiple-choice & drag-and-drop – Testing your knowledge on real-world Azure tasks.
It’s designed to test your problem-solving skills, not just what you memorized. You’ll need to know how to configure, troubleshoot, and optimize Azure services.
CLF-C02: Straightforward and Beginner-Friendly
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) is way simpler. You’re looking at:
- Multiple-choice questions – Nothing fancy, just pick the right answer.
- Straightforward wording – AWS keeps things easy to understand.
- Conceptual focus – No hands-on scenarios, just basic cloud knowledge.
If you can grasp AWS services, pricing, security, and compliance basics, you’ll do fine. No deep tech skills required.
Exam Duration & Passing Scores
| Exam | Time Limit | Passing Score | Retake Policy |
| AZ-104 | 120 minutes | ~700/1000 (scaled) | Wait 24 hours for 1st retake, 14 days after that |
| CLF-C02 | 90 minutes | 700/1000 (scaled) | No waiting period for first retake, 14 days after that |
AZ-104 is longer and tougher, while CLF-C02 is shorter and easier to get through.
What’s Actually Covered in These Exams?
AZ-104: Technical Deep Dive into Azure
Expect a lot of hands-on Azure topics, including:
- Managing Azure identities & governance (Active Directory, roles, permissions)
- Storage management (Blob storage, file shares, backups
- Compute resources (VMs, containers, App Services)
- Networking (VNETs, load balancers, peering)
- Security & compliance (firewalls, security groups, Azure Defender)
- Monitoring & backup strategies (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics)
This exam assumes you have worked with Azure before. If you don’t have hands-on experience, you’ll struggle.
CLF-C02: AWS Basics, No Hands-On Work
This is intro-level stuff, covering:
✅ AWS cloud concepts (what cloud computing is, why AWS matters)
✅ Core AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, CloudFront, VPC)
✅ Security & compliance (IAM, encryption, shared responsibility model)
✅ Billing & cost management (AWS pricing models, cost optimization)
✅ Cloud architecture principles (high availability, scalability)
No technical deep dive, just broad AWS knowledge. Perfect if you just need a high-level understanding of how AWS works.
Depth vs. Breadth: Which Exam Covers More?
- AZ-104: Deep technical knowledge, hands-on skills required.
- CLF-C02: Broad overview, good for AWS newcomers.
If you’re looking for an in-depth, admin-level cert, AZ-104 is the way to go. If you just want AWS fundamentals, CLF-C02 is much easier.
If you’re not sure where to start, our guide on AZ-104 vs AZ-900: Which Certification to Take First? explains which path makes the most sense based on your current skill level.
Which One is Harder? How Much Time Do You Need to Prepare?
AZ-104: A Tougher Exam That Needs Hands-On Experience
Microsoft expects you to know how to actually manage Azure services. That means:
- At least 3-6 months of hands-on Azure experience before taking the exam.
- 1-2 months of focused study if you already work with Azure.
- 2-4 months of study if you’re learning from scratch.
To prepare, you’ll need:
✔️ Azure free trial account – You must take practice exams, or you’ll struggle.
✔️ Microsoft Learn + official AZ-104 study guides – Covers everything in the exam.
✔️ Practice tests – Microsoft’s exams are tricky, so mock tests help.
CLF-C02: Easy to Pass with Just a Few Weeks of Study
If you’re new to AWS, this is one of the easiest certs to pass.
- 1-2 weeks of study if you already have cloud basics.
- 2-4 weeks of study if you’re starting from scratch.
For prep:
✔️ AWS free tier account – Try AWS services yourself.
✔️ AWS Training & Whitepapers – Free study material from Amazon.
✔️ Practice questions – Get familiar with the exam format.
If you put in a few hours of study each week, you’ll be fine.
How Much Do These Certifications Cost?
Let’s talk money.
| Exam | Cost (USD) | Retake Fee? |
| AZ-104 | $165 | Yes, full price for retakes |
| CLF-C02 | $100 | Yes, full price for retakes |
CLF-C02 is cheaper and less risky if you fail. AZ-104 is more expensive, and if you fail, you have to pay the full fee again.
Besides exam fees, consider study materials:
- AZ-104 prep materials (courses, labs, books) can cost $50-$300.
- CLF-C02 study resources are mostly free or under $50.
If cost is a major factor, CLF-C02 is the cheaper investment.
If you’re also comparing AWS’s Solutions Architect Associate with Azure’s admin-level path, don’t miss our AZ-104 vs SAA-C03: Best Cloud Certification analysis for a direct comparison of the two most popular career tracks.
How Do AZ-104 and CLF-C02 Affect Your Career Growth?
The AZ-104 certification is tailored for IT professionals aiming to deepen their cloud expertise, in Microsoft Azure administration. Achieving this cert demonstrates your ability to manage cloud services, including storage, security, networking, and compute capabilities within Azure. This positions you for roles that require hands-on technical skills and a comprehensive understanding of Azure environments.
On the flip side, the CLF-C02 certification, known as the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, is designed for individuals seeking a foundational grasp of AWS cloud services. It’s ideal for those in non-technical roles or those new to cloud computing, providing a broad overview without delving deeply into technical implementations. This cert can be a stepping stone for further specialized AWS certifications or roles that require a general understanding of cloud technology and concepts.
What’s the Salary Difference Between AZ-104 and CLF-C02 Holders?
Salaries in cloud computing vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific role. Professionals with the AZ-104 certification often pursue positions such as Azure Administrators or Cloud Engineers. According to industry reports, Azure Administrators in the United States earn an average annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000.
In contrast, the CLF-C02 certification is more entry-level. While specific salary data for CLF-C02 holders is limited, foundational certifications like this typically lead to roles with average annual salaries between $80,000 and $100,000 in the U.S.
It’s important to note that these figures can fluctuate based on experience levels and geographic locations. Additionally, pairing these foundational certs with more advanced certifications or relevant experience can significantly enhance earning potential.
Which Certification Opens More Job Opportunities?
The AZ-104 certification prepares you for roles such as:
- Azure Administrator
- Cloud Engineer
- System Administrator
These positions involve managing and maintaining Azure environments, making the AZ-104 cert valuable for technical roles within organizations that utilize Microsoft Azure.
The CLF-C02 certification, being more foundational, is suitable for:
- Entry-level cloud professionals
- Sales and marketing personnel
- Non-technical roles interacting with AWS services
While it may not lead directly to technical positions, it provides a solid understanding of AWS, which is beneficial for various roles within organizations adopting AWS services.
Which Cloud Platform is Growing Faster – AWS or Azure?
As of recent reports, AWS maintains a leading position in the cloud services market, holding a significant share due to its early entry and extensive other cloud service providers’ offerings. However, Microsoft Azure has been experiencing rapid growth, with increasing adoption across various industries. Both platforms are expanding, but AWS currently holds a larger market share.
Which Certification Has a Higher Demand Right Now?
The demand for cloud professionals varies by industry and region. Given AWS’s market dominance, certifications like the CLF-C02 are widely recognized. However, as more organizations adopt Azure, the demand for Azure-certified professionals, including those with the AZ-104 cert, is on the rise. Ultimately, the “better” certification depends on your career goals, the specific technologies used in your target industry, and regional job market trends.
In conclusion, both certifications offer unique advantages. The AZ-104 is suited for those aiming for technical roles within Azure environments, while the CLF-C02 provides a broad understanding of AWS, ideal for beginners or those in non-technical roles. Assess your career objectives and the demands of your desired industry to make an informed decision.
Do You Need Any Prerequisites Before Taking These Exams?
AZ-104: Hands-On Azure Experience is a Must
Microsoft doesn’t enforce strict prerequisites for AZ-104, but they highly recommend you have prior experience with Azure. This is not an entry-level exam, and if you’ve never worked with Azure’s virtual machines, networking, or storage, you’ll struggle.
Before taking AZ-104, you should be comfortable with:
✔ Azure Portal & CLI – Navigating the interface and running basic commands.
✔ Virtual Machines (VMs) – Creating, managing, and troubleshooting Azure VMs.
✔ Networking Concepts – VNETs, subnets, firewalls, and security groups.
✔ Azure Storage – Setting up Blob storage, managing file shares, and configuring backups.
✔ Identity & Access Management – Working with Azure Active Directory (AD).
If you’re completely new to Azure, consider taking the AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) exam first. It’s an easy way to build foundational knowledge before tackling AZ-104.
CLF-C02: No Experience Required, Perfect for Beginners
Unlike AZ-104, CLF-C02 has no prerequisites. You don’t need any hands-on AWS experience, and you won’t be tested on deep technical concepts.
To improve your chances of passing, it helps to:
✔ Understand cloud computing basics – What is the cloud? Why do businesses use it?
✔ Familiarize yourself with AWS services – EC2 (compute), S3 (storage), IAM (security).
✔ Learn AWS pricing & billing – Free tier, pay-as-you-go model, cost management.
If you have zero cloud experience, CLF-C02 is a great place to start. You can jump in without prior knowledge and still do well with basic study materials.
How Often Do You Need to Renew Your Certification?
AZ-104: Renewal Required Every Year
Microsoft requires AZ-104 holders to renew their certification annually. But the good news? It’s free.
✔ Renewal is done via Microsoft Learn, with a short assessment.
✔ No need to retake the full exam, just pass the online renewal test.
✔ If you don’t renew, your cert expires, and you’ll need to pass AZ-104 again.
Microsoft introduced this yearly renewal policy to keep professionals updated with Azure’s frequent changes. Since cloud tech evolves fast, this makes sure certified individuals stay current.
CLF-C02: No Expiry, But AWS Recommends Continuing Education
Unlike Microsoft, AWS doesn’t require you to renew CLF-C02. Once you pass, it’s valid indefinitely.
However, AWS strongly recommends continuous learning and moving on to higher-level certifications like:
✔ AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) – If you want to design cloud solutions.
✔ AWS SysOps Administrator Associate – If you’re interested in managing AWS infrastructure.
✔ AWS Certified Developer Associate – If you want to work on cloud applications.
While CLF-C02 never technically expires, AWS updates its services regularly. So if you stop learning, your knowledge will quickly become outdated.
Final Thoughts: Which Certification Should You Go For?
Go for AZ-104 if:
✔ You already work with Azure and want to level up your skills.
✔ You’re aiming for a technical career as a Cloud Admin, Engineer, or DevOps specialist.
✔ You’re comfortable with Azure services like networking, storage, and compute.
✔ You’re willing to put in the time for hands-on learning and practice.
Pick CLF-C02 if:
✔ You’re new to cloud computing and want an easy, non-technical introduction google cloud using.
✔ You work in sales, marketing, or project management and need AWS knowledge.
✔ You’re looking for a basic certification to start your cloud journey.
✔ You want a quick win without investing too much time or money.
Which One is a Better?
If you want a career in cloud computing platform not administration or engineering, AZ-104 is the better choice. It’s more technical, but it opens better-paying job opportunities.
If you’re just testing the waters with your cloud computing skills, CLF-C02 is an easier starting point. To ensure success in your certification journey, explore Cert Empire’s Exam Dumps for both AZ-104 and CLF-C02.
Before deciding, consider:
✔ Your long-term career goals – Do you want to specialize in Azure or AWS?
✔ The effort required – AZ-104 is much harder and needs real experience.
✔ The investment – AZ-104 costs more and requires yearly renewal.
Both certs have value, but AZ-104 leads to higher-paying, more technical roles. CLF-C02 is a great first step, but if you’re serious about cloud careers, you’ll need to move beyond it sooner or later.
FAQs
1. Is AZ-104 harder than CLF-C02?
Yes. AZ-104 is a technical certification that requires hands-on Azure experience to be an aws certified solutions architect. It covers real-world cloud administration tasks, including networking, security, and storage management. CLF-C02, on the other hand, is conceptual and designed for beginners, making it much easier to pass.
2. Can I take Azure certifications without prior Azure experience?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. AZ-104 assumes you already know how to manage Azure services. If you’ve never worked with azure administrator associate program, you will struggle with topics like virtual machines, networking, data management and security configurations. It’s best to get some hands-on practice before attempting this exam.
3. Does CLF-C02 help me get a job in cloud computing?
It’s a good starting point but won’t land you a technical job alone. CLF-C02 gives you a broad understanding of AWS, which is useful for business roles, sales, and project management. If you want a hands-on cloud job, you’ll need to follow it up with more advanced AWS certs like the Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03).
4. Which certification has a higher salary potential?
AZ-104 holders generally earn more. Azure Administrators and Cloud Engineers in google cloud platform work directly with cloud infrastructure, which commands a higher salary. CLF-C02 is an entry-level certification and doesn’t directly lead to high-paying technical roles.
5. Should I get both AZ-104 and CLF-C02?
If you want to work across both AWS and Azure, getting both is a smart move. Many companies use multi-cloud environments, meaning Azure and AWS knowledge are both valuable. If you’re planning a career in cloud computing, being certified in both platforms can open more job opportunities.
Last Updated on by Team CE
