Choosing the right cloud certification can feel like stepping into a maze, especially when starting out. Two of the most popular options for beginners, AZ-900 and CLF-C02, often pop up as the go-to choices. Both certifications open doors to the world of cloud computing, but how do you know which one is the better fit for you?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I dive into Microsoft’s Azure or stick with Amazon’s AWS?” you’re not alone. These two certifications cater to different platforms, skills, and career paths, which makes the decision even trickier. But don’t worry; we’re here to break it all down and help you determine which suits your goals, learning style, and plans.
AZ-900 vs CLF-C02: A Complete Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification (CLF-C02) |
| Certification Provider | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Cloud Platform | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
| Target Audience | Beginners, business users, IT professionals exploring Azure | Beginners, business users, IT professionals exploring AWS |
| Purpose | Validates basic understanding of Azure cloud services, pricing, governance, and compliance | Validates foundational knowledge of AWS services, cloud concepts, billing, and security |
| Exam Code | AZ-900 | CLF-C02 |
| Exam Format | Multiple-choice & multiple-response questions | Multiple-choice & multiple-response questions |
| Number of Questions | 40-60 | 65 |
| Exam Duration | 45-60 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | $99 USD | $100 USD |
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Cloud Concepts Covered | Azure cloud computing principles, hybrid cloud, on-prem vs. cloud models | AWS cloud computing models, pricing, shared responsibility model |
| Core Services Covered | Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, Azure AI/ML services | AWS EC2, AWS S3, AWS Lambda, AWS RDS, AWS Networking |
| Security & Compliance | Azure security, governance, compliance, identity management (Azure AD) | AWS security, compliance, IAM (Identity and Access Management) |
| Pricing & Billing | Azure subscription models, cost management, SLAs | AWS pricing models, cost optimization, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) |
| Exam Availability | Pearson VUE (online and test centers) | Pearson VUE (online and test centers) |
| Validity Period | Lifetime (No expiration) | 3 years |
| Recommended Study Resources | Microsoft Learn, Azure Fundamentals training, practice tests, Microsoft Docs | AWS Training, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam guide, practice tests, AWS whitepapers |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Best For | Those interested in Azure or working in an Azure-based environment | Those interested in AWS or working in an AWS-based environment |
| Career Benefits | Helps in roles related to Azure administration, architecture, and security | Helps in roles related to AWS administration, architecture, and security |
AZ-900 vs CLF-C02: What’s the Hype About?
Cloud computing is everywhere, and businesses can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s Azure or AWS, companies are racing to get the best cloud solutions, and that means they need people who understand how it all works. But if you’re just starting out, the biggest question is; where do you begin?
Two of the most talked-about certs for beginners are Microsoft’s AZ-900 and AWS’s CLF-C02. Both act as stepping stones into cloud computing, giving you the basics without drowning you in hardcore tech stuff. But they’re not identical. They cater to different platforms, have different focus areas, and serve different career paths. That’s exactly why people keep debating which one’s better for an absolute beginner.
AZ-900 vs CLF-C02: The Role They Play in Cloud Certs
If you look at the entire microsoft certified azure fundamentals, these two exams sit right at the bottom. They aren’t meant to make you an expert, but they prepare you for more advanced cloud certs.
For Microsoft, AZ-900 acts as the foundation for other Azure certifications like AZ-104 (Administrator) or AZ-305 (Solutions Architect). Similarly, CLF-C02 is the first step if you plan to go for AWS’s Associate-level certs like Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator.
The choice between them isn’t about which one is better, it’s about which cloud platform you want to focus on. If your career interests lean toward Microsoft-based cloud environments, AZ-900 makes sense. If you see yourself working more with AWS, CLF-C02 is the way to go.
What Makes AZ-900 and CLF-C02 Stand Out?
These aren’t the only beginner-friendly cloud certs out there, but they stand out because of a few key reasons:
- No prior experience needed – You don’t have to be an IT pro to pass these exams. They’re built for absolute beginners.
- More than just theory – While you won’t be deploying servers or writing code, both exams focus on real-world cloud applications.
- Widely recognized – Employers know these certs and value them, especially for entry-level roles.
- Good stepping stones – They help you move toward more advanced certs, making the learning curve smoother.
- Cover cloud fundamentals – Instead of focusing on one technical aspect, they give a broad overview of how cloud platforms work.
If you’re completely new to cloud computing, AZ-900 and CLF-C02 are the safest and smartest choices to get started. The real question is; which one fits your career goals better? And that’s exactly what we’ll break down next.
AZ-900: Microsoft’s Beginner Cloud Cert
Cloud computing is a massive part of Microsoft’s business, and Azure is one of the biggest cloud platforms in the world. The AZ-900 Certification Guide provides key topics, study tips, and practice resources to help with exam preparation. If you’ve ever thought about working with Microsoft’s cloud services, AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) is the first step. It’s the most basic cert in the Azure lineup, built for absolute beginners who want to understand cloud basics without diving into deep technical stuff.
Unlike Microsoft’s higher-level certs, AZ-900 doesn’t require hands-on experience with Azure, making it a great choice for anyone curious about cloud technology. Whether you’re in IT support, a business role dealing with cloud-based solutions, or just looking to add a valuable skill to your resume, AZ-900 is a low-risk, high-reward certification to start with.
What Does AZ-900 Cover?
Microsoft designed AZ-900 to introduce cloud concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. The exam is less about technical execution and more about knowing how cloud services work, making it perfect for beginners.
Key Topics Covered in AZ-900
- Core Azure Services – Learn what Azure offers, including computing power, databases, networking, and storage solutions.
- Cloud Concepts – Understand basic cloud models like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and how Azure fits into them.
- Security & Compliance – Get an overview of identity management, security tools, and governance in Azure.
- Pricing & Cost Management – Learn how Microsoft’s cloud pricing works, including pay-as-you-go models, cost management, and free-tier benefits.
- Azure Workloads & Benefits – Understand how companies use Azure for scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery.
You won’t need to configure cloud environments or troubleshoot services, but you’ll get familiar with how Azure works and why businesses use it.
To avoid common pitfalls, follow our AZ-900 exam tips and strategies, which cover proven methods for mastering Microsoft’s question style and boosting your pass rate.
Who Should Take AZ-900?
If you’re unsure whether AZ-900 is worth it, ask yourself one question, do you see yourself working with Microsoft’s respective cloud platforms or services at any point? If yes, then it’s a solid choice.
AZ-900 is ideal for
- Beginners with no cloud experience – If you don’t know where to start, AZ-900 lays the foundation.
- IT professionals exploring cloud computing – If you work in IT support, sysadmin, or networking and want to move toward cloud roles, this is a good first step.
- Non-technical professionals – If you’re in sales, marketing, or project management and deal with Azure services in your company, this cert helps you understand cloud basics.
- Students & career changers – If you want to enter the tech industry with a cloud-related certification, AZ-900 gives you a starting point.
While developers and engineers can take AZ-900, it won’t teach them how to deploy applications or build cloud architectures, that’s covered in higher-level certs like AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) or AZ-204 (Azure Developer Associate).
For a deeper look at how this certification translates into real-world opportunities, check out our analysis of job roles and salary trends for AZ-900.
How Hard Is AZ-900?
For a beginner cert, AZ-900 is relatively easy, but that doesn’t mean you can just wing it. The questions are straightforward, but Microsoft loves tricky wording, which can confuse test-takers.
The biggest challenge? Understanding Azure’s pricing models and security tools. Many people struggle with cost-related questions because Microsoft asks about specific pricing structures and cost-management tools that aren’t always intuitive. To ensure a high success rate, AZ-900 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire provide real exam-style questions to reinforce key concepts.
If you spend enough time on practice tests and Microsoft’s learning resources, passing should be doable within a couple of weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
Your prep time depends on how familiar you are with cloud computing. Here’s a rough estimate
- 1-2 weeks – If you already have some IT background and understand cloud concepts, you can prepare quickly with practice tests and Azure’s free learning paths.
- 3-4 weeks – If you’re completely new to cloud computing, expect to spend a few weeks studying the basics and doing hands-on exercises in Azure’s free sandbox.
CLF-C02: How AWS’s Beginner Cloud Cert Stacks Up
If you’re thinking about starting a cloud career and AWS is on your radar, CLF-C02 (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) is the easiest way to get started. The CLF-C02 Certification Guide explains exam topics, format, and preparation strategies in detail. It’s AWS’s entry-level cert, designed for absolute beginners who want to understand cloud computing without diving into technical complexities.
AWS dominates the cloud market, with over a third of global cloud infrastructure running on its platform. That makes CLF-C02 a valuable certification for anyone looking to work with AWS or in a cloud-related role. Whether you’re in IT, business, cloud service providers or a non-technical field, this cert helps you understand the key AWS concepts and how companies use them.
What Does CLF-C02 Cover?
AWS recently updated the Cloud Practitioner exam from CLF-C01 to CLF-C02, adding more focus on real-world AWS use cases and security concepts. The exam doesn’t require any technical background, making it perfect for those who just want to understand cloud fundamentals without configuring cloud environments.
Key Topics Covered in CLF-C02
- AWS Cloud Basics – Learn what cloud computing is and how AWS delivers services globally.
- AWS Core Services – Covers EC2 (compute), S3 (storage), RDS (databases), IAM (security), Lambda (serverless), and networking basics.
- Global Infrastructure – Understand AWS regions, availability zones, and edge locations.
- Security & Compliance – Learn about AWS security tools, encryption, IAM policies, and compliance programs.
- Pricing & Billing – Covers AWS cost models, free-tier options, and cost optimization strategies.
- Cloud Economics & Business Impact – Learn how companies use AWS to scale operations and reduce costs.
CLF-C02 is structured to give a high-level understanding of AWS without requiring hands-on experience. You won’t be deploying workloads or configuring servers, but you’ll get a solid grasp of how AWS services fit into real-world business solutions.
Who Should Choose CLF-C02 Over AZ-900?
Both AZ-900 and CLF-C02 are beginner-friendly cloud certs, but which one fits your career goals better?
CLF-C02 is the better choice if
- You want to work with AWS – If you plan to use AWS in any capacity, this cert gives you the foundational knowledge.
- You work in IT, sales, or management in a cloud-related industry – Understanding AWS can help you in roles that involve cloud-based products and services.
- You’re exploring cloud careers – If you’re new to cloud computing but want to go deeper into AWS certs like Solutions Architect or SysOps, CLF-C02 is the first step.
- You’re in a business role that involves cloud adoption – If your company is shifting to AWS, knowing the basics helps in decision-making and communication.
How Hard Is CLF-C02?
CLF-C02 is not a difficult exam, but AWS does throw in tricky scenario-based questions. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about understanding how AWS services work together. For effective exam preparation, CLF-C02 Exam Dumps from Cert Empire offer up-to-date practice questions that match real exam formats.
Compared to AZ-900, CLF-C02 has a broader range of services to cover, making it slightly more challenging in terms of content. AWS also loves to test cost optimization and security concepts, so expect to see a lot of billing-related and security-focused questions.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
Your prep time depends on your background and familiarity with cloud computing. Here’s a rough estimate
- 1-2 weeks – If you already have some IT or cloud experience, you can prepare quickly with practice exams and AWS’s free training materials.
- 3-4 weeks – If you’re completely new to AWS, expect to spend a few weeks studying the core services, pricing models, and security best practices.
AZ-900 vs CLF-C02: A Closer Look at the Differences
Both AZ-900 and CLF-C02 are designed for beginners who want to get familiar with cloud computing. They don’t require technical experience, and they introduce google cloud platform concepts in a way that makes sense even if you’ve never worked with cloud platforms before. But while they have similar goals, their structures, content, and difficulty levels vary.
Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which one makes more sense for you.
Exam Structure: What to Expect on Test Day
While both exams test cloud fundamentals, their formats are different, and it’s good to know what you’ll be facing when you sit for the test.
AZ-900 Exam Format (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals)
- Number of Questions: 40-60
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Question Types: Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, case studies, and some interactive questions (like arranging steps in a process)
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Difficulty: Mostly theory-based, some tricky wording in questions
AZ-900 focuses on conceptual understanding rather than practical skills. While you might get a few scenario-based questions, most are direct knowledge checks. Expect to see terms like Azure Portal, virtual networks, pricing tiers, and security compliance frameworks in the questions.
CLF-C02 Exam Format (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)
- Number of Questions: 65
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Question Types: Multiple choice and multiple response (choose two or more correct answers)
- Passing Score: AWS uses a scaled scoring system (100-1000), with 700 considered passing
- Difficulty: More scenario-based, requires an understanding of AWS service relationships
AWS prefers real-world scenario-based questions. Instead of just asking what a service does, they’ll frame it like,
“A startup needs to store data with infrequent access. Which AWS service should they use?”
This makes CLF-C02 slightly trickier than AZ-900, especially for those who aren’t familiar with AWS’s various services and pricing structures.
How Much Do These Exams Cost?
Cost might be a deciding factor if you’re on a budget.
- AZ-900: $99
- CLF-C02: $100
The price difference is minimal, so cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. However, AWS sometimes offers free exam vouchers through training programs, so you might be able to take CLF-C02 for free if you qualify.
Both Microsoft and AWS offer free study resources, so you don’t have to spend extra money on prep materials unless you want additional practice tests or premium courses.
AZ-900 vs CLF-C02: Which Certification Gives You a Bigger Career Edge?
Companies across industries rely on cloud platforms to scale operations, store data, and run applications. That means getting certified in cloud fundamentals is a smart move.
Let’s break it down by job market demand, salary impact, career roles, and industry trends to see which certification gives you a stronger advantage.
Which Cloud Skills Are in Higher Demand?
Both Microsoft Azure and AWS are major players in the cloud computing market, but AWS holds the biggest market share.
AWS vs Azure Market Share
- AWS: Around 32-34% of the global cloud market (still the leader).
- Azure: 21-23% of the market (growing steadily and closing the gap).
- Google Cloud, IBM, Oracle, and others: Make up the remaining share.
AWS leads in global adoption, but Azure has a strong presence in enterprise environments where companies already use Microsoft tools like Office 365, SharePoint, and Windows Server.
AWS skills will give you more options if you’re looking for general cloud jobs. But if you’re aiming for enterprise IT roles, government contracts, or companies using Microsoft tech, Azure knowledge can be just as valuable as cloud expertise.
Salary Expectations: Does a Cloud Certification Increase Pay?
While entry-level cloud certs like AZ-900 and CLF-C02 don’t directly guarantee a high-paying job, they can help with breaking into the cloud industry and securing better opportunities. Cert Empire offers high-quality AZ-900 and CLF-C02 exam dumps and practice tests to ensure first-time success.
Average Salaries for Cloud Professionals
- Entry-level cloud jobs (support, helpdesk, technical sales): $50,000 – $80,000 per year
- Cloud administrators & junior engineers: $75,000 – $110,000 per year
- Cloud architects & senior engineers: $120,000 – $180,000 per year
AZ-900 Salary Impact
- Since AZ-900 is a foundational cert, it won’t land you a cloud engineer role right away.
- However, it can help you get entry-level IT jobs, especially in companies using Microsoft Azure services.
- If you combine AZ-900 with an IT support, networking, or sysadmin background, it can lead to better salaries in enterprise environments.
CLF-C02 Salary Impact
- CLF-C02 has a broader appeal since AWS skills are in demand across startups, tech companies, and large enterprises.
- It’s particularly useful for roles in cloud sales, cloud consulting, and IT management, where AWS knowledge is a plus.
- Like AZ-900, it won’t make you a cloud architect overnight, but it’s a stepping stone toward AWS Associate and Professional-level certifications, significantly increasing salary potential.
Verdict: If you’re looking for immediate job impact, both certs help, but CLF-C02 has a slight edge because AWS dominates the cloud market. However, long-term salary growth depends on getting higher-level certifications like AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator (AZ-104).
What Jobs Can You Get with AZ-900 or CLF-C02?
Neither AZ-900 nor CLF-C02 is a technical certification, so they won’t qualify you for hands-on cloud engineering roles. However, they open doors to cloud-related entry-level positions.
Jobs You Can Get with AZ-900
- IT Support Specialist (Azure-focused companies)
- Cloud Sales Representative (Microsoft ecosystem)
- Technical Account Manager (Microsoft partners)
- Business Analyst (Cloud Services)
- IT Administrator (Microsoft Azure Environments)
Jobs You Can Get with CLF-C02
- Cloud Sales Associate (AWS consulting firms)
- Cloud Support Specialist (AWS-based companies)
- AWS Business Analyst
- Cloud Product Manager
- AWS Account Executive
If you’re aiming for a cloud engineer or solutions architect role, neither AZ-900 nor CLF-C02 is enough, but they set the foundation for higher-level certs that lead to better-paying cloud jobs.
Are There Any Prerequisites for AZ-900 or CLF-C02?
Good news; neither AZ-900 nor CLF-C02 has formal prerequisites. You don’t need prior cloud experience, programming knowledge, or IT certifications to sit for these exams.
However, while anyone can take these certs, your experience level will affect how much effort you need to put in before you’re ready to pass.
Who Will Have an Easier Time with These Exams?
- If you have some IT experience (helpdesk, sysadmin, networking, or general tech support), you’ll pick up the concepts faster.
- If you’ve worked with Microsoft 365, AWS, or any cloud-based tools, you’ll already know some terms and services.
- You might already understand cloud pricing models, compliance, and billing structures if you have a business background (sales, project management, or finance) and work in a cloud-related industry.
Who Might Find These Exams More Challenging?
- If you’re completely new to cloud computing, you’ll need to spend extra time learning the basics.
- If you have no IT background at all, expect to go through multiple study resources to fully grasp cloud concepts.
- If you struggle with technical jargon, you might need additional practice with cloud terminology and real-world examples.
Even though these are beginner-friendly certs, skimming through materials won’t be enough, you’ll need to understand the key cloud concepts to pass.
Keeping It Fresh: Renewal Policies for AZ-900 and CLF-C02
Getting certified is great, but cloud technology moves fast. New features, pricing models, and security protocols roll out all the time, which means what you learn today might be outdated in a couple of years. That’s why staying certified matters—it proves you’re keeping up with the latest cloud trends and best practices.
But here’s the big question; how long do AZ-900 and CLF-C02 stay valid, and what do you need to do to keep them active? Let’s break down the renewal policies so you know what to expect.
How Long Do AZ-900 and CLF-C02 Certifications Last?
Both Microsoft and AWS require recertification, but their policies differ.
AZ-900 Certification Validity
- AZ-900 is valid for one year from the date you pass the exam.
- Microsoft requires recertification every year to ensure you stay updated with changes in Azure.
CLF-C02 Certification Validity
- CLF-C02 (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) is valid for three years.
- AWS gives you a longer window before requiring recertification.
So, if you want a cert that lasts longer before you need to renew, CLF-C02 is the better choice.
How to Renew AZ-900 and CLF-C02?
Microsoft and AWS handle renewals differently. One lets you renew for free, while the other requires you to take the exam again.
Renewing AZ-900
Microsoft introduced free renewal assessments, meaning you don’t have to retake the full exam. Here’s how it works:
- Microsoft offers a free online renewal assessment on the Microsoft Learn platform.
- You can take this renewal assessment anytime within six months of your cert’s expiration date.
- The assessment is much shorter than the original exam and focuses on what’s changed in Azure since your last certification.
- If you pass the assessment, your AZ-900 cert is extended for another year.
Renewing CLF-C02
AWS, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a free renewal option. Here’s what you need to do:
- To renew your AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner cert, you must retake and pass the CLF-C02 exam before your three-year expiration date.
- AWS sometimes offers discounts (50% off) on recertification exams for existing certification holders.
- Another option is to earn a higher-level AWS certification, such as AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03), which will automatically renew your CLF-C02 cert.
Keeping your AWS certification active requires retaking the exam, while Microsoft lets you renew AZ-900 for free with a quick assessment.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Go For?
Both AZ-900 and CLF-C02 offer a solid starting point for beginners in cloud computing skills, but the right choice depends on where you see yourself in the future. If you’re looking to build a career in Microsoft Azure environments, AZ-900 makes sense. If you want to work with AWS, the industry leader in cloud services, CLF-C02 is the better pick. Either way, getting certified is a smart move, and the sooner you pass, the sooner you can start building your cloud career.
FAQs: Questions People Ask About AZ-900 vs CLF-C02
Is AZ-900 harder than CLF-C02 for beginners?
AZ-900 is generally considered easier because the questions are more direct and fact-based, while CLF-C02 includes more scenario-based questions. AWS also has more services to cover, making CLF-C02 feel slightly more complex.
Can I take both certifications, or should I pick one?
You can absolutely take both, especially if you want a broad understanding of cloud computing. However, if you only plan to focus on one, pick the platform you see yourself working with, Azure for Microsoft-based environments, AWS for a wider industry reach.
Which exam is better for someone without any tech background?
AZ-900 is slightly more beginner-friendly because it focuses more on fundamental cloud concepts rather than real-world AWS service scenarios. CLF-C02, while still beginner-level, requires a bit more effort to understand AWS pricing and security models.
How long does it take to prepare for each exam?
If you have some IT knowledge, you can pass AZ-900 in 1-2 weeks and CLF-C02 in 2-3 weeks. Absolute beginners may need around 3-4 weeks for AZ-900 and 4-6 weeks for CLF-C02, depending on study time.
Do employers value AZ-900 or CLF-C02 more?
Both certifications are respected, but CLF-C02 is slightly more recognized globally due to AWS’s larger market share. AZ-900, however, is highly valuable in enterprise environments, especially where Microsoft services are widely used.
What are the most reliable resources for passing these certifications?
For AZ-900, use Microsoft Learn, Azure Free Tier, and practice tests from reliable sources like Udemy. For CLF-C02, AWS Training, AWS Whitepapers, and practice exams from Tutorials Dojo or Whizlabs are the best options.
How do I decide whether to go with Azure or AWS for my career goals?
If you plan to work in Microsoft-driven environments, choose AZ-900 to align with Azure-based enterprises. If you want broader job opportunities across industries, CLF-C02 is the safer bet since AWS has a larger market share.
Last Updated on by Team CE
