Cloud computing now forms the basis of supporting modern IT innovations such as mobile applications, enterprise software, data analytics, AI, and digital platforms. As the adoption of cloud computing grows, particularly in 2026, the question of pursuing AZ-900 or AWS certifications becomes critical.
Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure certifications provide differing career outcomes, depth, and focus despite both Azure and AWS certifications being the most popular cloud certifications. This comprehensive guide to Azure vs AWS certifications compares AWS vs AZ-900 certification, levels, costs, and long-term career opportunities in the cloud to help define the optimal cloud path for your career in 2026.
The Importance of Cloud Certifications in 2026
By 2026, cloud computing will not only focus on technical infrastructure roles. Understanding cloud systems will make the cloud become integral to roles in development, data analytics, DevOps, architecture, and cybersecurity.
There will be an expectation for professionals to possess the following skills:
- Basic and role-specific knowledge of cloud systems
- Competitiveness in the job market, particularly in tech
- Preparedness for tech roles with considerable growth
- Learning systems, as opposed to random self-study
- Credibility with recruiters and employers
There is a broad spectrum of skills covered by AZ-900 and AWS Certification.
Comparison Between AZ-900 Certification and AWS Certification
Let’s start with a brief comparison between the AZ-900 Azure and AWS Certifications.
| Aspect | AZ-900 Certification | AWS Certification |
| Platform | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services |
| Level | Foundational | Foundational to Advanced |
| Difficulty | Easy | Beginner to Very Advanced |
| Target Audience | Beginners and non-tech | Broad – Tech and non-tech |
| Career Impact | Entry-level roles | Entry to senior cloud roles |
| Market Reach | Strong in enterprises | Strong globally across industries |
What is the Azure AZ-900 Certification?
The AZ-900 certification is a cloud certification that gives its holders credibility in understanding the fundamentals of cloud concepts and the services Azure provides.
What AZ-900 Certification Covers
Unlike other Azure certifications, the AZ-900 certification does not assess the technical or engineering skills of its holders.
The main subjects of the AZ-900 include:
- Basic concepts of cloud computing, examples being IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
- An overview of the core services provided by Azure, examples being computing, storage, and networking
- The basic frameworks of Azure’s security, identity, and compliance
- The models and frameworks of Azure’s pricing, billing, and support
- The basic frameworks of Azure’s architecture
The certification does not assess the holders in the audience’s skills, coding skills, or real-world deployment skills.
Who Should Choose AZ-900 Certification?
The AZ-900 certification is suitable if you are:
- New to cloud computing
- A student interested in IT and cloud computing
- Someone in a non-technical role, such as sales, management, HR, or finance
- An employee in a company that uses Azure
- An individual looking to obtain more advanced Azure certifications in the future
As of 2026, AZ-900 is still a certification that is commonly earned as an introduction to a field, but not to be viewed as a terminal career credential.
What is AWS Certification?
AWS Certification is a credential that is offered through Amazon Web Services. It is a comprehensive certification program that spans several levels and roles, from beginners to expert cloud architects.
Levels of AWS Certification
There are 4 levels of AWS Certification:
- Foundational
- Associate
- Professional
- Specialty
This enables AWS certifications to apply to a cloud career for the long-term.
What AWS Certification Entails
At different levels, the AWS certification covers:
- The essentials of cloud computing and the core services of AWS
- The design, deployment, and management of cloud-based applications
- The assessment and implementation of security, networking, and monitoring
- Cost management and actionable scalability
- An Overview of Data, Machine Learning, Modern DevOps, and Architecture
Contrary to AZ-900, AWS certifications are more experiential and are heavily reliant on real-life scenarios, especially for the associate and professional levels.
Who Should Choose AWS Certification?
AWS Certification is right for you if you are:
- An engineer, IT specialist, or developer
- A student targeting roles in cloud, DevOps, or data
- An individual looking to build a career in cloud computing for the long-term
- An individual interested in automation, architecture, or big systems
- An individual targeting positions in global tech companies or startups
In 2026, AWS Certification is among the top accredited leading cloud certifications globally.
AWS Certification vs AZ-900 Certification – Skill Depth
AZ-900 Certification
- Conceptual understanding
- Focuses on what and why
- No extensive technical or practical evaluation
- No deep analytical or technical evaluation
AWS Certification
- Real-life, practical skills
- Focus on how and when
- Decision-making based on different scenarios
In case obtaining cloud skills that will make you job-ready is your target, the AWS Certification is more extensive.
Technical Requirements
AZ-900 Certification
- No coding required
- No prior experience in cloud computing
- Little practical involvement
AWS Certification
- Hands-on experience required
- Real labs and deployments are encouraged.
- Technical understanding is required, beyond the basic level.
Difficulty & Exam Preparation
AZ-900 Certification Exam
- Beginner friendly
- Multiple-choice questions
- No complicated scenarios
- Can quickly prepare
- Focus is on the concepts and the terminology.
AWS Certification Exam
- Not beginner-friendly
- Multiple-choice questions
- Complicated scenarios present
- Can’t quickly prepare
- Not solely focusing on the concepts and terminology
In 2026, AZ-900 is among the most basic cloud certifications to obtain.
Exams for AWS Certifications
- Exam Format
- Work Experience Requirements
- Real-World Architectural Trade-offs
- Scenario-Based Questions
- Multiple Answer Questions
- Exam Questions Span All Difficulty Levels
- Time investment varies by exam.
AWS exams challenge how you apply your knowledge of the cloud.
Cost Competitions (Perspective from 2026)
Cost can be different from the norm depending on the region.
Certified Azure Fundamentals
- Lower exam costs
- Easier entry
- Lower overall prep costs
AWS Certified
- Higher exam costs at the associate and professional levels
- Additional prep exam and lab costs
- Greater ROI from career scope
AZ-900 is inexpensive for entry-level, while the AWS cert provides more value over time.
Job Prospects After Getting the AZ-900 Certification
The AZ-900 cert by itself does not enable you to do the technical work of the cloud.
Expected results:
- Cloud awareness cert
- Cloud adjacent support roles
- Lower AZ certs
Best seen as:
- The first part
- Not a goal in itself
You will need more certs and experience for cloud engineer/architect roles.
Job Prospects After an AWS Certification
In 2026, having your AWS cert opens many options:
- Cloud Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Solutions Architect
- Data Engineer
- Platform Engineer
- Cloud Consultant
From entry level to the top, AWS certs grow with your experience.
AZ-900 vs AWS Certification: Career Growth Comparison
AZ-900 Certification Path
Typical progression:
- AZ-900 (Fundamentals)
- Associate-level Azure certifications
- Role-based Azure specialisations
Best suited for professionals committed to the Microsoft ecosystem.
AWS Certification Path
Typical progression:
- Foundational AWS certification
- Associate-level certifications
- Professional or Speciality certifications
This path offers broader global mobility and deeper technical growth.
Market Demand in 2026
Both Azure and AWS are in demand, but their market reach differs.
AZ-900 Certification
- Strong in enterprise and Microsoft-centric organisations
- Popular in corporate IT environments
AWS Certification
- Strong in startups, enterprises, and global tech firms
- Dominant in cloud-native and high-growth companies
If your goal is maximum job opportunities, AWS certification offers a broader reach.
Which One Should You Choose in 2026?
Choose AZ-900 Certification if:
- You are completely new to the cloud
- You want a low-risk introduction.
- You work in a Microsoft-focused organisation.
- You are non-technical or business-oriented
- You plan to move into Azure certifications later.
Choose AWS Certification if:
- You want job-ready cloud skills
- You aim for a cloud, DevOps, or data role.
- You enjoy hands-on technical learning.
- You want global career flexibility
- You are building a long-term cloud career
Can You Do Both?
Yes—and many professionals do.
A popular approach in 2026:
- Begin with the AZ-900 certification to grasp cloud basics
- Move on to AWS certification for practical and employable competencies.
- Incorporate role-based advanced or speciality certifications.
This framework works effectively for newcomers wishing for an easy entry while not stifling their long-term potential.
Common Missteps to Avoid
- Assuming AZ-900 is a certification guaranteeing entry-level roles
- Levelling up to more advanced AWS certifications with no foundational knowledge
- Simply memorising exam answers without grasping the underlying principles.
- Omitting practical experience
- Deciding on a certification without clear career aspirations
Avoiding these keeps your money, time, and nerves intact.
Final Verdict: AZ-900 vs AWS Certification in 2026
Weighing options for certifications is more about finding the right fit than determining which one is better.
AZ-900 certification is the optimal start for individuals with no experience and for individuals with a non-technical background looking to enter cloud computing.
For a more career-centric approach, AWS certification is ideal for individuals looking to pivot into more technically demanding roles in the cloud with rapid career growth.
If your aim is a foundational understanding, AZ-900 is a good starting point. On the other hand, AWS certification is preferred on the path to a more lucrative, long-term career in cloud computing. It provides participants with higher-level knowledge and is more likely to result in career advancement.
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