AWS Certification vs. Azure - Which Is Better for Your Cloud Career? (2024)

The cloud computing industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, with AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Azure (Microsoft Azure) leading the market. Professionals seeking a career in cloud technology often face the dilemma of choosing between AWS certification vs Azure. In this article, we’ll compare AWS and Azure certifications in terms of difficulty, demand among employers, career and salary prospects, and provide insights on whether you should learn AWS or Azure.

AWS vs. Azure Certification: Which is Harder to Obtain?

The complexity of obtaining AWS or Azure certification largely depends on the nature of their respective exams. AWS certifications typically consist of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. These exams test your knowledge on a wide range of AWS services and solutions, and they require a thorough understanding of AWS architecture and best practices. The format is straightforward, but the questions can be quite detailed and scenario-based, demanding a deep understanding of the platform.

In contrast, Azure certifications encompass a broader variety of question types, including case studies, drag-and-drop activities, and the ability to reorder steps in a process. This diverse question format not only assesses your theoretical knowledge but also your practical skills in applying Azure solutions to real-world scenarios. The inclusion of case studies, for instance, requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex information and make informed decisions, reflecting real-life challenges in cloud computing.

This difference in examination styles means that AWS exams might be more predictable in format but no less challenging in content, whereas Azure exams require a more versatile approach to problem-solving and application. Therefore, the difficulty of either certification depends on your learning style and familiarity with each platform’s tools and services.

Ultimately, both AWS and Azure certifications demand rigorous preparation and a solid understanding of cloud technologies. The choice between AWS certification vs Azure certification should align with your career goals and the specific cloud services that resonate most with your professional aspirations.

AWS Certification vs. Azure: Which is More In-Demand Among Employers?

When discussing AWS vs Azure, which is better for career prospects, it’s crucial to understand what employers are looking for. AWS holds the largest share in the cloud market, leading to a higher demand for AWS-certified professionals. However, Azure is rapidly growing and gaining traction, especially among enterprises that rely heavily on Microsoft products.

Employers often seek candidates with certifications that align with their specific cloud infrastructure. AWS certifications are generally more sought after in startups and tech companies, while Azure certifications are more in-demand in large enterprises and organizations with existing Microsoft infrastructure.

AWS or Azure Certification: Career and Salary Prospects

Both AWS and Azure certifications can lead to lucrative career opportunities. AWS-certified professionals often find roles as Solutions Architects, DevOps Engineers, and SysOps Administrators. Azure-certified individuals are typically sought for positions like Cloud Architects, Administrators, and Developers.

In terms of salary, AWS-certified professionals can expect a slightly higher pay scale due to the broader usage and adoption of AWS services. However, Azure-certified professionals also command competitive salaries, especially in companies with a strong Microsoft focus.

Holding an AWS or Azure certification can significantly impact your career and salary prospects. Let’s look at some average salaries for roles typically associated with each certification. It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific employer.

AWS Certification Salaries

• AWS Solutions Architect: The average salary for an AWS Solutions Architect is typically around $130,000 per year. This role involves designing and implementing scalable systems and services on AWS.
• AWS DevOps Engineer: An AWS DevOps Engineer can expect an average salary of about $120,000 per year. These professionals are responsible for automating and managing the deployment process of applications on AWS.
• AWS SysOps Administrator: The average annual salary for an AWS SysOps Administrator is approximately $110,000. They focus on operational aspects, including managing and monitoring AWS environments.

Azure Certification Salaries

• Azure Cloud Architect: For an Azure Cloud Architect, the average salary is about $130,000 per year. This role involves designing cloud services and architecture using Microsoft Azure.
• Azure Administrator: An Azure Administrator earns an average salary of around $105,000 per year. Their primary responsibilities include implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure solutions.
• Azure Developer: The average annual salary for an Azure Developer is approximately $115,000. These professionals develop and implement cloud applications on the Azure platform.

While these salary ranges offer a general idea, remember that continuous learning and gaining hands-on experience can lead to even higher salary potential in both AWS and Azure roles. Whether you opt for AWS certification vs Azure certification, both paths can lead to rewarding and well-compensated careers in the cloud computing field.

Should You Learn AWS or Azure?

Deciding whether to learn AWS or Azure depends on various factors, including your career goals, the specific needs of employers in your industry, and your existing technical background. To help you get started, here are some beginner certifications from each platform:

Starting with AWS:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: This is an entry-level certification ideal for beginners. It covers the basic concepts of AWS cloud, including its core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support. It’s a great way to gain a foundational understanding of AWS.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: After obtaining the Cloud Practitioner certification, this is a natural next step. It focuses on designing distributed systems and solutions on AWS, offering a deeper dive into AWS services and best practices.

Starting with Azure:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): This entry-level certification is perfect for those new to cloud computing or Azure. It covers cloud concepts, Azure services, Azure workloads, security and privacy in Azure, as well as Azure pricing and support.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104): Once you’ve grasped the basics, this certification is a logical next step. It’s designed for those managing cloud services that span storage, security, networking, and compute cloud capabilities in Azure.

Both AWS and Azure offer a path for growth and specialization. Starting with these certifications can open doors to more advanced certifications and specialized roles within each ecosystem. Whether you choose AWS or Azure, investing in certification can significantly enhance your career in cloud computing.

Conclusion

When comparing AWS certification vs Azure, it’s clear that both have their merits and can lead to successful careers in cloud computing. Whether you choose AWS or Azure certification, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in cloud computing is crucial for a thriving career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cloud certification should I pursue first if I am a complete beginner?

If you are a complete beginner, you might consider starting with entry-level certifications like the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). Both certifications provide a foundational understanding of their respective cloud platforms, covering basic concepts, core services, and cloud architecture, making them ideal starting points for your cloud journey.

What are the main differences between AWS and Azure certification exams?

AWS certification exams typically feature multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, focusing on a wide range of services and best practices. Azure certification exams, however, include a variety of question types such as case studies, drag-and-drop activities, and step reordering. This diversity requires a broader range of problem-solving and practical skills, whereas AWS exams are more predictable in format but equally challenging in content.

Are there any prerequisites for taking AWS or Azure certifications?

Most AWS and Azure certifications do not have formal prerequisites, but foundational knowledge and hands-on experience are highly recommended. For entry-level certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), basic understanding of cloud concepts is sufficient. Advanced certifications may require more in-depth knowledge and experience with specific services and practices.

What is the long-term value of each certification in terms of career advancement and skill development?

In terms of long-term value, both AWS and Azure certifications can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. AWS is currently more popular, with a larger market share, but Azure is also growing and is preferred by some organizations for its integration with Microsoft products.

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