AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) vs Salesforce Certified Administrator
| Factor | ✅ AWS Cloud Practitioner | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Salesforce Certified Administrator | Dell Technologies Certified Associate - Cloud Infrastructure | CCA-V - Citrix Certified Associate - Virtualization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft | Salesforce | Dell Technologies | Citrix |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Exam Cost | $100 | $99 | $200 | $230 | $200 |
| Pass Rate | 75% | 78% | 65% | 70% | 70% |
| Avg Salary | $90K–$115K | $85K–$105K | $75K–$100K | $75K–$100K | $75K–$100K |
| Difficulty |
Moderate
★★★☆☆
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Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
| Best For | IT professionals, developers, and business stakeholders new to cloud computing. | Anyone looking to understand Azure fundamentals — developers, admins, sales team… | CRM administrators, business analysts, and IT professionals managing Salesforce … | IT professionals beginning work with Dell Technologies infrastructure products.… | IT professionals implementing and managing Citrix virtual desktop solutions.… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at aws.amazon.com | Check microsoft.com | Check salesforce.com | Check dell.com/certification | Check citrix.com/education |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require Amazon Web Services credentials, or you're already working within the Amazon Web Services ecosystem. The AWS Cloud Practitioner carries the strongest recognition among Amazon Web Services customers and partners, and its salary premium of $90K–$115K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) if…
You're targeting organisations in the Microsoft ecosystem, or the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $85K–$105K. Entry point into Microsoft Azure cloud. No technical background needed. Validates core cloud and Azu…
Full Guide →Consider Salesforce Certified Administrator if…
You're targeting organisations in the Salesforce ecosystem, or the Salesforce Certified Administrator is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $75K–$100K. The most popular Salesforce certification. Validates skills in managing Salesforce CRM including use…
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — AWS Cloud Practitioner
Strengths
- ✓Issued by Amazon Web Services — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Cloud Computing
- ✓Salary premium of $90K–$115K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $100 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 5 core domains including: Cloud concepts, AWS core services, Security basics
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 75% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Entry-level — pairs best with parallel practical experience
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at aws.amazon.com
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →