Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) vs AWS Cloud Practitioner vs Salesforce Certified Administrator
| Factor | ✅ Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Salesforce Certified Administrator | Dell Technologies Certified Associate - Cloud Infrastructure | CCA-V - Citrix Certified Associate - Virtualization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Microsoft | Amazon Web Services | Salesforce | Dell Technologies | Citrix |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Exam Cost | $99 | $100 | $200 | $230 | $200 |
| Pass Rate | 78% | 75% | 65% | 70% | 70% |
| Avg Salary | $85K–$105K | $90K–$115K | $75K–$100K | $75K–$100K | $75K–$100K |
| Difficulty |
Moderate
★★★☆☆
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Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
| Best For | Anyone looking to understand Azure fundamentals — developers, admins, sales teams. | IT professionals, developers, and business stakeholders new to cloud computing.… | 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 microsoft.com | Check aws.amazon.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 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require Microsoft credentials, or you're already working within the Microsoft ecosystem. The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) carries the strongest recognition among Microsoft customers and partners, and its salary premium of $85K–$105K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider AWS Cloud Practitioner if…
You're targeting organisations in the Amazon Web Services ecosystem, or the AWS Cloud Practitioner is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $90K–$115K. Foundational AWS certification. Zero experience required. Best entry point into cloud computing care…
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 — Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Strengths
- ✓Issued by Microsoft — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Cloud Computing
- ✓Salary premium of $85K–$105K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $99 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 5 core domains including: Cloud concepts, Azure services overview, Pricing & support
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 78% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Entry-level — pairs best with parallel practical experience
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at microsoft.com
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →