AWS Database Specialty vs Azure Database Administrator
Compare AWS Database Specialty and Azure Database Administrator certifications for cloud database roles.
AWS Database - Specialty
Amazon Web Services
Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Database - Specialty | Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Specialty | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $300 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | 65 questions | 40-60 questions + labs |
| Prerequisites | 5+ years database experience | None (SQL experience recommended) |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 1 year (renewal) |
| Ideal For | Database specialists managing AWS databases | DBAs transitioning to Azure cloud |
| Salary Range | $130,000 - $175,000 | $110,000 - $155,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Database - Specialty Focus Areas
- RDS
- Aurora
- DynamoDB
- Redshift
- ElastiCache
- Migration
Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) Focus Areas
- Azure SQL
- Cosmos DB
- High Availability
- Security
- Performance
Our Recommendation
AWS covers broader database services; Azure focuses on SQL Server migration.
Choose AWS Database - Specialty
Choose AWS for variety of database engines and NoSQL experience.
Choose Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)
Choose Azure for SQL Server expertise and Microsoft ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Database - Specialty or Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300)?
AWS covers broader database services; Azure focuses on SQL Server migration.
What are the salary differences between AWS Database - Specialty?
AWS Database - Specialty typically offers salaries around $130,000 - $175,000, while Azure Database Administrator Associate (DP-300) offers $110,000 - $155,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS for variety of database engines and NoSQL experience. Choose Azure for SQL Server expertise and Microsoft ecosystem.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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