AWS Solutions Architect vs Azure Solutions Architect
Compare AWS Certified Solutions Architect and Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert certifications. Which cloud architect certification is right for your career?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate | Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Expert |
| Exam Duration | 130 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $150 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice, multiple answer | Multiple choice, case studies, labs |
| Prerequisites | 1+ year AWS experience recommended | AZ-104 or equivalent experience |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 1 year (annual renewal) |
| Ideal For | Cloud architects designing AWS solutions | Enterprise architects on Azure |
| Salary Range | $130,000 - $180,000 | $135,000 - $185,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Focus Areas
- EC2
- S3
- VPC
- IAM
- RDS
- Lambda
- CloudFormation
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert Focus Areas
- Azure AD
- Virtual Networks
- Storage
- Compute
- Governance
- Security
Our Recommendation
Both are excellent cloud architect certifications. AWS has larger market share while Azure dominates enterprise.
Choose AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Choose AWS if you work with startups, tech companies, or AWS-heavy environments.
Choose Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Choose Azure if you work in enterprise environments or with Microsoft technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert?
Both are excellent cloud architect certifications. AWS has larger market share while Azure dominates enterprise.
What are the salary differences between AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate typically offers salaries around $130,000 - $180,000, while Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert offers $135,000 - $185,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS if you work with startups, tech companies, or AWS-heavy environments. Choose Azure if you work in enterprise environments or with Microsoft technologies.
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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