AWS vs Azure vs GCP Certifications
Complete comparison of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certification paths. Which cloud platform certification should you choose in 2025?
AWS Certifications
Amazon Web Services
Azure Certifications
Microsoft
Google Cloud Certifications
Google Cloud
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | AWS Certifications | Azure Certifications | Google Cloud Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational to Specialty | Fundamentals to Expert | Associate to Professional |
| Exam Duration | 90-180 minutes | 60-180 minutes | 120-180 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $100-$300 USD | $99-$165 USD | $125-$200 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice, labs | Multiple choice, case studies |
| Prerequisites | Varies by level | Varies by level | Varies by level |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 1 year (renewal) | 2 years |
| Ideal For | Largest cloud market share (32%) | Enterprise and hybrid cloud (23% market share) | Data/ML focus, startup-friendly (10% market share) |
| Salary Range | $120,000 - $200,000 | $115,000 - $190,000 | $125,000 - $195,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
AWS Certifications Focus Areas
- Compute
- Storage
- Database
- Networking
- Security
- DevOps
Azure Certifications Focus Areas
- Azure Services
- Microsoft 365
- Dynamics
- Power Platform
- Security
Google Cloud Certifications Focus Areas
- BigQuery
- Kubernetes
- ML/AI
- Data Engineering
- DevOps
Our Recommendation
AWS leads in market share, Azure in enterprise, GCP in data/ML. Choose based on your target job market.
Choose AWS Certifications
Choose AWS for maximum job opportunities and startup environments.
Choose Azure Certifications
Choose Azure for enterprise or GCP for data engineering/ML focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: AWS Certifications or Azure Certifications?
AWS leads in market share, Azure in enterprise, GCP in data/ML. Choose based on your target job market.
What are the salary differences between AWS Certifications?
AWS Certifications typically offers salaries around $120,000 - $200,000, while Azure Certifications offers $115,000 - $190,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose AWS for maximum job opportunities and startup environments. Choose Azure for enterprise or GCP for data engineering/ML focus.
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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