AZ-900 or AWS CLF-C02: Which Is Better for Beginners?

When you are new to cloud computing, you will most likely have encountered two prominent names in the cloud computing community: AZ-900 by Microsoft and Cloud Practitioner by AWS. I get you; I was as confused as you are now. Deciding where to start is not easy. There is a high demand for cloud skills all around, and the entry-level certifications are your ticket to getting into this rapidly expanding sphere. However, the correct choice of it can determine your future career, especially for newcomers with a non-technical background.

In this blog, I will take you through everything I wish I had known when I first began, so that you can make a confident decision when selecting the certification that is right for you in 2025.

Quick Overview of AZ-900 and AWS CCP

The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals- AZ-900 is an entry-level certification. This is the certification that will be most comfortable for you if your workplace already has tools like Microsoft 365, Teams, or Outlook.

Who it’s for:

• Absolute beginners
• Business professionals exploring tech
• Students looking to understand Azure.

What it covers:

• Core cloud concepts
• Azure compute, networking, and storage services.
• Microsoft’s approach to security and governance
• How Azure pricing and SLAs work

The AWS Cloud Practitioner:

This is the first step into the giant cloud ecosystem that AWS provides. It is vendor agnostic when it comes to concepts, but AWS-specific when it comes to examples.

Who it’s for:

• Beginners with or without a technical background
• People working in sales, finance, or marketing who need AWS basics
• Anyone looking to jump into cloud careers via AWS.

What it covers:

• Cloud concepts and architecture
• AWS global infrastructure
• Billing, pricing, and support
• Security and compliance basics

Also read: 10 Tips to Develop an AWS Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

Skill Comparison: What You Learn in Each

AZ-900 provides a clear picture of what cloud computing is and how it operates, particularly in the Microsoft Azure environment. Core Azure services such as virtual machines, storage, networking, security, privacy, and compliance by Microsoft will be learned. It also discusses the way Azure deals with pricing models, SLAs, and subscriptions.

The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification familiarizes you with fundamental AWS services and how you can use them. It describes the global infrastructure of AWS and provides a detailed explanation of the shared responsibility model. You will also become acquainted with such tools as cost calculators, support plans, and the AWS version of security and identity management.

Both are more beginner-friendly and provide you with a reasonable basis, although through the lens of their platforms. That is, of course, so it depends on what cloud ecosystem you want to get to know better.

Either way, do not forget to practice it afterward; the cloud is not a theory, it is about implementing what you have studied in practice.

How should you choose the right cloud cert?

Choose AZ-900 If:

You already work in an organization utilizing Microsoft products like Office 365, Teams, or Azure. It comes in handy when your work is staged around Azure, or you intend to take up the position of Azure Administrator or Solution Architect in the Microsoft environment. So, it simply makes everything more comfortable and familiar.

Choose AWS Cloud Practitioner if:

AWS Cloud Practitioner, on the other hand, will be the more appropriate option should you want to work at your dream company that uses AWS. It also suits nicely when you are still deciding what to pursue and need a platform that can give you access to as many global cloud opportunities as possible.

What are the Market Trends and Insights in 2025?

In recent years, AWS still has the largest share at about 32 percent, with Azure in close second with 24 percent, with a perfect footprint in enterprise and government. In terms of job opportunities, we observe that there are around 2,500 new opportunities in AWS and 1,800 in Azure in India. In the US and UK, there is equal job demand across regions and industries. In addition, cloud jobs are moving into newer areas such as AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity, a factor that makes these certifications even more valuable across industries.

Which One’s Easier for Non-Tech Folks?

AZ-900 is shorter and more organized for laymen than the AWS Cloud Practitioner. AWS CCP, on the other hand, is a bit more technical, yet entry-level. In the matter of validity, the AZ-900 is a pro when it comes to lifetime validity, and no renewal is required, which is a massive bonus in case you want a one-and-done foundation. On the contrary, the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification is only 3 years, and you will have to renew it.

So what’s my take?

Take AZ-900 when you are in an environment of Microsoft tools at work or school, and you need a certification that will not expire. AWS Cloud Practitioner is the best option when you have a long-term cloud career goal at AWS or when you would like to have the flexibility to explore other roles.

And honestly, why not do both AZ-900 and AWS CCP? You get a 360-degree perception of the two platforms.

Conclusion

As I read, getting started in cloud computing in 2025 is a smart move. It is not the cert that counts; it is what you do with the cert. Try hands-on labs, create small projects, and continue learning. The mere fact of spending several hours a week learning about cloud services can bring immense change in developing your confidence and skills in the long run. You are free to explore the cloud world. Got questions? Leave them in the comments.

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