Ultimate Guide: How to Choose Between Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Certifications
Cloud certifications are not an option anymore, they are becoming the keys to some of the most sought-after tech jobs on the market. Microsoft Azure Certifications, AWS Certifications, and Google Cloud Certifications are increasingly being considered as Industry standards for cloud-based Careers.
Choosing the right one can be difficult, especially if you are just beginning your cloud career journey and are wondering whether you should take the AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam, continue with the Microsoft AZ-900, or the Google Cloud Digital Leader certification.
This guide outlines the major distinctions of each certification and provides the exam details, how you can benefit from it, what jobs are available after taking it, and the long game involved in making a career out of it.
Table of Contents
Why Cloud Certifications Are Important
Organizations are spending a lot of money all around the globe to use cloud computing technologies. Whether it be hosting applications or managing AI technology, cloud-based platforms are the backbone of IT today. As such, employers are now expecting candidates to have at least some form of cloud knowledge that is embedded in their skill set.
Cloud certifications are a great way to demonstrate that you understand cloud concepts and can put them into practice. Consider taking AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exams, Microsoft AZ-900 mock exams, or Google Cloud Digital Leader practice tests before taking the real exam.
Practice core topics like :
- Cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Billing and pricing models
- Core service use cases (compute, storage, networking)
- Security and compliance
- Cost management
Certifications do not just give credibility to your cloud concept skills and practical understanding, but they will help you prepare better—especially if you practice with tools like the AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam, Microsoft AZ-900 mock exams, or Google Cloud Digital Leader practice tests while unlocking higher salaries and more job opportunities.
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
The AZ-900 is Microsoft’s entry-level credential designed for candidates looking to learn about cloud basics. The AZ-900 certification does not have any experience requirements, making it a good fit for both technical and non-technical professionals.
- Exam Code: AZ-900
- Length: 45–60 minutes
- Questions: 40–60
- Format: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, case studies
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Cost: Approximately $99
The AZ-900 does focus on concepts like cloud model, security, compliance, cost management, and Azure services. This is a great option if your organization currently uses Microsoft products. Many candidates preparing for Azure exams also build exam stamina with resources similar to the aws cloud practitioner practice exam, which helps them get used to cloud certification question styles.
AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) is one of the most recognized entry-level, beginner cloud certifications in the world. The AWS Cloud Practitioner is optimal for anyone who wants to learn AWS services, regardless of whether the professional is a technical professional, a project manager, or a business leader.
- Exam Code: CLF-C02
- Length: 90 minutes
- Questions: 65
- Format: Multiple-choice, multiple-response
- Passing Score: 700/1000
- Cost: $100
This certification exam includes AWS global infrastructure, pricing and billing, basic services, and security best practices. This is relevant because AWS is still the lead in global market share for public cloud. Many of the candidates who study for this credential use an AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam to get familiar with the question styles and difficulty before taking the exam.
Google Cloud Digital Leader
Google Cloud Digital Leader certification is an entry-level cloud exam from Google. It is for professionals who want to understand how Google cloud services deliver digital transformation in business.
- Exam Code: GCP-CDL
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: 50–60
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: ~70%
- Cost: $99 – $200
In contrast to Azure and AWS, this exam focuses more on business value, cloud transformation strategies, and data-driven services. This exam is best for consultants, sales staff, and business managers. Most learners preparing for Google Cloud exams still use practice tests – just as they would use an AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam to ensure they understand the expectations of the exam.
Google Cloud Digital Leader
Feature | Microsoft AZ-900 | AWS Cloud Practitioner | Google Cloud Digital Leader |
Provider | Microsoft Azure | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud Platform |
Duration | 45–60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Questions | 40–60 | 65 | 50–60 |
Focus | Azure services | AWS services, pricing | Business, cloud strategy |
Cost | $99 | $100 | $99–$200 |
Best For | Microsoft roles | Global AWS careers | Consulting/data solutions |
Job Roles That Benefit from These Certifications
These entry-level certifications qualify you for entry-level roles in cloud and IT kinds of job roles, including:
Cloud Support Associate – Helping users with issues and handling service requests
IT Administrator – Managing cloud-enabled infrastructures
Sales Engineer / Consultant – Articulating the technical benefits to customers
Business Analyst – Auditing and advising on cost control and cloud adoption
Junior Developer / Data Engineer – Building applications using cloud platforms
Some studies indicate cloud cloud-certified professionals usually earn higher salaries than non-certified individuals and usually have more career durability. Using resources like an AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam, Microsoft AZ-900 mock exams, and Google Cloud Digital Leader practice tests can make the process a little easier and more effective when it comes time to prepare and study.
Career Advancement After Each Certification
After AZ-900: Move to role-based certifications, such as Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Azure Security Engineer, or Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305).
After AWS Cloud Practitioner: Move into AWS Solutions Architect Associate, AWS Developer Associate, or AWS SysOps Administrator.
After Google Cloud Digital Leader: Move into Associate Cloud Engineer or Professional Data Engineer. For more information on exam resources visit GCP Cloud Digital Leader (GCP-CDL) .
Practice tests – such as the AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam simulators, Microsoft AZ-900 mock exams, and Google Cloud Digital Leader practice sets – are essential in developing learners‘ foundations and moving into advanced cloud certifications.
Ready to Lead in the Cloud Era?
The future of cloud computing is already here, and certifications are your ticket into the ecosystem. Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud present the ultimate ecosystems, but it’s difficult to demonstrate skills without any certified skills in a competitive environment. As AI requires imagery to showcase value, as a cloud professional, you need certifications to showcase credibility.
In 2025 and beyond, certified technical professionals working in the cloud space will be the trusted leaders steering digital transformation. You can start anywhere with Microsoft, AWS or Google Cloud, but what matters is that you are able to translate your knowledge into tangible, certified skills. One of the best ways to build this foundation is to regularly test yourself with resources like the AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam, Microsoft AZ-900 mock exams or Google Cloud Digital Leader practice tests, which reinforces your understanding and boosts exam confidence.”
Build cloud skills, unlock opportunities!
Do you want to turn your Cloud Learning into a world of opportunities?
Advance your career with industry-ready cloud certifications. Get into immersive training at Certify360, learn from the experts, and practice with live-style exams for the Google Cloud Digital Leader certification to gain certifications that will illuminate your resume.
FAQs
Q1. What cloud certification should beginners take first?
If your company uses Microsoft products, start with AZ-900. If you want worldwide recognition, take AWS Cloud Practitioner. If you are in a business-focused role, then a Google Cloud Digital Leader certification will be valuable.
Q2. Will I need technical experience to take these certifications?
No, all three certifications (AZ-900, AWS Cloud Practitioner, GCP-CDL) are beginner certifications, and are intended for individuals with no experience. It is easy to prepare with tools like an AWS Cloud Practitioner practice exam.
Q3. What certification is in the most demand?
AWS Cloud Practitioner is the most widely recognized, but Azure and Google Cloud are growing in demand, especially within enterprises.
