AWS vs Azure: Which Cloud Certification in 2026?

Both are excellent — the right pick depends on your target employers. Here's how AWS and Azure certifications compare.

Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by the Traincrest training team. Exam fees change — always confirm current figures on the official certification body's website.

In short: AWS leads global cloud market share (~30%) with Azure close behind (~25%) and growing faster; entry exams cost about the same — AWS Cloud Practitioner ~$100 and Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 ~$99 (sometimes free via a Microsoft Virtual Training Day). Choose AWS for the broadest market, Azure if you'll work with Microsoft-heavy employers. These are estimates; confirm on the official sites.

Market share (2026)

Analyst estimates put global cloud-infrastructure share at roughly AWS ~30%, Microsoft Azure ~25% and Google Cloud ~13%. AWS is the largest; Azure is growing faster and is common in organisations already using Microsoft 365 and Windows.

Entry certifications & cost

Cert	Approx. exam fee (USD)
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner	~$100
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)	~$99 (can be free via Microsoft Virtual Training Day)

Entry certs are door-openers; salary is driven more by associate/professional-level certs and hands-on experience.

How to choose

Choose AWS if you want the broadest job market and the largest ecosystem.
Choose Azure if you'll work with Microsoft-centric enterprises (365, Windows Server, Active Directory).
Not sure? Either fundamentals cert is a safe start — you can add the other later.

Explore the AWS certification guide, the Azure certification path, or browse AWS and Azure courses.

Frequently asked questions

Is AWS or Azure better to learn in 2026?

Both are strong. AWS has the largest market share and job market; Azure is common in Microsoft-heavy enterprises and is growing fast. Pick based on your target employers.

How much do the entry cloud exams cost?

AWS Cloud Practitioner is about $100 and Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) about $99 (sometimes free via a Microsoft Virtual Training Day). Confirm on the official sites.

Can I learn both AWS and Azure?

Yes. Many professionals start with one fundamentals certification and add the other later, since core cloud concepts overlap.

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