AZ-900 and CLF-C02 solve the same problem for two different ecosystems: prove you understand what cloud computing is, how billing and shared responsibility work, and how to talk about core services without pretending to be an expert engineer yet.
Neither exam requires you to write code or deploy infrastructure. The real decision is which vendor language will show up first in your job search, your current employer, or the projects you plan to build next.
At a glance
| Question | AZ-900 | CLF-C02 |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Beginners targeting Microsoft-centered roles or teams | Beginners targeting AWS-centered roles or teams |
| Primary platform language | Azure services, Microsoft 365 integration, Entra ID, governance basics | AWS core services, shared responsibility, billing, and global infrastructure |
| Hands-on center of gravity | Conceptual: pricing, SLAs, compliance, core Azure service categories | Conceptual: pricing, support plans, core AWS service categories |
| Good prior background | Any familiarity with Microsoft business tools or Windows environments | Any familiarity with general IT, networking, or AWS console exposure |
| Choose it when | Your next job, team, or roadmap is Azure-first | Your next job, team, or roadmap is AWS-first |
| Do not choose it when | You need this to prove hands-on engineering skill by itself | You need this to prove hands-on engineering skill by itself |
When AZ-900 fits better than CLF-C02
AZ-900 is the stronger starting point if your target employer, current team, or learning roadmap is Microsoft-centered. The official Microsoft Learn training frames it around cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing, support, and governance rather than deep technical implementation.
If you already use Microsoft 365, Windows Server, or plan to move toward Azure administrator, security, or AI roles next, AZ-900 gives you shared vocabulary you will reuse in every follow-on Azure exam and roadmap on PrepKloud.
Why it wins for Microsoft-centered teams
The terminology and service categories map directly onto AZ-104, AZ-500, and Azure AI paths you may take next.
What good preparation looks like
Connect each Azure service category to a real scenario: identity, storage, compute, networking, and governance.
What weak preparation looks like
Memorizing service names without understanding shared responsibility, pricing models, or support tiers.
When CLF-C02 fits better than AZ-900
CLF-C02 makes more sense when your target environment is AWS-centered. The official AWS certification page frames it around cloud concepts, security, technology, and billing/pricing across the AWS platform. It is designed for anyone who needs cloud fluency before a technical AWS role, not only engineers.
Decision questions to ask before you choose
| If this is your reality... | Better first choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Your target job postings mention Azure, Microsoft 365, or Entra ID | AZ-900 | The vocabulary and service categories will match what interviewers and roadmaps expect next. |
| Your target job postings mention EC2, S3, or AWS-native architecture | CLF-C02 | You will reuse this foundation directly in AWS SAA-C03 or other AWS role-based paths. |
| You are cloud-neutral and want broad literacy | Either, or both over time | Fundamentals exams are low-risk; sequencing depends on which job posting appears first. |
| You already have hands-on project experience | Skip straight to a role-based exam | Fundamentals exams add little once you can already demonstrate practical skill. |
What portfolio evidence makes these certifications believable
Fundamentals exams alone rarely impress hiring managers. Pair either credential with one small, documented project that shows you can navigate the console, understand cost, and explain a basic architecture decision.
| Certification | High-value project pattern | Evidence that matters |
|---|---|---|
| AZ-900 | A documented walkthrough of an Azure free-tier resource group with cost and cleanup notes | Screenshots, cost estimate, and a short explanation of shared responsibility |
| CLF-C02 | A documented walkthrough of an AWS free-tier service with billing alarms configured | Screenshots, billing alarm setup, and a short explanation of support plan tiers |
Common comparison mistakes
- Treating a fundamentals badge as proof of hands-on engineering skill.
- Choosing the exam based on which one has more discount codes instead of your target job market.
- Skipping the free official training material and going straight to third-party question banks.
- Not following up with a role-based certification once you know your target platform.
- Assuming the exam never changes; recheck the official page before scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Is AZ-900 easier than CLF-C02?
Both are entry-level exams with no formal prerequisites. Difficulty depends more on which vendor language you already recognize than the exam itself. Someone who has used Azure services will find AZ-900 more familiar; someone who has touched AWS consoles will find CLF-C02 more familiar.
Should I take both AZ-900 and CLF-C02?
Taking both can help if you are cloud-neutral and want breadth, or if your employer or target employer uses both platforms. If you only need one credential to start building projects, pick the platform tied to your target job postings or current employer stack.
Do AZ-900 or CLF-C02 expire?
Check the official Microsoft and AWS certification pages before you register, since renewal cycles and exam versions can change. This comparison reflects publicly documented exam guidance at the time of writing and should be reverified before you schedule.
First-party sources
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/exams/az-900/
- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/courses/az-900t00
- https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-cloud-practitioner/
- https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certification-prep-for-cloud-practitioner/
Source status last checked 2026-09-21. Providers can update objectives, pricing, dates, and policies after publication.