AWS vs Azure vs GCP: Which Cloud Certification Should You Get First?
Compare the big three cloud providers and their entry-level certifications to decide which one is right for your career.
Introduction
Choosing your first cloud certification can be overwhelming. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud all offer compelling certifications, each with unique advantages. This guide will help you make an informed decision.
Market Share Overview (2025)
- AWS: ~32% market share, largest ecosystem
- Azure: ~23% market share, strong enterprise presence
- GCP: ~10% market share, growing rapidly
Entry-Level Certifications Compared
AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
- Cost: $100 USD
- Duration: 90 minutes, 65 questions
- Best for: Those new to cloud, or validating broad AWS knowledge
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
- Cost: $99 USD
- Duration: 45 minutes, 40-60 questions
- Best for: Microsoft ecosystem professionals, enterprise environments
Google Cloud Digital Leader
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
- Cost: $99 USD
- Duration: 90 minutes, 50-60 questions
- Best for: Data-focused roles, modern tech stacks
Decision Framework
Choose AWS If:
- You want the most job opportunities
- You prefer the largest learning community
- Your target companies use AWS (startups, tech companies)
Choose Azure If:
- You work in enterprise/corporate environments
- Your company uses Microsoft 365 or Office
- You have .NET or Windows Server background
Choose GCP If:
- You're interested in data engineering or ML
- You work with Kubernetes extensively
- Your target companies are Google-centric
Our Recommendation
For most beginners: Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner
Why? AWS has the largest market share and most job listings. The skills transfer well to other platforms, and AWS documentation and community resources are extensive.
However, if your current job uses Azure or GCP, start there—practical experience is invaluable.
Career Path Considerations
After your entry-level cert, typical progression is:
- Entry-level (Cloud Practitioner, AZ-900, CDL)
- Associate-level (Solutions Architect, AZ-104, ACE)
- Professional-level (SAP, AZ-305, PCA)
- Specialty certifications (Security, ML, Data)
Conclusion
There's no wrong choice among the big three. The best certification is one you'll actually complete and use. Start with the platform most relevant to your current or target job, then expand from there.
BetaStudy offers practice questions for all three major cloud providers, so you can prepare for whichever certification you choose.