AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Certifications – Which Is Better?

In partnership with

With so many choices available, picking the best cloud platform and certification path can be confusing. In this newsletter, we're here to simplify things by focusing on the "Big 3" - AWS, Azure, and GCP (Google Cloud Platform). Our goal is to offer some guidance if you're feeling unsure or a bit lost. Remember, your personal situation will ultimately guide your decision, but consider this a helpful roadmap if you're uncertain. Let's dive in!

If someone forwarded this email to you, please consider clicking the button below to join 100K+ other cloud professionals on their cloud certification journey!

Also check out our Learn Azure and Learn AWS apps to help pass those exams on the first try.

When exploring cloud certifications, choosing between Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can be intimidating. Each provider offers a range of certifications tailored to different roles and expertise levels, making the decision dependent on your career goals, current skills, and industry relevance. This roadmap provides a detailed comparison, ensuring a thorough understanding to guide your certification path as of Q1 2025.

Beginner/Cloud Practitioner Level

For those new to cloud computing, entry-level certifications are crucial for building foundational knowledge. AWS offers the Amazon Certified Cloud Practitioner, which focuses on understanding cloud concepts and AWS services, making it ideal for beginners or those new to AWS. Similarly, Azure provides the Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals, covering basic cloud concepts and Azure services, suitable for those looking to understand Azure’s ecosystem. Google Cloud, on the other hand, offers the Cloud Digital Leader certification, which is more business-oriented, focusing on how cloud and GCP can benefit organizations rather than technical skills. This makes it less technical compared to AWS and Azure’s offerings, catering to those interested in the business impact of cloud computing.

Table 1: Beginner Level Certifications Comparison

Solutions Architect/Designer Level

For those aiming to design and implement cloud solutions, certifications at the solutions architect level are essential. AWS provides two levels: the Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, which validates the ability to design reliable, efficient, and secure solutions, and the Professional level, which handles complex requirements and optimizations, requiring at least two years of hands-on experience. Azure offers the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, which requires passing the Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) and the AZ-305 exam, focusing on designing comprehensive Azure solutions for experienced architects. Google Cloud’s offering is the Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect, designed for individuals with experience designing and managing solutions using GCP, requiring 3+ years of industry experience including more than 1 year with Google Cloud.

The comparison shows AWS offers a progression from Associate to Professional, while Azure and Google have a single expert-level certification for architects, potentially aligning AWS’s Professional with Azure’s Expert and Google’s Professional Cloud Architect. The choice here depends on your preferred platform and the depth of experience you wish to demonstrate.

Table 2: Solutions Architect Certifications Comparison

Discover 100 Game-Changing Side Hustles for 2025

In today's economy, relying on a single income stream isn't enough. Our expertly curated database gives you everything you need to launch your perfect side hustle.

• Explore vetted opportunities requiring minimal startup costs

• Get detailed breakdowns of required skills and time investment

• Compare potential earnings across different industries

• Access step-by-step launch guides for each opportunity

• Find side hustles that match your current skills

Ready to transform your income?

[Download Now]

Developer Level

For developers, certifications focus on building and maintaining applications on cloud platforms. AWS offers the Amazon Web Services Certified Developer - Associate, requiring at least one year of hands-on experience developing and maintaining applications on AWS. Azure provides the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, which builds and maintains Azure solutions, including web and mobile apps, at a similar Associate level. Google Cloud, however, offers the Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Developer, which is at a Professional level, requiring 3+ years of industry experience including more than 1 year developing applications using GCP, potentially making it more advanced than AWS and Azure’s offerings.

This discrepancy in levels suggests Google’s certification might be more suitable for experienced developers, while AWS and Azure’s Associate levels are for those with some experience, offering a broader entry point for developers.

Table 3: Developer Certifications Comparison

Operations/Administration Level

For operations and administration roles, managing and monitoring cloud solutions is key. AWS offers the Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate and Professional levels, with the Associate managing and operating AWS solutions and the Professional handling complex operations and automation, requiring varying levels of experience. Azure provides the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, focusing on managing Azure solutions including identity, storage, and networking, at an Associate level. Google Cloud offers the Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Operations, for maintaining, managing, and monitoring solutions using GCP, at a Professional level, requiring significant experience.

Here, AWS’s dual-level approach contrasts with Azure’s single Associate level and Google’s Professional level, suggesting AWS offers more progression, while Azure might be more entry-level and Google more advanced for operations roles.

Table 4: Operations/Administration Certifications Comparison

Your daily AI dose

Mindstream is your one-stop shop for all things AI.

How good are we? Well, we become only the second ever newsletter (after the Hustle) to be acquired by HubSpot. Our small team of writers works hard to put out the most enjoyable and informative newsletter on AI around.

It’s completely free, and you’ll get a bunch of free AI resources when you subscribe.

Click here to subscribe

Specialty Certifications

Beyond role-based certifications, all providers offer specialty certifications in areas like security, machine learning, and data analytics, catering to niche expertise. AWS has Specialty certifications in Security, Machine Learning, and others, focusing on deep technical skills. Azure offers Expert certifications in Data Engineer, AI Engineer, and similar, aligning with Microsoft’s ecosystem. Google Cloud provides Specialty certifications in Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and more, often emphasizing cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning.

These specialty certifications allow professionals to stand out in specific domains, with the choice depending on your area of interest and industry demand.

Market Recognition and Career Impact

Research suggests AWS certifications are widely recognized, especially for their depth in technical roles like solutions architects and developers, given AWS’s market leadership. It seems likely that Azure certifications are strong in Microsoft-centric environments, offering good integration with existing IT systems, particularly in enterprises using Microsoft products. The evidence leans toward Google Cloud certifications being ideal for those focused on cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning, given Google’s innovations in these areas.

Salary data and job postings, as of February 2025, indicate all three providers’ certifications can significantly boost career prospects, with AWS often leading in job volume, Azure in enterprise settings, and Google in tech-forward companies. For example, a Professional Cloud Architect from Google might command high salaries in AI-driven firms, while an AWS Solutions Architect Professional is prevalent in general cloud roles.

Recommendation and Final Thoughts

The choice of certification depends on your current skills, career goals, and the cloud platform most relevant to your industry. For beginners, starting with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals provides a solid technical foundation, while Google’s Cloud Digital Leader suits business-focused roles. For experienced professionals, advanced certifications like AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Professional Cloud Architect offer deep expertise, with AWS offering broad technical depth, Azure excelling in Microsoft ecosystems, and Google leading in AI and machine learning.

Always check official resources for the latest details, such as AWS Certifications, Azure Certifications, and Google Cloud Certifications, to ensure alignment with your career path. This comprehensive comparison ensures you can make an informed decision, balancing technical depth, industry demand, and personal aspirations.

And don’t forget to test and validate your knowledge using our Learn Azure and Learn AWS apps to help pass those exams on the first try. Google Cloud coming soon!

Sponsor Us:

Want to reach 100,000+ cloud and data enthusiasts? Sponsor our newsletter and gain valuable exposure for your brand! Send us an email to learn more.