AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (AWS) and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (Microsoft) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| CLF-C02AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | AZ-900Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundational | Fundamentals |
| Exam length | 1h 30m | 0h 45m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~65 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The entry point to the AWS Cloud — four domains, 65 questions, 700/1000 to pass. | Cloud concepts, Azure services, management and governance — the certification that never expires. |
| Free practice | 70 sample questions | 70 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official AWS and Microsoft site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with AWS or Microsoft.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CLF-C02facts as of September 2026 | AZ-900facts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee: $100 Retake: Full exam fee (14-day wait after a failed attempt) Recertification: Every 3 years — 50% voucher for the renewal exam |
Exam fee: $99 (US price; varies by country) Retake: Full exam fee (24-hour wait after the first failed attempt) Recertification: None — Fundamentals certifications do not expire |
| Study time | commonly reported 20–40 hours for candidates new to AWS (AWS publishes no official figure) | commonly reported 15–30 hours; Microsoft Learn's free learning paths are sufficient for most candidates (no official figure) |
| Renewal | AWS certifications are valid for 3 years; renew by passing the latest version of this exam or a higher-level AWS exam (50% recertification voucher), or maintain for 1 year at a time through AWS Skill Builder | none — Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire and have no renewal requirement |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — anyone can register through AWS Training and Certification (Pearson VUE). | No prerequisites — anyone can schedule AZ-900 through Microsoft Learn (Pearson VUE) or, as a student, through Certiport. |
| Body of knowledge | the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Exam Guide and AWS documentation | the Microsoft Learn AZ-900 study guide (skills measured as of July 20, 2026) and Microsoft Learn documentation |
| Full fact pages | CLF-C02 cost · format · eligibility | AZ-900 cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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The entry point to the AWS Cloud — four domains, 65 questions, 700/1000 to pass.
Practice CLF-C02 free → AZ-900Cloud concepts, Azure services, management and governance — the certification that never expires.
Practice AZ-900 free →CLF-C02 (AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) is a AWS foundational credential, while AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) comes from Microsoft (fundamentals). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The CLF-C02 exam runs about 1h 30m with ~65 questions; the AZ-900 exam runs about 0h 45m with ~45 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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