AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (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.
| SAA-C03AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | AZ-900Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Associate | Fundamentals |
| Exam length | 2h 10m | 0h 45m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~65 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 72% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The most-requested cloud certification — secure, resilient, high-performing, cost-optimized designs. | 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.
| SAA-C03facts as of September 2026 | AZ-900facts as of September 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee: $150 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 80–120 hours, less with daily hands-on AWS work (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 | valid for 3 years; renew by passing the latest version of SAA or a Professional-level AWS exam (50% 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 and no required lower-level certification — you can book SAA-C03 directly. | No prerequisites — anyone can schedule AZ-900 through Microsoft Learn (Pearson VUE) or, as a student, through Certiport. |
| Body of knowledge | the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) 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 | SAA-C03 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.
Original, expert-reviewed questions with an explanation for every option. No dumps, no ads.
The most-requested cloud certification — secure, resilient, high-performing, cost-optimized designs.
Practice SAA-C03 free → AZ-900Cloud concepts, Azure services, management and governance — the certification that never expires.
Practice AZ-900 free →SAA-C03 (AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate) is a AWS associate 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 SAA-C03 exam runs about 2h 10m 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.
Yes. ExamDeck offers free sample questions in full study mode for both SAA-C03 and AZ-900, with an explanation for every option. No credit card required.
Try SAA-C03 or AZ-900 practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.
Start free →