Microsoft Certifications vs AWS and Google Cloud Certifications: Which One to Choose?
If you’re an IT pro, developer, or just someone trying to break into the cloud world, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I get certified in Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud?”
It’s a great question and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry we’ll break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand (and actually helpful!).
☁️ First, Why Do Cloud Certifications Matter?
Cloud certifications are more than just shiny badges for your LinkedIn. In 2025, they’re essential for:
• Proving your skills to employers
• Landing higher-paying roles
• Switching into cloud-focused careers
• Keeping up with rapidly evolving tech
Whether it’s Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, cloud platforms power everything from startups to Fortune 500s. So certifications? They matter a lot.
�� The Big Three: A Quick Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the major players:
Each one has strengths. Let’s dive deeper.
�� Microsoft Certifications (Azure)
�� Best For:
• Professionals working in Microsoft-centric environments
• Enterprises using tools like Microsoft 365, Teams, or Dynamics 365
• Hybrid cloud setups (on-prem + cloud)
�� Popular Certifications:
• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
• AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
• AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• SC-200: Security Operations Analyst
✅ Why Choose Microsoft:
• Strong enterprise presence
• Seamless integration with Microsoft tools
• Great for sysadmins, security analysts, and data engineers
• Certifications follow a role-based structure (easy to follow)
�� Real-World Use Case:
If your company uses Active Directory, Office 365, or SharePoint Microsoft
Azure is your go-to.
�� AWS Certifications
�� Best For:
• Cloud engineers, architects, and DevOps pros
• Companies running large-scale cloud infrastructure
• Freelancers or consultants working with multiple clients
�� Popular Certifications:
• CLF-C02: AWS Cloud Practitioner
• SAA-C03: Solutions Architect Associate
• SOA-C02: SysOps Administrator
• DVA-C02: Developer Associate
✅ Why Choose AWS:
• Largest market share and broadest adoption
• Most mature platform with vast services
• Highly respected in the tech industry
• Ideal for high-scale, performance-driven projects
�� Real-World Use Case:
If you’re building or managing large cloud-native apps AWS is king.
�� Google Cloud Certifications (GCP)
�� Best For:
• Data scientists and machine learning engineers
• Developers building with Kubernetes or open-source tools
• Teams focused on big data or AI/ML
�� Popular Certifications:
• Cloud Digital Leader
• Associate Cloud Engineer
• Professional Data Engineer
• Professional Cloud Architect
✅ Why Choose Google Cloud:
• Best-in-class for data, AI/ML, and analytics
• Strong integration with TensorFlow, BigQuery, and Kubernetes
• Gaining traction in academic and research sectors
�� Real-World Use Case:
If you’re working in AI, data engineering, or startup tech stacks GCP is a smart bet.
�� What About Salary Potential?
Good news: All three cloud providers offer certifications that boost your earning potential.
Here’s what certified professionals earn on average in 2025:
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate: ~$130,000
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: ~$125,000
• Google Professional Cloud Architect: ~$135,000
The differences aren’t massive what matters more is which platform your target employers use.
�� So, Which One Should You Choose?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Where do you work (or want to work)?
• Microsoft stack? Go Azure.
• Cloud-native app dev? AWS.
• AI/data science focused? GCP.
2. What role are you targeting?
• Admin/Security/Compliance? → Azure
• Developer/Architect/DevOps? → AWS
• Data/ML/Analytics? → GCP
3. What ecosystem are you comfortable with?
• If you’re already familiar with Microsoft tools, Azure has a gentle learning curve.
�� Final Thoughts
In the end, there’s no wrong answer just the right one for you
• Microsoft certifications are great for enterprise IT roles.
• AWS certs are excellent for developers and architects.
• Google Cloud shines in data and AI.
Pick one based on your goals, then go deep.
And remember cross-certifying later is always an option.
�� Ready to take the next step?
Start with a fundamentals-level cert, explore hands-on labs, and join a community of cloud learners!