AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud: Which Certification Should You Get First?
Comparing AWS, Azure, and GCP certifications to help you decide which cloud platform to certify in first based on your career goals.
The Big Three Cloud Platforms
If you're starting a cloud career, you've probably asked yourself: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud? All three offer certifications, all three are in demand, and all three can lead to well-paying jobs.
Here's how to decide.
Market Share and Job Demand
As of 2026, the cloud market breaks down roughly like this:
- AWS: ~31% market share, largest ecosystem
- Microsoft Azure: ~25% market share, growing fast in enterprise
- Google Cloud (GCP): ~11% market share, strong in data and AI
What this means for jobs: AWS certifications appear in the most job postings. Azure is dominant in companies that use Microsoft (which is most enterprises). GCP is valued at tech-forward companies and for data/ML roles.
Entry-Level Certifications Compared
AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $100
- Best for: Complete beginners, non-technical roles
- Study time: 2-4 weeks
- Key strength: Most widely recognized entry cert
Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $99
- Best for: Anyone working in a Microsoft shop
- Study time: 2-3 weeks
- Key strength: Free training available from Microsoft Learn
Google Cloud Digital Leader
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $99
- Best for: Those interested in data, AI, or modern tech stacks
- Study time: 2-3 weeks
- Key strength: Covers AI/ML concepts more than others
How to Choose
Choose AWS if:
- You want the most job opportunities overall
- You're targeting startups or tech companies
- You're unsure and want the safest bet
- You plan to freelance or consult
Choose Azure if:
- Your company (or target companies) use Microsoft products
- You're in a large enterprise environment
- You have a .NET or Windows background
- You want to combine with Microsoft 365 skills
Choose Google Cloud if:
- You're interested in data engineering or machine learning
- You want to work at tech-forward companies
- You value modern, developer-friendly tools
- You're already using Kubernetes (GKE is excellent)
Our Recommendation
Start with AWS Cloud Practitioner if you have no preference. It has the broadest recognition, the most study resources, and the largest job market. Once you have it, you can always add Azure or GCP later.
If your employer uses Azure, go with AZ-900 — it directly applies to your work and your company may even pay for it.
If you're in data or ML, Google Cloud Digital Leader gives you an edge in that niche.
The Real Answer: Get More Than One
The cloud-certified professionals who earn the most don't pick one platform — they get certified in two or three. Start with one, get comfortable, then expand.
Most people follow this path:
- Entry-level cert (Cloud Practitioner, AZ-900, or Digital Leader)
- Associate-level cert (Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, or Cloud Engineer)
- Specialty or cross-platform (Security, DevOps, or add a second platform)
Start Practicing
CertBase has practice exams for all three platforms. Pick your starting point and begin: