MICROSOFT AZURE CERTIFICATIONS
Microsoft Azure Certifications: Complete Guide to All Certifications & Learning Paths
Microsoft offers a confusing variety of Azure certifications: Azure Fundamentals, Associate, Expert and Specialty, and you're not sure where to start? Use this guide to see all major Azure certifications, their learning path, and compare these certs to AWS to create a cloud career plan instead of making it up as you go.
Quick Answers
The AWS Cloud Practitioner exam (CLF-C02) is a 90-minute, 65-question, foundational-level exam testing your understanding of AWS Cloud concepts, security, technology, and billing. It costs $100 (~₹8,300), requires no prerequisites, and is scored out of 1,000, with 700 needed to pass. It is the recommended starting point before Solutions Architect, Developer, or SysOps certifications, and is widely accepted by recruiters as proof you understand cloud fundamentals.
Key Takeaways
There are four levels of Azure certifications: Fundamentals, Associate, Expert, and Specialty.
For absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge of Azure, the most appropriate course to start with is AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals), which never expires.
Associate, Expert and Specialty Certifications are valid for one year, but are renewable for free.
The decision between choosing Azure vs. AWS should be based on the cloud environment where your intended industry or employer is most active.
Most Azure certifications have a passing score of 700 of 1000.
Exam Structure and Domains
The CLF-C02 exam consists of 65 questions (50 scored, 15 unscored for AWS research) delivered as multiple-choice and multiple-response formats, to be completed in 90 minutes. It is available online or at a testing center in multiple languages. The exam is divided into four domains: Cloud Concepts (24%), Security and Compliance (30%), Cloud Technology and Services (34%), and Billing, Pricing, and Support (12%). This weighting tells you exactly where to focus — Security and Technology together make up nearly two-thirds of the exam, so candidates worried about "where do I even start studying" should prioritize IAM, shared responsibility model, core services (EC2, S3, VPC, Lambda), and AWS pricing models before anything else.
Key Concepts Candidates Must Understand
The CLF-C02 exam is 65 questions (50 scored; 15 unscored for AWS research) with multiple-choice and multiple response questions, and a test time of 90 minutes. It can be taken online or at a test centre, in various languages. The exam consists of four domains: Cloud Concepts (24%), Security and Compliance (30%), Cloud Technology and Services (34%) and Billing, Pricing, and Support (12%). It is like a compass giving you direction on where to focus — Security and Technology account for almost two-thirds of the exam, so candidates' question on "where do I even start studying" should direct them to study IAM, shared responsibility model, core services (EC2, S3, VPC, Lambda) and AWS pricing models.
Skills Required for This Certification
Having a basic understanding of cloud concepts (common to all Azure roles and beyond)
Experience using the Azure portal and Azure CLI to manage Azure resources.
Basic networking and identity management (Azure AD and VNets)
Scripting or automation skills (PowerShell, ARM templates) for Associate-level roles
Knowledge of security and compliance awareness for security track.
Related AWS Certifications and Duration
Salary Data: Cloud Practitioner Certified Roles
| Role | Salary (USD) | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Support Associate | $55,000-$70,000 | ₹6-9 LPA |
| Junior Cloud Engineer | $65,000-$85,000 | ₹8-14 LPA |
| Cloud Operations Analyst | $70,000-$90,000 | ₹9-16 LPA |
| Associate Solutions Architect | $85,000-$110,000 | ₹14-22 LPA |
| Cloud Consultant | $95,000-$130,000 | ₹18-28 LPA |
Figures vary by region, employer, and experience; use as directional guidance, not a guarantee.
Step-by-Step Roadmap to Get Certified
Read and grasp AWS exam guide and four domains.
Develop fundamental concepts in a structured course: Cloud Concepts, Security, Technology, Billing.
Practice with AWS Free Tier features such as EC2, S3 and IAM.
Complete timed practice tests each week to develop speed and to find out about low performing areas.
Participate in a doubt clearing or mentoring session on concepts that are uncertain.
After you have consistently been scoring 80%+, schedule your exam, and check out AWS's exam day checklist.
Book Your Free Counselling Session
Still guessing which cloud path fits your career instead of knowing it?
Talk to a cloud career expert, get a personalized study plan, and find out if CLF-C02 is your right first step
Expert Insights
“Some of the most common responses from industry mentors is that candidates who have a structured, instructor-led course, and practice on the AWS Free Tier on their first try, pass much more often than those who just self taught. The real difference-maker isn't intelligence – it's consistency and a person to clear up any doubts before they become exam day panic.