Which Cloud Certification Is Easiest in 2026? AWS vs Azure vs GCP Compared
Cloud Certification Comparison (2026)
The cloud computing market has grown to $591 billion in 2025, and certifications remain the most common signal of cloud competency to employers. But which entry-level cloud certification should you pursue first?
We analyzed the 3 primary entry-level cloud certifications across 6 metrics using data from 251 certification blueprints.
How We Compared
- Question count — fewer is easier
- Time limit — more time means less pressure
- Pass rate indicator — based on vendor data and community reports
- Study hours — estimated from blueprint scope
- Exam cost — direct cost barrier
- Market demand — job postings referencing the certification
Results
1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02)
75 questions, 90 minutes, $99 exam fee. The AWS CCP is the most widely recognized entry-level cloud certification. Its breadth is its main challenge — it covers pricing models, deployment models, shared responsibility, and 12+ AWS services at a high level.
Estimated study time: 20-30 hours
Best for: Anyone starting in cloud computing
2. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
40-60 questions, 60-85 minutes, $99 exam fee. The AZ-900 is the shortest exam of the three and has a narrower scope focused on Azure services, pricing, SLAs, and cloud concepts. The question count is lower, making it statistically the "easiest" by volume.
Estimated study time: 15-20 hours
Best for: Organizations already invested in Microsoft ecosystem
3. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE)
50 questions, 120 minutes, $125 exam fee. The GCP ACE is more hands-on than the other two — it includes performance-based tasks that require actual console interaction. While the question count is moderate, the practical component makes it more challenging than the name suggests.
Estimated study time: 30-40 hours
Best for: Roles specifically requiring GCP skills
Our Recommendation
If you are choosing between clouds without a specific employer requirement, start with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. It has the largest job market, the most study resources, and the concepts transfer to Azure and GCP.
If your employer uses Microsoft technologies, start with AZ-900. It is the shortest exam and the fastest route to certification.
Cloud Certification FAQ
Which cloud certification has the highest salary? AWS Solutions Architect Professional and Azure Solutions Architect Expert consistently rank in the top 10 highest-paying IT certifications.
Can I skip AZ-900 and go straight to AZ-104? Not recommended. AZ-104 assumes knowledge of core Azure concepts covered in AZ-900.
Do cloud certifications expire? Yes. AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. Microsoft certifications are valid for 1-2 years. Google Cloud certifications are valid for 2 years.
