Which cloud certification should I get first?

How to choose your first cloud certification

1. Pick the cloud your current or target employer uses. Job listings in your area are the quickest way to check.
2. If you are new to cloud, start with that provider's fundamentals exam: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure AZ-900 or Google Cloud Digital Leader.
3. If you already work hands-on, skip ahead to an associate exam such as AWS SAA-C03, Azure AZ-104 or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.
4. For DevOps and platform work, add a cloud-neutral exam like CKA or Terraform Associate that works with every provider.
5. Before you book, take a free practice quiz and see how far your score is from passing.

Questions people ask

Which cloud certification is best for complete beginners?

A fundamentals exam from the cloud you plan to use: AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02), Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) or Google Cloud Digital Leader. They test concepts rather than hands-on skills.

Should I learn AWS, Azure or Google Cloud first?

Pick the one used by the companies you want to work for. Check a few job listings in your area. If you have no preference, AWS has the broadest set of learning material, but the core ideas carry over between all three.

Can I skip the fundamentals exam and go straight to an associate exam?

Yes. Fundamentals exams are not required for the associate-level AWS, Azure or Google Cloud exams. If you already use the cloud at work, an associate exam is usually the better use of your time.

Is CKA or Terraform Associate tied to one cloud?

No. Both are cloud-neutral. The CKA is a hands-on Kubernetes admin exam and Terraform Associate covers infrastructure as code, so both pair well with any provider's certification.

Is ExamPro affiliated with AWS, Microsoft, Google or the exam vendors?

No. ExamPro Cert Prep is independent study material and is not affiliated with any exam vendor.