Which Cloud Certification Should I Start With? AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud?

Introduction.

In today’s hyper-digital world, cloud computing is no longer just a background technology it’s the foundation of everything from mobile apps and data analytics to enterprise IT and AI-driven innovation. Whether you’re using an app to order food, storing files in Dropbox, training a machine learning model, or streaming your favorite show, chances are high that cloud platforms are running the show behind the scenes.

As more companies shift away from on-premise infrastructure and toward cloud-first models, the demand for cloud professionals has exploded. From cloud architects and DevOps engineers to data specialists and security analysts, nearly every role in tech now touches the cloud in some form. This shift has created not only a surge in job opportunities but also a clear pathway for those looking to break into or grow within the tech industry through cloud certifications.

But with that opportunity comes a big question: Where do you start? The cloud world is dominated by three major providers Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) each offering its own suite of services, tools, ecosystems, and, most importantly, certification tracks. If you’re just starting your cloud journey, choosing which platform to pursue can feel overwhelming.

Do you go with AWS, the market leader known for its deep service catalog and massive customer base? Or should you choose Microsoft Azure, favored by enterprises and public sector organizations that already use Microsoft products? Or perhaps Google Cloud, which is gaining traction in data science, machine learning, and Kubernetes-driven workloads?

Each provider offers a different learning curve, job market relevance, pricing structure, and set of tools and the certifications reflect those differences. You might be wondering whether AWS’s entry-level Cloud Practitioner cert is easier to earn than GCP’s Associate Cloud Engineer.

Or maybe you’re curious if Azure’s AZ-900 is worth your time if you don’t already work with Microsoft environments. And what about salary potential, hands-on labs, employer demand, or real-world skills gained? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer but that’s not a bad thing. The right cloud certification for you depends on your background, career goals, learning style, and the opportunities available in your region or industry.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into each of the top three cloud providers and their most beginner-friendly certifications. We’ll compare AWS, Azure, and GCP on key factors such as market share, ease of learning, career prospects, and relevance to different job roles.

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of which certification aligns best with your goals whether you’re looking to land your first job in tech, level up your IT career, or transition into cloud from a completely different field. We’ll also touch on study resources, what to expect from each exam, and how to build your learning roadmap after earning your first cert.

Cloud computing is not just the future it’s the now. And the sooner you step into it, the sooner you open doors to higher salaries, exciting projects, and long-term career growth. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a total beginner, there’s a place for you in the cloud.

The certifications are just the beginning, but they can offer you direction, confidence, and validation in an industry that values verified skills. So if you’ve been asking yourself, “Which cloud certification should I start with?” you’re in the right place.

Let’s explore your options and help you make the right choice.

The Big Three at a Glance

1. Start with AWS if…

If you’re new to cloud computing and want to start where most of the industry is, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a solid first choice. AWS has been the leader in the cloud space for over a decade and continues to hold the largest share of the public cloud market.

That means more companies use AWS than any other provider and that also means more job opportunities, more use cases, and a broader community to learn from. It’s a great place to build foundational cloud knowledge that can be applied across multiple platforms.

Whether you’re looking to become a cloud architect, DevOps engineer, security specialist, or even just understand cloud terminology for business or management roles, AWS certifications offer a strong starting point.

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is the official entry-level certification. It’s designed for individuals with no prior cloud or IT experience. You don’t need to know how to code or set up servers just a willingness to learn.

This cert covers the basics of the AWS platform, including key services like EC2, S3, and RDS, as well as core concepts like scalability, global infrastructure, pricing models, and security best practices. It’s ideal for career changers, students, project managers, sales professionals, or anyone in a non-technical role who wants to speak the language of cloud.

One of AWS’s major strengths is its learning ecosystem. From free courses on AWS Skill Builder to hands-on labs via AWS Free Tier, there are countless resources to help you prepare.

You can watch videos, read whitepapers, or dive into community-driven forums like Reddit or Discord. The exam itself is multiple choice and doesn’t require lab work or real-time simulations, making it less intimidating for beginners.

Another advantage of starting with AWS is its global recognition. Employers across industries from startups to Fortune 500 companies recognize AWS certifications as credible indicators of cloud knowledge. Even if you later specialize in Azure or GCP, having an AWS foundation can help you understand broader cloud concepts. It’s like learning to drive a car once you understand the fundamentals, switching between brands is easier.

And don’t worry if you’re not a “tech person.” Many people pass this certification with just a few weeks of part-time study. In fact, the AWS Cloud Practitioner has become a go-to cert for professionals outside IT who want to future-proof their careers. It shows initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn qualities any employer will value.

start with AWS if you’re looking for the most widely used, beginner-friendly, and versatile cloud platform to launch your journey. Whether you’re just testing the waters or planning to go deep into cloud architecture, AWS gives you the widest runway to take off.

You’re a complete beginner
You want the most in-demand certification
You prefer a massive ecosystem and job market

Certification to start with:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Why AWS?

• AWS holds the largest share of the public cloud market.
• Tons of documentation, free training, and community support.
• The Cloud Practitioner cert is non-technical and ideal for absolute beginners or non-technical roles like sales and project management.

Next steps after this cert:

• AWS Solutions Architect Associate (for technical roles)
• AWS Developer or SysOps Administrator

2. Start with Azure if…

If you find yourself working in or aspiring to join an environment that heavily relies on Microsoft technologies, Microsoft Azure might be the best cloud platform to start with. Azure has rapidly grown into the second-largest cloud provider globally, especially popular in enterprises, government agencies, and organizations that already use Microsoft products like Windows Server, Active Directory, Office 365, and SQL Server.

This deep integration makes Azure a natural fit for IT professionals who are familiar with Microsoft ecosystems or those whose workplaces rely on hybrid cloud solutions combining on-premises and cloud resources.

The entry-level certification to start your Azure journey is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900). This certification is designed for beginners and does not require any prior technical experience. It covers essential cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing models, and security basics.

It’s an excellent certification for IT professionals, managers, business stakeholders, or anyone looking to get a high-level understanding of cloud computing with a Microsoft twist.

Azure’s certification path is particularly advantageous for those in organizations transitioning from traditional IT to cloud. If your day-to-day job involves managing Windows servers, configuring network infrastructure, or working with Microsoft-based applications, the skills you acquire preparing for Azure Fundamentals will closely align with your existing knowledge, making it easier to absorb cloud concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios.

Another compelling reason to start with Azure is the strong demand for Azure skills in enterprise markets. Many large companies use Azure for their cloud workloads, and because of this, they often prefer candidates who have proven Azure expertise. This is especially true in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, where Microsoft’s compliance certifications and hybrid cloud capabilities are critical.

Microsoft has also invested heavily in making learning accessible and interactive. Their Microsoft Learn platform offers free, guided learning paths with hands-on labs and sandbox environments, enabling beginners to get practical experience without upfront costs.

Plus, Microsoft certifications are recognized globally and often linked to continuing education credits or professional development goals.

While Azure Fundamentals covers the basics, it also opens doors to more specialized certifications like Azure Administrator, Developer, or Solutions Architect, allowing you to tailor your learning path based on your interests and career goals.

If you enjoy working in structured enterprise environments and want to build cloud expertise that complements your existing Microsoft skills, starting with Azure is a smart move.

start with Azure if you want a cloud certification that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft technologies, offers strong enterprise job opportunities, and provides a clear path for IT professionals transitioning to the cloud. Whether you’re an IT pro looking to future-proof your skills or a newcomer wanting a solid cloud foundation, Azure Fundamentals is a fantastic place to begin.

You work at or want to work in a Microsoft-centric environment
You’re interested in enterprise, government, or hybrid cloud solutions
You’re already familiar with tools like Windows Server, Active Directory, or Office 365

Certification to start with:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Why Azure?

• Azure integrates deeply with Microsoft tools, making it a natural choice for enterprise IT pros.
• If your company uses Microsoft products, Azure certs might offer the most direct career impact.

Next steps after this cert:

• Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Azure Solutions Architect or DevOps certifications

3. Start with GCP if…

If you’re drawn to innovation in data analytics, machine learning, and open-source technologies or if you’re already somewhat comfortable with tech concepts Google Cloud Platform (GCP) could be the ideal starting point for your cloud certification journey.

While it’s the smallest of the big three cloud providers in terms of market share, GCP is rapidly growing and carving out a strong niche in areas like big data, AI/ML, and container orchestration with Kubernetes, making it especially popular among startups, data scientists, and developers.

The recommended entry-level certification for beginners is the Google Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE). Unlike the very basic foundational certs offered by AWS and Azure, the GCP ACE tends to be a bit more hands-on and technical, requiring you to understand core GCP services, deploy and manage cloud solutions, and demonstrate practical skills in navigating the Google Cloud Console and Cloud SDK. This makes it a great choice for those who want more than just theory they want to get their hands dirty from the start.

GCP shines when it comes to developer-friendly tools and integrations. If you have a coding background or interest in data science, GCP’s integration with TensorFlow, BigQuery, and Kubernetes can open exciting doors. Google’s strong commitment to open source projects and its pioneering role in containers and serverless computing appeal to those who want to stay on the cutting edge of cloud tech.

Moreover, Google Cloud is favored in industries and roles that revolve around data analytics and AI. If your career aspirations involve becoming a data engineer, machine learning specialist, or cloud developer, GCP certifications can give you a competitive edge. Companies that rely heavily on data-driven decision-making, from media companies to finance and healthcare startups, often seek professionals with GCP expertise.

Another plus is GCP’s reputation for user-friendly interfaces and simplified pricing models, which can make the learning process less intimidating for some newcomers. Google Cloud Console’s clean UI helps new learners navigate cloud environments more intuitively, which can boost confidence early on.

Though it may not have the massive market share of AWS or Azure, GCP certifications are growing in demand. As Google expands its cloud footprint and continues to innovate in AI, those certified on GCP often find themselves in roles that command strong salaries and opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects.

If you’re ready to start with a cloud platform that encourages a deeper technical dive from the get-go, embraces open source, and aligns with data and developer-centric roles, then starting with Google Cloud and the Associate Cloud Engineer certification makes a lot of sense. It’s a fantastic way to build practical, hands-on skills that can set you apart in a competitive job market.

You’re interested in data, machine learning, or open-source tools
You already have some tech background
You want to work at startups or companies heavily invested in data analytics

Certification to start with:
Google Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE)

Why GCP?

• GCP is the go-to for data-heavy applications, ML/AI, and Kubernetes.
• It’s developer- and data-friendly, with a cleaner UI and deeper integrations with Google services.
• However, GCP’s entry-level cert is a bit more technical than AWS or Azure’s beginner options.

Next steps after this cert:

• Professional Cloud Architect or Professional Data Engineer

So, Which One Is Best for YOU?

Ask yourself these questions:

Final Thoughts

No matter which cloud provider you choose, getting certified is a smart move in today’s job market. Each platform has its strengths, and your choice should depend on your background, goals, and the opportunities you want to pursue.

The best part? You can always cross over. Many professionals start with one cloud provider and branch into others once they build a strong foundation.

Conclusion.

Choosing your first cloud certification can feel like a major decision and it is. But it’s also important to remember that there’s no wrong place to start. Whether you go with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, you’re taking a meaningful step into one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in tech.

If you’re brand new to the industry and want something beginner-friendly with wide job market appeal, AWS Cloud Practitioner is an excellent gateway. If you’re working in an enterprise setting or already familiar with Microsoft technologies, Azure Fundamentals will feel like a natural fit. And if you’re technically inclined, fascinated by data or AI, or looking to work at innovative startups, the GCP Associate Cloud Engineer cert offers a deep and practical foundation.

Each of these certifications teaches you not only how the cloud works but also how to think in cloud terms scalability, reliability, automation, security, and global infrastructure. These are core skills that apply across platforms, so even if you start with one, it’s easy to branch into others as your career evolves.

The most important thing? Start. Don’t wait for the perfect platform or the perfect moment. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll gain clarity, momentum, and opportunity. Cloud computing isn’t just the future it’s powering the present, and there’s a place in it for you.

So pick your path, schedule your exam, and take that first step into the cloud. Your future self will thank you.