In short: choose AZ-104 if you work (or want to work) in a Microsoft-based organization and want to run a cloud environment. Choose AWS SAA-C03 if you want to design solutions on AWS, often in start-ups, software houses and e-commerce. Many professionals end up learning both.
Both are associate-level, both are respected worldwide and both lead to good roles. The difference is the platform and the angle.
Side by side
| Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) | |
|---|---|---|
| Angle | Operate and administer Azure | Design resilient, secure, cost-aware solutions on AWS |
| Typical role | Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrator | Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer |
| Core topics | Identities and governance, storage, compute, virtual networking, monitoring and backup | Secure architectures, resilient architectures, high-performing and cost-optimized architectures |
| Best fit | Organizations already on Microsoft 365, Windows Server and Active Directory | Start-ups, software houses, e-commerce and remote-first companies |
| Natural next step | SC-500 (security) or Azure DevOps | AWS CloudOps Engineer – Associate (SOA-C03) |
Exam objectives change from time to time, so always read the current skills outline on Microsoft Learn or AWS Training and Certification before you book.
Decide in three steps
- Check job posts in your city or target country for the title you want. Count how often Azure and AWS appear.
- Look at your background. Windows Server, Active Directory or Microsoft 365 experience makes AZ-104 feel familiar. Programming or web hosting experience makes AWS feel natural.
- Think two certifications ahead. Both platforms reward depth: AZ-104 then SC-500, or SAA-C03 then SOA-C03.
Why many people do both
Companies increasingly run more than one cloud. Knowing how identities, networks and storage work in both makes you more valuable and faster to learn the next platform. That is why we run dual programs: Azure Cloud Admin + Security Engineer and AWS Cloud Architect + CloudOps Engineer.
What a week of study looks like
Whichever exam you choose, steady weekly practice beats long weekend sessions. A typical week on our live programs looks like this:
| Day | AZ-104 example | AWS SAA-C03 example |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Microsoft Entra ID users, groups and role-based access | IAM users, roles and policies; the shared responsibility model |
| Lab | Create users, assign roles at the right scope, test access | Build a least-privilege role and test it with the CLI |
| Class 2 | Virtual networks, subnets, network security groups, peering | VPC design, public and private subnets, security groups, NAT |
| Lab | Build a hub-and-spoke network and test connectivity | Build a two-tier VPC and place an app in a private subnet |
| Weekend | Short quiz and a review of mistakes | Short quiz and a review of mistakes |
The skills both exams share
Both certifications reward the same core understanding. If you learn these well, the second platform becomes much easier:
- Identity: who can do what, and at which scope (least privilege).
- Networking: address ranges, subnets, routing, firewalls and private connectivity.
- Storage: choosing the right type, redundancy and access control.
- Compute: virtual machines, scaling and high availability.
- Monitoring and backup: alerts, logs and recovery that you have actually tested.
- Cost: right-sizing, shutting down what you do not use and setting budgets.
Common mistakes when choosing
- Choosing by hype. Pick the platform your target employers use, not the one trending this month.
- Skipping hands-on labs. Both exams include scenario questions that are hard to answer without doing the task yourself.
- Using outdated material. Check the exam code. SAA-C03 and the current AZ-104 objectives are what count today.
- Studying alone with no deadline. A fixed batch start date, weekly labs and a booked exam date keep you moving.
Frequently asked questions
Is AZ-104 harder than AWS SAA-C03?
They are difficult in different ways. AZ-104 tests hands-on administration across many services; SAA-C03 tests design decisions in scenario questions. With labs and timed practice exams, both are very passable.
Do I need AZ-900 or Cloud Practitioner first?
No. The fundamentals exams are optional. If you already understand basic networking and servers, you can start directly at the associate level.
Which one pays more?
Pay depends on the role, company and country far more than on the platform. Choose the platform that fits the jobs you are targeting.
Can I learn both at the same time?
It is better to finish one first. The concepts carry over, so the second platform goes much faster.
See the AZ-104 course and the AWS Solutions Architect course, or book a free demo class to ask a trainer.