Multi-Cloud Certification Compass

• Test your equipment 24h before (webcam, mic, internet for online proctoring)
• Have a valid government-issued photo ID ready
• Clear your desk — proctors check your workspace
• Close all other applications before starting
• Read each question twice — look for qualifiers like 'MOST', 'LEAST', 'BEST'
• Flag uncertain questions and come back — don't spend 5 min on one question
• Time management: divide total time by questions for your per-question budget
• Take a deep breath before starting — you've prepared for this

• Schedule at learn.microsoft.com/credentials → Pearson VUE
• Online or test centre — online requires a clean, quiet room
• 65 minutes typical, some exams give 100–120 minutes
• You CAN go back and change answers (unlike some other providers)
• Case studies appear first — they're time-heavy, budget accordingly
• Fundamentals never expire. Associate/Expert renew annually via FREE Learn assessment
• Score 700/1000 to pass (not percentage — it's a scaled score)
• Results appear immediately after completing the exam
• Free retake within 24h if you fail (first attempt only, on some exams)

• Schedule at aws.amazon.com/certification → Pearson VUE or PSI
• Choose Pearson VUE for most consistent experience
• Passing Cloud Practitioner gives 50% off your NEXT exam — take it first!
• AWS exams cannot go back once you submit an answer section
• Score 700–750/1000 depending on exam (check your specific exam)
• Certs valid for 3 years — must retake full exam to renew
• Results within 5 business days (not always immediate)
• Practice exams available on AWS Skill Builder (some free)

• Schedule at cloud.google.com/learn/certification → Webassessor
• Online proctoring available for most exams
• Professional exams include case studies — read them carefully before questions
• 2-hour time limit for most professional exams
• Score threshold not publicly disclosed — Google uses a scaled pass/fail
• Certs valid for 2 years — must retake full exam to renew (shortest of the 3 providers)
• Results within 7–10 days for professional exams
• Free practice exams available on Google Cloud Skills Boost

No. These are closest role and level matches based on exam scope, job outcomes, and industry consensus. There are no official cross-vendor equivalency programmes. Always check each provider’s official certification page for the most current details.

All data is manually researched and verified from official certification pages. Exam fees, study hours, and difficulty ratings are based on published information and community consensus. Last verified April 2026.

Start with the cloud your employer uses most. If unsure, a foundational cert (AZ-900, AWS Cloud Practitioner, or Google Cloud Digital Leader) is the safest first step — they’re affordable and prove cloud literacy.

Yes. The Compare tab generates shareable URLs. Copy the URL from your browser after selecting certs — anyone opening that link will see the same comparison.

Cloud providers structure certification levels differently. For example, Azure’s Solutions Architect is Expert-level (requires prerequisites), while AWS’s is Associate-level. The role is equivalent but the certification level differs.

We have detailed study guides for Microsoft certifications at our Cert Study Guides section. For AWS and Google, we link directly to each provider’s official study resources.

We verify the data quarterly. Exam retirements, new certifications, and pricing changes are updated as they’re announced. Check the ‘Last verified’ date on each certification card.

Yes! This is V1. We’re planning a ‘Which Cert Next?’ quiz, more detailed career path visualisations, and cost comparison features. Share your ideas on our feedback page.