Cloud computing runs most of the internet: streaming, banking apps, online stores, and the AI tools we cover across this site. Cloud skills show up in job postings for IT support, development, data, security, and dedicated cloud roles, and the entry point for most people is a fundamentals certification from one of the big three providers.
This guide is step 1 of our Cloud learning path. It explains the cloud basics behind all three certifications, compares them side by side, and helps you choose. Then follow up with our in-depth reviews of AWS Cloud Practitioner and Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900).
Cloud basics in five minutes
Cloud computing means renting computing resources (servers, storage, databases, networking, and software) over the internet instead of buying and running your own hardware. You pay for what you use and can scale up or down quickly.
Service models
| Model | What you get | You manage | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) | Virtual machines, storage, networks | Operating system, apps, data | Amazon EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine |
| PaaS (Platform as a Service) | A managed platform to run code | Your app and data | AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Service, Google App Engine |
| SaaS (Software as a Service) | Finished software | Your data and users | Microsoft 365, Gmail, Salesforce |
Serverless services, such as AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions, run your code only when it's triggered, and you pay only for the time it runs.
Deployment models
- Public cloud: shared provider infrastructure, rented on demand.
- Private cloud: cloud-style infrastructure dedicated to one organization.
- Hybrid cloud: a mix of on-premises and public cloud, common in large companies.
The shared responsibility model
Every provider uses some version of this: the provider secures the cloud; you secure what you put in it. The provider handles data centers, hardware, and core infrastructure. You handle your data, user accounts, permissions, and configurations. The more managed the service (moving from IaaS toward SaaS), the more the provider handles.
Most cloud security incidents come from the customer side: misconfigured storage, overly broad permissions, or leaked credentials. Our AI workflows for cloud security guide covers the defensive side.
Regions and availability zones
Providers run data centers in regions around the world, and each region typically contains several availability zones: separate data centers with independent power and networking. Spreading resources across zones protects against a single data center failure.
How cloud pricing works
- Pay as you go: pay for compute time, storage, and data transfer as you use them.
- Commitments: discounts for committing to a year or more of usage.
- Spare capacity: deep discounts for workloads that can be interrupted.
- Data transfer out of the cloud often costs money, while data in is often free.
- Each provider has a pricing calculator for estimating costs.
The three fundamentals certifications compared
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals | Google Cloud Digital Leader | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam code | CLF-C02 | AZ-900 | Cloud Digital Leader |
| Cost | US$100 | About US$99 (varies by country) | US$99 |
| Length | 90 minutes | About 45 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Questions | 65 (50 scored) | About 40 to 60 | About 50 to 60 |
| Passing score | 700 out of 1,000 | 700 out of 1,000 | Not published |
| Valid for | 3 years | Doesn't expire | 3 years |
| Free official training | AWS Skill Builder | Microsoft Learn | Google Cloud Skills Boost |
| Our review | AWS Cloud Practitioner review | AZ-900 review | Coming later |
All three are conceptual: no labs on the exam, no coding. They test cloud concepts, core services, security basics, and pricing.
Which one should you take first?
Start with job postings
Search for the jobs you want in the places you want to work and count which cloud appears most. That's usually the right first pick.
General patterns
| If you… | Consider starting with |
|---|---|
| Want the broadest job market | AWS: it has the largest share of the cloud infrastructure market, according to industry trackers |
| Work at, or target, organizations built on Microsoft 365, Windows, and Active Directory | Azure: common in enterprises, government, and Microsoft-centric IT shops |
| Work with data, analytics, or machine learning on Google tools | Google Cloud |
| Are in IT support or system administration at a Microsoft shop | Azure |
| Are a developer at a startup | AWS is most common, but check postings |
| Are in sales, product, or management and want cloud literacy | Any of the three; Google Cloud Digital Leader is aimed at business roles |
You don't need all three. Concepts transfer: once you understand one cloud, learning another mostly means learning new service names.
Should you even start with fundamentals?
- Yes, if you're new to IT or cloud, or in a non-technical role. It gives structure and a quick win.
- Maybe skip if you already work hands-on with IT or development. Some people go straight to an associate certification, such as AWS Solutions Architect – Associate or Azure Administrator (AZ-104).
The skills under the certifications
Cloud certifications go much better with a few foundations:
- Networking: IP addresses, subnets, DNS, routing, and firewalls. Cloud networks use all of them. Our CCNA review covers the fundamentals in depth.
- Security basics: identity and access, encryption, and least privilege. See our Security+ review.
- Linux and the command line: most cloud servers run Linux.
- Scripting: basic Python or shell scripting helps with automation.
- Cost awareness: understanding bills is a skill employers value.
Practice safely: avoid surprise bills and account takeovers
Hands-on practice makes concepts stick, but a careless lab can cost real money or get your account compromised. Before your first lab:
- Set a budget alert (AWS Budgets, Azure Cost Management, or Google Cloud budgets) at a small amount.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for the account owner. Our 2FA apps guide covers options.
- Don't use the root or owner account for daily work; create a separate user with only the permissions you need.
- Never put access keys in code or public repositories. Leaked cloud keys are a common way attackers run up huge bills.
- Delete resources when you finish each lab. Stopped isn't always deleted; storage and IP addresses can still cost money.
- Read the free tier terms. Free tiers and trial credits have limits and expiry dates, and providers change them.
Your cloud career path
| Step | AWS | Azure | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals | Cloud Practitioner | AZ-900 | Cloud Digital Leader |
| Associate | Solutions Architect – Associate | Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Associate Cloud Engineer |
| Specialize | Security, networking, data, machine learning | Security engineer, solutions architect, data, AI | Professional cloud architect, security, data |
Alongside certifications, build projects: host a static website, set up a monitored virtual machine, build a small serverless app, or automate a deployment. Document them like the lab write-ups we recommend in our cybersecurity path. Cloud jobs often start in adjacent roles, such as IT support, system administration, or a cloud support associate position.
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS or Azure better for beginners?
Both have beginner-friendly fundamentals exams. AWS has the largest overall market share; Azure is especially common in Microsoft-centric organizations. Check job postings in your area and start with the one employers ask for.
How long does it take to prepare for a cloud fundamentals exam?
Many beginners prepare in two to six weeks of part-time study. People with IT experience often need less.
Do cloud fundamentals certifications expire?
AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Cloud Digital Leader are valid for three years. Microsoft's fundamentals certifications, including AZ-900, don't expire.
Can I get a cloud job with just a fundamentals certification?
Usually not on its own. Pair it with an associate-level certification, projects, and related experience in IT, networking, or development.
Check your understanding
Answer each question from memory before opening it. Recalling, not rereading, is what makes learning stick (here's why).
1 What's the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS?
IaaS rents you raw infrastructure like virtual machines and storage. PaaS gives you a managed platform to run your code. SaaS is finished software you just use, like email. Each step up means less for you to manage.
2 What does the shared responsibility model say?
The cloud provider secures the cloud itself (data centers, hardware, core infrastructure), and the customer secures what they put in it (data, identities, configurations, and access). The exact split depends on the service type.
3 What's the best way to decide between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for your first certification?
Look at job postings where you want to work and start with the platform they ask for most. Also consider your background, such as a Microsoft-heavy employer favoring Azure.
4 Name two things to do before your first hands-on cloud lab.
Any two of: set a budget alert, turn on multi-factor authentication for the account owner, avoid using the root or owner account for daily work, and plan to delete resources when you're done.
5 Why aren't fundamentals certifications usually enough to get a cloud job on their own?
They prove concepts and vocabulary, not hands-on skill. Employers typically also want an associate-level certification, projects, and related IT, networking, or development experience.
Where to go next
You've finished step 1 of the Cloud path. Next:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner review and study plan
- Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) review and study plan
- AI workflows for cloud security: where cloud skills meet security operations.
Sources
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: exam details.
- Microsoft Learn: Azure Fundamentals: exam details and free training.
- Google Cloud Digital Leader: exam details.
- AWS Skill Builder: free AWS training.
- Google Cloud Skills Boost: free and paid Google Cloud training.