This post compares, in full detail, the top three providers of developer certifications in 2025: Microsoft vs Oracle vs AWS certification.
These days, it doesn’t matter if a company is in tech or not. If they want to survive, they need to know how to use digital tools and use them well. McKinsey Digital has even pointed out that more and more traditional companies are realizing they must think and operate like software companies to stay competitive.
In this shift, software developers are at the heart of driving digital transformation.
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To be a key player in the field, however, you need to show proof that you are skilled. You can do that by earning the right certifications. When it comes to giving out credentials, you can always count on Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Why Developer Certifications Matter
Tech moves fast, sometimes too fast. One moment, everyone’s building with AngularJS; the next, React and Vue.js have taken over the scene. And now, even newer tools like Svelte and SolidJS are creeping into developer job listings.
On the backend, it’s a similar story. The once-standard LAMP stack is quietly being replaced. Instead of spinning up traditional servers, teams are turning to serverless functions and cloud-native setups, such as AWS Lambda or Azure Functions.
Staying current in this landscape isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. Developer certifications serve as clear signals that a person isn’t stuck using outdated tools.
Thanks to the rapid expansion of technology, you can get training and certification fully online. Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Pluralsight have made it possible to prepare for industry-recognized certifications from anywhere. Plus, they’re often at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree.
Hands-on labs and practices? Many of these platforms also offer them to help learners build real-world experience before taking the actual test.
Several organizations offer developer training and certification. However, three names stand out: Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
These industry giants power some of the world’s largest companies and most-used technologies. Each one offers its certification paths designed to equip developers with the exact skills needed to work within their ecosystems.
Choosing the best developer certification for career growth will depend on where you are now and what you want to achieve in the future. Let’s start comparing the strengths and focuses of each provider.
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Overview of Microsoft Developer Certifications
Getting a Microsoft Certification basically means you’ve passed one (or more) of their official exams. Once you pass your first exam, you’re considered a Microsoft Certified Professional. But if you’re aiming for the higher-tier titles—like Associate or Expert—you’ll need to pass a few more.
Microsoft sorts its certifications into three main levels:
- Fundamentals – These are perfect if you’re just getting started and want to learn the basics.
- Role-Based – Aimed at people with some experience, these help you build skills for a specific job or career path.
- Specialty – These are more advanced and are great if you want to focus on niche areas or industry-specific solutions.
Let’s check out some of the best Microsoft certifications out there for developers:
Azure Developer Associate
If you’re working with cloud-based apps, this one’s a solid pick. It’s for devs who build and maintain solutions on Microsoft Azure. You’ll learn to use Azure tools, manage services, handle storage, and deploy apps the smart way.
- Cost: $165 (for Exam AZ-204)
- Time to complete: 1–2 months with Azure experience; 2–3 months for beginners.
Power Platform Developer Associate
This one’s great if you’re into building apps without heavy coding. It covers Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents. Perfect for creating business solutions that save time and automate tasks.
- Cost: $165 (for Exam PL-400)
- Time to complete: 1–1.5 months with low-code experience; 2–3 months for beginners.
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Big on DevOps? This certification is for pros who manage pipelines, CI/CD, and cloud-based workflows on Azure. You’ll need a good handle on both the development and operations sides.
- Cost: $330 total (requires two exams: AZ-204 and AZ-400)
- Time to complete: 2–3 months with Azure/DevOps experience; 4–6 months for beginners.
Microsoft Certified: Solutions Developer
This path is great if you’re looking for a well-rounded cert that proves you can build full solutions—web, mobile, desktop, or cloud. It’s ideal if you work across different platforms and want to show off your full-stack capabilities.
- Cost: Varies, depending on the specific certs you pursue (usually $165 per exam)
- Time to complete: Typically 2–4 months, depending on the certification path.
NET Developer
Love C# and building with .NET? This certification proves you’ve mastered the framework and can build strong, secure applications across platforms. Great for developers in enterprise settings.
- Cost: $165 (look for . NET-focused exams like AZ-204 or similar, depending on current offerings)
- Time to complete: 1–2 months with .NET experience; 3–4 months for beginners or those new to C#.
The Microsoft developer certification cost varies a lot. It can increase or decrease, depending on where the exam is conducted.
Microsoft certifications are very accessible. You can study online, join study groups, take practice tests, and even take the exam from home.
Overview of Oracle Developer Certifications
Oracle is one of the most in-demand software companies globally, powering major brands like LinkedIn, Netflix, and Intuit. But with powerful tools comes complexity, which is why many professionals choose to get Oracle certified.
Here are some of the top online developer certifications offered by Oracle:
Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Developer
This is a top Oracle certification for beginners. It covers core Java concepts, object-oriented programming, and hands-on coding skills. It’s great if you’re building enterprise-level apps or just want to prove you’re solid in Java.
- Cost: $245
- Time to complete: 1–2 months with Java experience; 3–4 months for beginners.
Oracle APEX Cloud Developer Professional
APEX (Application Express) is Oracle’s low-code development platform. This certification is great for devs who want to build modern web apps quickly using Oracle tools. You’ll learn how to design apps, work with data, and build secure, scalable interfaces.
- Cost: $245
- Time to complete: 1–2 months with experience; 2.5–3.5 months for beginners.
Oracle Certified Specialist: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Developer 2023
This one focuses on developing solutions in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). It’s ideal if you’re into cloud-native development, APIs, containers, DevOps, and integrating cloud services. It also overlaps with skills used in AWS or Azure.
- Cost: $245
- Time to complete: 2–3 months with experience, 3–5 months for beginners.
Oracle Certified Professional: Oracle Database Developer
If your job revolves around working with Oracle databases—writing PL/SQL, managing data structures, and building backend systems—this cert is a must. It’s especially useful for full-stack developers who also manage database logic.
- Cost: $245
- Time to complete: 2–3 months with SQL/PL-SQL skills; 4+ months for beginners.
So, why do people go through the effort of getting Oracle certified? Let’s quickly talk about Oracle developer certification benefits:
- Oracle tools aren’t easy to master. Having a certification proves you know how to use them properly.
- Employers often prefer certified candidates for high-impact roles, and that can translate to more interviews, more offers, and higher salaries.
- Certified developers tend to be more efficient because the training covers real-world tasks, not just theory.
Overview of AWS Developer Certifications
Amazon Web Services powers a huge portion of the internet. From startups to global giants, everyone’s using AWS to build, deploy, and scale apps in the cloud.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most relevant ones for developers:
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
This is the go-to cert for devs who build and maintain apps on AWS. It covers core services like Lambda, DynamoDB, S3, and API Gateway. You’ll learn how to write code that interacts with AWS and how to deploy cloud-native apps.
- Cost: $150
- Time to complete: 1–2 months with AWS experience; 2.5–4 months for beginners.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
This is a more advanced cert for those combining development and operations. It covers CI/CD, automation, monitoring, and managing cloud infrastructure at scale. It’s ideal for senior developers or anyone working in a DevOps role.
- Cost: $300
- Time to complete: 2–3 months with DevOps experience; 4–6 months for beginners.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
While this one isn’t strictly for developers, it’s super valuable if you design cloud applications or want to understand how all the pieces fit together. It’s a great cert to build a strong foundation in AWS architecture.
- Cost: $150
- Time to complete: 1–2 months for experienced users; 3–4 months for beginners.
If you’re looking for affordable developer certifications, AWS just might be the place. Plus, according to ZipRecruiter, AWS certification salary potential reaches $112,422 a year. For more experienced AWS professionals, they earn $152,000++ a year.
Comparing the Three: Key Differences and Similarities
Here’s a table summarizing the differences between Oracle certification vs AWS certification vs Microsoft certification.
| Microsoft | Oracle | AWS | |
| Cost | ~$165 | ~$245 | $150–$300 |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High | Moderate to Advanced |
| Main Focus | Azure, .NET, DevOps | Java, APEX, Databases | Cloud, DevOps, Serverless |
| Best For | Enterprise Devs | Java & Backend Devs | Cloud & DevOps Roles |
| Job Outlook | High in the enterprise and business sectors | Strong in large corporations using Oracle | Very strong across industries |
When you compare cloud certifications, it’s important to know where you currently stand in terms of your knowledge and experience. If you’re a beginner, it’s usually ideal to start with Microsoft.
If you’re looking for something that’s more in demand, AWS leads in the job market. On the other hand, Oracle certifications tend to be more niche but powerful in the enterprise space.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Here are a few more tips before deciding which will suit you the best: Microsoft vs Oracle vs AWS certification
- Think about your career goals.
- If you want to work with cloud technologies, AWS is a great option.
- If you want to specialize in Java or databases, Oracle is a solid choice.
- If you prefer working with Microsoft tools, then Azure and .NET are the way to go.
- Consider your experience.
- If you’re new to the field, go for something like the AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure Developer Associate.
- If you’ve got some experience, try Oracle’s Java or DevOps certifications.
- Budget.
- All three certifications are affordable, but AWS is generally a little more expensive.
- Microsoft and Oracle certifications are pretty budget-friendly.
Balancing School, Work, and Certification Prep
If you’re working or in school while trying to get certified, it can feel like an impossible task. The key? Carve out small, regular chunks of time—maybe an hour a few evenings a week. Don’t stress if you can’t cram. Most online courses let you go at your own pace, so take advantage of that.
Finding Support: Scholarships and Employer Help
Certifications can get pricey, but you don’t always have to pay out of pocket. Some employers will cover the cost if it lines up with your role. Others might have training programs you can join.
And don’t forget to search for scholarships. Some are specifically for students or career switchers aiming for tech certifications.
Final Notes: Building a Career with the Right Certification
In the debate of Microsoft vs Oracle vs AWS certification, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each certification opens up different career opportunities.
With plenty of affordable study resources, it’s easier than ever to get certified and start working in tech. You just have to know where to look. Here are a few great starting points:
- Microsoft Learn – Free official training, great for beginners.
- AWS Skill Builder – Free AWS courses, labs, and exam prep.
- Oracle University – Paid, detailed training with occasional free events.
- Udemy & Coursera – Affordable, high-rated courses with practice tests.
- Pluralsight – Advanced content, sometimes free through partners.