CertGrid

Certification Path Finder

Choose the role or goal closest to yours and see a recommended, ordered exam path from foundational to professional, with a link to practice each one.

Azure Cloud Engineer

  1. Foundational AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 948 practice questions · 45-min mock
  2. Associate AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator 945 practice questions · 100-min mock
  3. Expert AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert 687 practice questions · 120-min mock

AWS Solutions Architect

  1. Foundational AWS CLF-C02: Cloud Practitioner 824 practice questions · 90-min mock
  2. Associate AWS SAA-C03: Solutions Architect Associate 650 practice questions · 130-min mock
  3. Professional AWS SAP-C02: Solutions Architect Professional 696 practice questions · 180-min mock

Security Analyst / Cybersecurity

  1. Foundational CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 968 practice questions · 90-min mock
  2. Associate CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004) 887 practice questions · 165-min mock
  3. Advanced CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005, formerly CASP+) 892 practice questions · 165-min mock

Kubernetes / Cloud Native Engineer

  1. Foundational KCNA: Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate 712 practice questions · 90-min mock
  2. Associate CKA: Certified Kubernetes Administrator 868 practice questions · 120-min mock
  3. Specialist CKS: Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist 871 practice questions · 120-min mock

Network Engineer

  1. Foundational CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) 658 practice questions · 90-min mock
  2. Associate Cisco CCNA 200-301 705 practice questions · 120-min mock
  3. Professional Cisco CCNP ENCOR 350-401 654 practice questions · 120-min mock

Cloud Fundamentals (choosing a platform)

Not sure which cloud to specialize in yet? These three foundational, non-technical exams cover the same core cloud concepts on each major platform - take one (or compare all three) before committing to an associate-level track.

  1. Microsoft Azure AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 948 practice questions · 45-min mock
  2. Amazon Web Services AWS CLF-C02: Cloud Practitioner 824 practice questions · 90-min mock
  3. Google Cloud Google Cloud Digital Leader 721 practice questions · 90-min mock

Frequently asked questions

How was this certification path chosen?

Each path follows the order certification vendors themselves publish as prerequisites or recommended progressions - fundamentals before associate-level, associate before professional or specialist. It is a common-sense starting point, not the only valid route.

Do I have to complete every step in order?

No. Many candidates skip the foundational exam if they already have hands-on experience, or jump straight to an associate-level cert. The path is a guide, not a requirement enforced by any vendor.

What if my goal is not listed?

Browse the full exam library and certification roadmap for other tracks. This page covers six of the most commonly asked-about goals; more may be added over time.

Can I follow more than one path?

Yes. Many roles benefit from combining tracks - for example, a cloud engineer following the Azure path might also pick up the Kubernetes path if their organization runs containerized workloads.

Are these official vendor-recommended paths?

No. CertGrid is an independent practice platform and these paths are our own curated recommendation based on publicly available prerequisite guidance, not an official statement from Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, CNCF, or CompTIA.

These paths are CertGrid's own curated recommendation based on publicly available exam prerequisites and common industry progressions. They are not an official roadmap from Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, CNCF, CompTIA, or any other vendor, and following them does not guarantee a pass on any exam.

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