Identity & access management
AWS IAM Identity Center vs Microsoft Entra ID
AWS IAM Identity Center maps to Microsoft Entra ID single sign-on, with Entra MFA and Conditional Access.
Many organizations connect Entra ID to Identity Center as its external identity provider.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS IAM Identity Center | Microsoft Entra ID |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Workforce sign-in and single sign-on to AWS accounts (through permission sets) and applications, using its own directory or an external IdP such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta. | Microsoft's cloud identity provider for users, groups, apps, and devices, with SSO (SAML, OIDC), MFA, Conditional Access, app registrations, and hybrid sync from on-premises AD. |
| Pricing model | Free. | SSO and MFA are in Entra ID Free. Conditional Access needs P1, and risk-based policies need P2. |
| Docs | AWS IAM Identity Center docs | Microsoft Entra ID docs |
| Pricing page | AWS IAM Identity Center pricing | Microsoft Entra ID pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SCS-C03 SOA-C03 | SC-300 AZ-104 |
Key differences
- Scope. Identity Center focuses on access to AWS accounts (through permission sets) and AWS-integrated or SAML apps. Entra ID is a full identity provider for thousands of SaaS apps, devices, and Microsoft 365.
- Risk-based access. Entra Conditional Access evaluates user, device, location, and risk signals on every sign-in. Identity Center relies on MFA settings and on the external IdP for richer policies.
- Instances. Identity Center recommends an organization instance. Account instances are for limited app use only.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Free. AWS IAM Identity Center pricing →
- Azure
- SSO and MFA are in Entra ID Free. Conditional Access needs P1, and risk-based policies need P2. Microsoft Entra ID pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty SCS-C03 | AWS | Specialty | current The current code (SCS-C03) is taken from the exam-prep link on the official certification page. Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Latin America), and Portuguese (Brazil) versions retire after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate SOA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Replaces AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02), whose last exam day was Sep 29, 2025. Simplified Chinese and Korean versions retire after Nov 19, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Identity and Access Administrator Associate SC-300 | Azure | Associate | current English version will be updated on Oct 28, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 | Azure | Associate | current |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of AWS IAM Identity Center?
AWS IAM Identity Center maps to Microsoft Entra ID single sign-on, with Entra MFA and Conditional Access. Many organizations connect Entra ID to Identity Center as its external identity provider.
How does pricing compare between AWS IAM Identity Center and Microsoft Entra ID?
AWS: Free. Azure: SSO and MFA are in Entra ID Free. Conditional Access needs P1, and risk-based policies need P2. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C03); AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate (SOA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300); Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104).