Identity & access management
AWS IAM Identity Center vs Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
Azure has Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) as a built-in service.
On AWS, Microsoft notes that the equivalent is the open-source temporary elevated access solution built on IAM Identity Center, or partner products.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS IAM Identity Center | Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) |
| 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. | Just-in-time, time-bound, approval-based activation of Entra and Azure roles, with access reviews and audit history. |
| Pricing model | Identity Center is free. You pay for any resources the open-source solution deploys. | Requires Entra ID P2 or Entra ID Governance licenses. |
| Docs | AWS IAM Identity Center docs | Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) docs |
| Pricing page | AWS IAM Identity Center pricing | Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) pricing |
| Exams | SCS-C03 | SC-300 SC-500 |
Key differences
- PIM activates eligible Entra and Azure roles with approval, MFA, justification, and time limits, and adds access reviews. On AWS, you assemble similar workflows from Identity Center permission sets, the open-source solution, and CloudTrail auditing.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Identity Center is free. You pay for any resources the open-source solution deploys. AWS IAM Identity Center pricing →
- Azure
- Requires Entra ID P2 or Entra ID Governance licenses. Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Microsoft Certified – Identity and Access Administrator Associate SC-300 | Azure | Associate | current English version will be updated on Oct 28, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate SC-500 | Azure | Associate | current New certification. A practice assessment isn't available yet, which the page says usually means the exam recently left (or is in) beta. |
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?
Azure has Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) as a built-in service. On AWS, Microsoft notes that the equivalent is the open-source temporary elevated access solution built on IAM Identity Center, or partner products.
How does pricing compare between AWS IAM Identity Center and Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM)?
AWS: Identity Center is free. You pay for any resources the open-source solution deploys. Azure: Requires Entra ID P2 or Entra ID Governance licenses. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Security – Specialty (SCS-C03); Microsoft Certified – Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300); Microsoft Certified – Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (SC-500).