Azure Administrator vs CompTIA CySA+
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Administrator
AZ-104
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →CompTIA
CompTIA CySA+
CS0-003
Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | CompTIA CySA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$12,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
CompTIA CySA+ — Prerequisites
Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security experience
Get Azure Administrator if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get CompTIA CySA+ if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$12,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best CompTIA CySA+ courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Administrator harder than CompTIA CySA+?
Both Azure Administrator and CompTIA CySA+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or CompTIA CySA+?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA CySA+ has +$12,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or CompTIA CySA+?
Azure Administrator is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA CySA+.