Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →Azure Administrator vs CompTIA PenTest+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$14,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
CompTIA PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
- You have hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- Your role involves managing cloud identity, storage, networking, and compute day-to-day
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
Azure Administrator and CompTIA PenTest+ lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs cybersecurity. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Azure Administrator — it's the quicker win at the intermediate level.
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Is Azure Administrator harder than CompTIA PenTest+?
Both Azure Administrator and CompTIA PenTest+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or CompTIA PenTest+?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA PenTest+ has +$14,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or CompTIA PenTest+?
Azure Administrator is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA PenTest+.
Can I get both Azure Administrator and CompTIA PenTest+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Administrator and CompTIA PenTest+ complement each other, covering cloud computing and cybersecurity respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Administrator or CompTIA PenTest+?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Administrator offers a +$15,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA PenTest+ offers +$14,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.