Azure Administrator vs CompTIA Security+
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 Security+
SY0-701
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Administrator | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$15,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 100 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 1 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
Azure Administrator — Prerequisites
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
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 Security+ if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best Azure Administrator courses
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Administrator harder than CompTIA Security+?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Administrator or CompTIA Security+?
Azure Administrator has an average salary uplift of +$15,000/yr, while CompTIA Security+ has +$8,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Administrator or CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.