Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Azure Administrator
Validates skills in managing Azure identities, storage, compute, virtual networks, and monitoring in enterprise environments.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs Azure Administrator
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Azure Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 100 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 1 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
Azure Administrator
AZ-900 recommended, 6 months Azure administration experience
- You're new to cloud and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$6,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
- 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
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with Azure Fundamentals if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Azure Administrator if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$15,000/yr).
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Azure Administrator courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than Azure Administrator?
Azure Administrator is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or Azure Administrator?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while Azure Administrator has +$15,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or Azure Administrator?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure Administrator.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator complement each other within cloud computing. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Fundamentals or Azure Administrator?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure Administrator offers +$15,000/yr. Azure Administrator has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.