Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$7,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
Azure AI Fundamentals
None required
- 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're new to AI/ML and want a foundational credential from Microsoft
- You want a potential +$7,000/yr salary uplift
- Your organisation runs on Microsoft and you need the recognised entry-level credential
Azure Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs AI and machine learning. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with Azure Fundamentals — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than Azure AI Fundamentals?
Both Azure Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals are rated beginner difficulty.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or Azure AI Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while Azure AI Fundamentals has +$7,000/yr. Azure AI Fundamentals has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or Azure AI Fundamentals?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Azure AI Fundamentals.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals complement each other, covering cloud computing and AI and machine learning respectively. 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 AI Fundamentals?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; Azure AI Fundamentals offers +$7,000/yr. Azure AI Fundamentals has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.