Azure Fundamentals vs Azure AI Fundamentals
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
Microsoft
Azure Fundamentals
AZ-900
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Microsoft
Azure AI Fundamentals
AI-900
Microsoft's entry-level AI certification covering machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and generative AI on Azure.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Azure AI Fundamentals |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $165 USD | $165 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$7,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 65 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Microsoft |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Azure AI Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Get Azure Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$6,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Get Azure AI Fundamentals if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$7,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Microsoft
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Azure AI Fundamentals courses
Frequently asked questions
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.