Azure Fundamentals vs CEH
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 →EC-Council
CEH
CEH v13
Certified Ethical Hacker — offensive security certification covering penetration testing methodologies and hacking tools.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | CEH |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $1199 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 240 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | EC-Council |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
CEH — Prerequisites
2 years IT security experience or EC-Council official training
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 CEH 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 EC-Council
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best CEH courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than CEH?
CEH is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or CEH?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while CEH has +$15,000/yr. CEH has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or CEH?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CEH.