Azure Fundamentals vs CompTIA AI+
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 →CompTIA
CompTIA AI+
AI-900
Vendor-neutral AI certification covering AI concepts, machine learning, data science, and responsible AI practices.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | CompTIA AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $219 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$14,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
CompTIA AI+ — Prerequisites
CompTIA A+ or equivalent IT experience recommended
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 CompTIA AI+ if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$14,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best CompTIA AI+ courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than CompTIA AI+?
CompTIA AI+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or CompTIA AI+?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while CompTIA AI+ has +$14,000/yr. CompTIA AI+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or CompTIA AI+?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA AI+.