Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →CompTIA CySA+
Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs CompTIA CySA+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | CompTIA CySA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$12,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
CompTIA CySA+
Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security 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 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$12,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to work in defence — SOC analysis, threat detection, or incident response
Azure Fundamentals and CompTIA CySA+ lead to entirely different careers — cloud computing vs cybersecurity. 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 CompTIA CySA+ courses
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than CompTIA CySA+?
CompTIA CySA+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or CompTIA CySA+?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while CompTIA CySA+ has +$12,000/yr. CompTIA CySA+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or CompTIA CySA+?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA CySA+.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and CompTIA CySA+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and CompTIA CySA+ complement each other, covering cloud computing and cybersecurity 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 CompTIA CySA+?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA CySA+ offers +$12,000/yr. CompTIA CySA+ has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.