Azure Fundamentals vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
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 →Google Cloud
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ACE
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$16,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
Azure Fundamentals — Prerequisites
None required
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer — Prerequisites
6 months Google Cloud hands-on 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 Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$16,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Google Cloud
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
Frequently asked questions
Is Azure Fundamentals harder than Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Azure Fundamentals has an average salary uplift of +$6,000/yr, while Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has +$16,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Azure Fundamentals is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.