Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft's entry-level Azure certification covering cloud concepts, core Azure services, security, privacy, and pricing.
Full guide →Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Google Cloud's associate-level certification covering deploying, monitoring, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform.
Full guide →Azure Fundamentals vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | Azure Fundamentals | Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$165 USD | $200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$6,000/yr | ✓+$16,000/yr |
| Passing score | 700/1000 | 700/1000 |
| Exam duration | 65 min | 120 min |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Issued by | Microsoft | Google Cloud |
| Difficulty |
Azure Fundamentals
None required
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
6 months Google Cloud hands-on experience recommended
- 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 hands-on cloud experience and want to move into engineering or architecture
- You want a potential +$16,000/yr salary uplift
Both are in the cloud computing field but target different career stages. Start with Azure Fundamentals if you're building foundational skills — it's the natural stepping stone. Go straight to Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer if you already meet the prerequisites and want the higher salary ceiling (+$16,000/yr).
Best Azure Fundamentals courses
Best Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer courses
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.
Can I get both Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Yes — many professionals hold both. Azure Fundamentals and Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer complement each other within cloud computing. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — Azure Fundamentals or Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer?
Both are worth it in 2026. Azure Fundamentals offers a +$6,000/yr average salary uplift; Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer offers +$16,000/yr. Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.